cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmission eigenchannels and the densities of states of random media.

We show in microwave measurements and computer simulations that the contribution of each eigenchannel of the transmission matrix to the density of states (DOS) is the derivative with angular frequency of a composite phase shift. The accuracy of the measurement of the DOS determined from transmission eigenchannels is confirmed by the agreement with the DOS found from the decomposition of the field into modes. The distribution of the DOS, which underlies the Thouless number, is substantially broadened in the Anderson localization transition. We find a crossover from constant to exponential scaling of fluctuations of the DOS normalized by its average value. These results illuminate the relationships between scattering, stored energy and dynamics in complex media.
Reflexive orienting in response to short- and long-duration gaze cues in young, young-old, and old-old adults.

Shifting visual focus on the basis of the perceived gaze direction of another person is one form of joint attention. In the present study, we investigated whether this socially relevant form of orienting is reflexive and whether it is influenced by age. Green and Woldorff (Cognition 122:96–101, 2012) argued that rapid cueing effects (i.e., faster responses to validly than to invalidly cued targets) were limited to conditions in which a cue overlapped in time with a target. They attributed slower responses following invalid cues to the time needed to resolve the incongruent spatial information provided by the concurrently presented cue and target. In the present study, we examined the orienting responses of young (18–31 years), young-old (60–74 years), and old-old (75–91 years) adults following uninformative central gaze cues that overlapped in time with the target (Exp. 1) or that were removed prior to target presentation (Exp. 2). When the cue and target overlapped, all three groups localized validly cued targets more quickly than invalidly cued targets, and validity effects emerged earlier for the two younger groups (at 100 ms post-cue-onset) than for the old-old group (at 300 ms post-cue-onset). With a short-duration cue (Exp. 2), validity effects developed rapidly (by 100 ms) for all three groups, suggesting that validity effects resulted from reflexive orienting based on the gaze cue information rather than from cue–target conflict. Thus, although old-old adults may be slow to disengage from persistent gaze cues, attention continues to be reflexively guided by gaze cues late in life.
Cargo-mediated dimerization of Myosin VI

Myosin VI is one of 18 known classes of the molecular motor superfamily called myosin (1,2). All myosins rapidly bind and hydrolyze ATP in the presence or absence of actin. Until recently it was thought that all myosins moved toward the barbed (+) end of the actin filament. Myosin VI is the exception to that rule and may be unique among the myosin family members in that it moves toward the pointed (-) end of the actin filament (3).Our working model for myosin VI in a cell is that the full-length protein exists as a monomer if not bound to cargo. Binding of myosin VI monomers to cargo alters the conformation of the molecule, possibly exposing the high probability coiled-coil region (dimerization domain). Once dimerized, the myosin VI can move a vesicle processively toward the minus-end of an actin filament. GiPC and optineurin, two of the known myosin VI binding partners can dimerize, and thus potentially can initiate the dimerization of myosin VI when it binds.Both GiPC and optineurin has been expressed in insect Sf9 cells. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis showed that both GiPC and optineurin interact with full-length myosin VI within the nanomolar range. Both GiPC and optineurin when incubated with full-length myosin VI initiated its dimerization showed by ATPase assays, EM and TIRF microscopy.[1] Mermall V, Post PL, Mooseker MS. Unconventional myosins in cell movement, membrane traffic, and signal transduction. Science. 279:527-33, 1998.[2] Sellers JR, Goodson HV: Motor proteins 2: myosins. Protein Profile 2:1323-1423, 1995.[3] Wells AL, Lin AW, Chen LQ, Safer D, Cain SM, Hasson T, Carragher BO, Milligan RA, Sweeney HL. Myosin VI is an actin-based motor that moves backwards. Nature. 401:505-8, 1999.
Decentralisation in Africa: goals, dimensions, myths and challenges

Decentralisation is a complex and often somewhat elusive phenomenon. Many countries around the world have been attempting—for several reasons and with varying degrees of intention and success—to create or strengthen sub-national governments in recent years. Africa is no exception to either the decentralisation trend or the reality of its complexity and diversity. Drawing selectively on the large academic and practitioner literature on decentralisation and the articles in this volume, this article briefly outlines a number of typical prominent goals of decentralisation. It then reviews some key dimensions of decentralisation—fiscal, institutional and political. These are too frequently treated separately by policy analysts and policy makers although they are inherently linked. Next, a few popular myths and misconceptions about decentralisation are explored. Finally, a number of common outstanding challenges for improving decentralisation and local government reform efforts in Africa are considered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MO-D-I-611-01: Image Quality and Dose Characteristics of a New 85-Cm Multislice CT Scanner: A Comparison Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality and dose performance of a new 85 cm 16‐slice CTscanner with a standard 70 cm 16‐slice CTscanner from the same company (Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, Ohio), both used in a radiationoncology setting. Method and Materials:Image quality and dose performance tests were performed on a new 85 cm bore 16‐slice CTscanner (Brilliance Big Bore) and a 70 cm bore 16‐slice CTscanner (Brilliance 16 Power). The image quality tests were performed using the manufacturer‐supplied phantoms provided with each scanner, as well as with a commercially available CTimage performance phantom. The following tests were performed to evaluate image quality: slice width accuracy, CT number accuracy and linearity, CT number uniformity and noise, low contrast resolution, and high contrast (spatial) resolution. The computed tomography dose index(CTDI) measurements were performed using a standard CTdose phantom. The same head and body protocols were used for both scanners. To validate our results, images were sent to a third party company for independent analysis. Results: Slice width accuracy was within acceptable limits (±0.5 mm). Both scanners exhibited comparable CT number uniformity, accuracy, and linearity. The 85 cm bore scanner showed slightly higher noise. With equivalent mAs settings, large bore scanner low contrast resolution was comparable to the conventional scanner. High contrast resolution between the two scanners also demonstrated minimal differences. The head and body CTDI was 0.5–1.0 cGy higher with the 85 cm bore than for the standard 70 cm bore scanner.Conclusion: The overall image quality and dose performance of the new 85 cm bore 16‐slice CTscanner are comparable to those of the standard 70 cm bore diagnostic quality multislice scanner. Therefore, the new big bore CT is appropriate for diagnostic radiology and radiotherapy applications.
Subchronic Oral Toxicity Study of Aquacoat® ECD Ethylcellulose Aqueous Dispersion in the Rat

Groups of 20 male and 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered undiluted Aquacoat ECD ethylcellulose aqueous dispersion by oral gavage at doses of 903, 2709 or 4515 mg/kg body weight/day (dry weight basis) for 90 days. Control animals received water at the same dosage volume as the high-dose group. Body weights and food consumption were recorded weekly. Blood was collected prior to study termination for haematology and clinical chemistry measurements. Survivors underwent complete necropsies on days 91 94. Selected organs were weighed and histologically examined. The only treatment-related clinical sign observed was pale faeces which was noted among males and females receiving 2709 and 4515 mg/kg/day Aquacoat ECD. No statistically significant differences in body weights, body weight gains, food consumption and organ weights were noted among males and females when compared with controls. No treatment-related effects in haematology parameters were noted. Significantly decreased total protein and globulin levels and increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in male rats receiving 2709 and 4515 mg Aquacoat ECD/kg/day were considered to be treatment related. No gross or microscopic lesions were attributed to Aquacoat ECD treatment. Under the conditions of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for female rats is in excess of 4515 mg/kg/day: the NOAEL for male rats is 903 mg/kg/day.
On the mating system of the cooperatively breeding saddle-backed tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis)

This paper reports on 5 years of observatiors of individually marked saddle-backed tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis, Callitrichidae). Although callitrichids have long been presumed to have a monogamous social system, this study shows that the breeding structure of saddle-back tamarin groups is highly variable. Groups most commonly include two or more adult males and a single reproductive female, but occasionally contain only a single pair of adults, or less often, two reproductively active females and one or more males. Data on group compositions, group formations, intergroup movements and copulations show that the social and mating systems of this species are more flexible than those of any other non-human primate yet studied. Infants (usually twins) were cared for by all group members. There were two classes of helpers: young, nonreproductive individuals who helped to care for full or half siblings, and cooperatively polyandrous males who cared for infants whom they may have fathered. The observations suggest that non-reproductive helpers may benefit from their helping behavior through a combination of inclusive fitness gains, reciprocal altruism, and the value of gaining experience at parental care.
Happy Employees and Firm Performance: Have We Been Putting the Cart Before the Horse?

The article discusses research pertaining to employee satisfaction and firm performance. Researchers studied eight years' worth of employee attitude data, return on assets, and earnings per share from several large corporations. The study revealed a link between employee satisfaction and firm satisfaction in both directions over multiple periods. The researchers contend that the results imply the existence of a circular loop with respect to causality. The research indicated that as a firm's reputation improved so did its ability to offer superior benefits and higher pay to employees. Experts say the study proves that management should monitor employee attitudes and satisfaction.
ORIGIN OF MAMMALIA: THE CRANIODENTAL EVIDENCE REEXAMINED

ABSTRACT In Rowe (1988), 158 characters of the skull and postcranial skeleton distributed among Placentalia, Marsupialia, Monotremata, Multituberculata, Morganucodontidae, Tritylodontidae, and Exaeretodon were analyzed with PAUP. Mammalia, defined by Rowe as comprising the most recent common ancestor of living monotremes, marsupials, and placentals, was distinguished from its nearest extinct relatives by 37 osteological synapomorphies, including 24 characters of the cranium and dentition. Within Mammalia, Multituberculata was identified as the sister taxon of Marsupialia plus Placentalia. The 91 craniodental characters employed by Rowe (1988) are reevaluated here and placed in one of five categories: characters needing no alteration (11); characters with a derived state occurring in an outgroup not considered by Rowe (8); characters for which the distribution given by Rowe is altered (16); characters for which the description given by Rowe is modified (30); and characters that are excluded from further an...
The properties of external accretion discs

The properties of external accretion discs (discs with a central source of angular momentum) are explored both analytically and numerically. An illustrative example of the effect of a disc of material around a binary star on the stellar separation is considered. A Greens-function-type solution is considered, in which an initial ring of matter is put in orbit around the central binary.
Pseudoinvasion of vascular spaces: Report of an artifact caused by cervical lidocaine injection prior to loop diathermy

Cervical loop diathermy is a relatively new procedure performed by gynecologists to diagnose and treat squamous intraepithelial lesions. We report a case of pseudoinvasion of vascular spaces noted in an excisional biopsy of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion of the cervix. The neoplastic epithelium was forced into the cervical stroma by injection of local anesthetic through the lesion prior to loop diathermy. The identification of this pseudovascular space invasion as artifact had important prognostic and therapeutic value. With the increasing use of loop diathermy and local anesthesia this type of artifact may be seen more commonly.
Utility of abdominal imaging to assess for liver metastasis in patients with head and neck cancer and abnormal liver function tests.

Abstract Purpose To determine the utility of abdominal imaging to further evaluate abnormal pre-operative liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods Records of patients evaluated by the head and neck surgery service from January 2004 through December 2009 were reviewed. For patients with abnormal alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, or aspartate transaminase, subsequent abdominal imaging was assessed. Results Of the 862 patients with HNSCC who had documented LFTs, 109 (12.6%) had one or more abnormal values. In the same time period, LFTs were also obtained on 361 patients with benign head and neck tumors; of these, 40 (11.1%) had abnormalities. Of the 109 patients with HNSCC and abnormal LFTs, 78 (71.6%) underwent abdominal imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET/CT). Overall, liver metastasis was demonstrated in only 1 of 109 patients with abnormal LFTs (0.92%) and in only 1 of 862 patients with HNSCC (0.12%). Conclusions While HNSCC patients rarely present with liver metastasis, they often have abnormal LFTs. Although the presence of liver metastasis can dramatically change patient management, the yield of follow-up liver imaging for all patients with elevated LFTs is exceedingly low. Thus, the use of risk-stratified abdominal imaging may be prudent and cost effective in a select group of patients in whom distant metastasis is more likely. However, characteristics of this group are difficult to define given the rarity of liver metastasis in HNSCC.
Development of microfluidics as endothelial progenitor cell capture technology for cardiovascular tissue engineering and diagnostic medicine

We have developed a unique microfluidic platform capable of capturing circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by understanding surface chemistries and adhesion profiles. The surface of a variable-shear-stress microfluidic device was conjugated with 6 different antibodies [anti-CD34, -CD31, -vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), -CD146, -CD45, and -von Willebrand factor (vWF)] designed to match the surface antigens on ovine peripheral blood-derived EPCs. Microfluidic analysis showed a shear-stress-dependent decrease in EPC adhesion on attached surface antigens. EPCs exhibited increased adhesion to antibodies against CD34, VEGFR-2, CD31, and CD146 compared to CD45, consistent with their endothelial cell-specific surface profile, when exposed to a minimum shear stress of 1.47 dyn/cm(2). Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and artery-derived endothelial and smooth muscle cells were used to demonstrate the specificity of the EPC microfluidic device. Coated hematopoietic specific-surface (CD45) and granular vWF antibodies, as well as uncoated bare glass and substrate (1% BSA), were utilized as controls. Microfluidic devices have been developed as an EPC capture platform using immobilized antibodies targeted as EPC surface antigens. This EPC chip may provide a new and effective tool for addressing challenges in cardiovascular disease and tissue engineering.
Metabolism of Sodium Iodide, Calcium Iodate, and Pentacalcium Orthoperiodate Initially Placed in the Bovine Rumen or Abomasum

Abstract Effects of placement in either the rumen or abomasum on metabolism of radio-iodine from single doses of 125 I-labeled pentacalcium orthoperiodate (PCOP) or calcium iodate in comparison with that from Na 131 I were investigated with four calves in two trials. Ratios of plasma 125 I to 131 I after abomasal and rumen dosing, respectively, averaged 0.70 and 0.09 for PCOP and 0.77 and 0.52 for calcium iodate at 1hour, and 0.64 and 0.03 for PCOP and 0.59 and 0.53 for calcium iodate at 3 hours. Between 6 and 24 hours after dosing, the ratios approached unity. Solubility and paper chromatographic studies indicated the delayed uptake of 125 I from PCOP or calcium iodate placed in the rumen resulted from a slower reduction to iodide than when the compounds were placed in the abomasum. The initial difference in the metabolism of the iodine compounds disappeared within 24 hours and would not affect the nutritional availability of iodine from either compound to cattle receiving a daily supplement.
A combination of characteristics and Monte Carlo methods for etch profile simulation

A method of characteristics is applied with Monte Carlo simulation for the first time in the ion-assisted plasma etch profile calculation. The characteristic equations of etch profile evolution are derived. The Monte Carlo simulations of ions and neutrals transport are discussed. A five-point, non-uniform spatial smoothing scheme, and an adaptive spatial and temporal step size algorithm are used to solve the characteristic equations coupled to a Monte Carlo technique. The numerical results show that a successful computer model based on a rigorous mathematical method and simulation is achieved for the study of etch profile evolution in the very large scale integrated circuit fabrication.
Theoretical studies of protonated and non-protonated Schiff bases of retinal: ground state structures and energies of the all-trans, 13-cis, 11-cis, 9-cis, 6,7-cis, and 6-s-cis isomers

Abstract The ground state structures of six isomers of the protonated and non-protonated Schiff bases of retinal were examined at the hybrid density functional B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. For the protonated Schiff bases, the all-trans isomer is the most stable, while for the non-protonated systems, the 6-s-cis isomer is lowest in energy. The protonated 11-cis isomer is 5.2 kcal/mol above the all-trans and this energy difference has been carefully analyzed. The geometry of the protonated species indicates a gradual increase in bond alternation beginning from the nitrogen end due to the stabilization of the positive charge in certain resonance structures.
Molecular and Functional Characterization of a Calcium-sensitive Chloride Channel from Mouse Lung

A protein (mCLCA1) has been cloned from a mouse lung cDNA library that bears strong sequence homology with the recently described bovine tracheal, Ca2+-sensitive chloride channel protein (bCLCA1), bovine lung endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (Lu-ECAM-1), and the human intestinal Ca2+-sensitive chloride channel protein (hCLCA1). In vitro, its 3.1-kilobase message translates into a 100-kDa protein that can be glycosylated to an approximately 125-kDa product. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis from lysates of mCLCA1 cDNA-transfected transformed human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) reveals proteins of 130, 125, and 90 kDa as well as a protein triplet in the 32–38 kDa size range. Western analyses with antisera raised against Lu-ECAM-1 peptides show that the N-terminal region of the predicted open reading frame is present only in the larger size proteins (i.e. 130, 125, and 90 kDa), whereas the C-terminal region of the open reading frame is observed in the 32–38 kDa size proteins, suggesting a posttranslational, proteolytic processing of a precursor protein (125/130 kDa) into 90 kDa and 32–38 kDa components similar to that reported for Lu-ECAM-1. Hydrophobicity analyses predict four transmembrane domains for the 90-kDa protein. The mCLCA1 mRNA is readily detected by Northern analysis and byin situ hybridization in the respiratory epithelia of trachea and bronchi. Transient expression of mCLCA1 in HEK293 cells was associated with an increase in whole cell Cl−current that could be activated by Ca2+ and ionomycin and inhibited by 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, dithiothreitol, and niflumic acid. The discovery of mCLCA1 opens the door for further investigating the possible contribution of a Ca2+-sensitive chloride conductance to the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis.
Physics with the MINOS experiment

The physics goals and expected sensitivities of MINOS for ν_μ disappearance and ν_e appearance are briefly discussed, as well as the latest atmospheric neutrino results based on 418 days of exposure of the MINOS far detector. The latter exclude the null oscillations hypothesis at the 98% confidence level and measure the charge ratio for atmospheric neutrinos.
Krüppel mediates the selective rebalancing of ion channel expression.

Ion channel gene expression can vary substantially among neurons of a given type, even though neuron-type-specific firing properties remain stable and reproducible. The mechanisms that modulate ion channel gene expression and stabilize neural firing properties are unknown. In Drosophila, we demonstrate that loss of the Shal potassium channel induces the compensatory rebalancing of ion channel expression including, but not limited to, the enhanced expression and function of Shaker and slowpoke. Using genomic and network modeling approaches combined with genetic and electrophysiological assays, we demonstrate that the transcription factor Kruppel is necessary for the homeostatic modulation of Shaker and slowpoke expression. Remarkably, Kruppel induction is specific to the loss of Shal, not being observed in five other potassium channel mutants that cause enhanced neuronal excitability. Thus, homeostatic signaling systems responsible for rebalancing ion channel expression can be selectively induced after the loss or impairment of a specific ion channel.
On the Globonautinae Bott, 1969, Fresh-Water Crabs From West Africa (Brachyura, Potamoidea, Gecarcinucidae)

The taxonomy of the African gecarcinucid fresh-water crabs in the Globonautinae Bott, 1969, is reviewed. The subfamily is recognised by a mandibular palp with a terminal segment with two large, subequal-sized lobes, by a third maxilliped which lacks a flagellum on the exopod, by a straight-sided triangular male abdomen, and by a West African origin. The Globonautinae are compared with the other subfamilies of the Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904. Gecarcinautes brincki Bott, 1960, is removed from the Gecarcinucidae and reassigned to the Potamonautidae. Keys to distinguish the families of African fresh-water crabs and the subfamilies of the Gecarcinucidae are included, and the biogeographical implications of the taxonomic revision are discussed.
CLONING HETEROLOGOUS GENES : PROBLEMS AND APPROACHES

Model fungi such as Neurospora crassa, Aspergillus niger, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have provided a wealth of genetic information and are currently the object of cooperative genome sequencing projects. Many agriculturally and medically economic important pathogenic fungi, however, are less well characterized, which makes it difficult to study their genes and gene products. Gene sequences from model fungi offer a unique opportunity to clone cognate genes from pathogenic counterparts. In this review, we propose three basic strategies for cloning such genes: Functional complementation, sequence similarity, and genetic linkage. These strategies involve Southern hybridization, cloning, library screening, genetic complementation, and the polymerase chain reaction. We review the major problems encountered using these strategies and outline useful solutions to these difficulties.
Modeling Gaseous Flows Through Micro- and Nano-Channels

The overall object of this paper is a systematic study of gaseous flows in two-dimensional micro- and nano-channels in terms of the effects of compressibility, rarefaction, and surface roughness which are usually neglected in conventional flow analysis, using direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The flows are mainly in slip and transition regimes that are often encountered in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS), and other microscale devices in diverse fields like molecular biology, space propulsion, and particle physics. For the effect of compressibility, two flows with same outlet Knudsen number (Kn) but different pressure drop ratios (case1:1.3, case2: 4.5) were simulated. It was found that high pressure drop flow (case2) show a 15% higher friction coefficient than that of a fully developed flow while the low pressure drop flow (case1) is consistent with incompressible flow prediction. The inspection for the velocity profile development shows that when pressures drop increase along the channel, the center-line velocity become flatten and the velocity gradients near the wall are higher compared with parabolic velocity profile. The effect of rarefaction was studied by simulating two nitrogen flows with low-pressure drop ratio (= 1.9) but different Kn numbers. (case3: 0.043, case4: 0.083). The pressure distribution, velocity profile, local friction coefficient are checked. The comparison with continuum flow theory (fRe = 24.0) shows that the rarefactions reduce the friction coefficient by 22% and 36% for case3 and case4, respectively. Apparent velocity slips along the channel wall exist for these flows. A locally fully developed model based on local velocity slip and fully developed assumptions predicts the friction coefficient accurately but fails in transition region where the Kn is over 0.1. Two important ratios are investigated for surface roughness effect in micro- and nano-channel flows: relative roughness and distribution of roughness. The DSMC results show that the surface roughness has more profound effect for a lower Kn number microchannel flow. The roughness distribution also plays a very important role in microchannel flows. The denser the roughness distribution, the higher friction coefficient. The future work will focus on flows in free-molecular flow regime and three-dimension geometries.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
STATIC AND CYCLIC LOADING OF NOTCHED 304 STAINLESS STEEL BARS AT 650°C

Circular-notched and sharp-notched specimens made from 304 stainless steel have been tested at 650°C. The notched specimens are subjected to both constant and cyclic loading. The cyclic loading consists of a ramp increase in load followed by constant load and ramp unloading. The cycle times are 1 min and 10 min. It is found for the circular-notched specimen that failure is dictated by the time on load and is independent of the number of cycles. Metallographic observations support the test results with fatigue damage being apparent only in the sharp-notched specimens subjected to short-time cyclic loading. Otherwise damage has the character of intergranular creep rupture.
Accounting is like a box of chocolates: a lesson in cost behavior

Abstract This case is designed to be used in an introductory managerial accounting class to illustrate cost behavior and break-even analysis in a non-manufacturing setting. Revenue and expense information related to Paramount Pictures' hit movie Forrest Gump is provided and students are required to prepare a traditional income statement, identify fixed and variable costs, prepare a contribution format income statement, and consider the effects of changing from a variable cost structure to a fixed cost structure. While not a primary focus of the case, the material does allow for a discussion comparing internal reporting to external financial reporting and the applicability of GAAP in each setting. The short length of the case allows it to be distributed, read and solved within a single 90-minute class period. Suggestions for cooperative learning assignments are also presented.
The simultaneous replication design: The use of a multiple baseline to establish experimental control in single group social skills treatment studies

Abstract Behavior therapists, especially those in service-oriented applied settings, are often confronted with the need to conduct social skills or assertive training in groups. While single subject multiple baseline analyses have been widely used in the research literature, there are few well-controlled group treatment evaluation design choices feasible for the behavioral clinician without ready access to large numbers of control subjects. The present paper describes a group multiple baseline-simultaneous replications treatment design which establishes experimental control within a single ongoing training group by combining group treatment with behavioral assessment of each subject following each group session. This extension of multiple baseline analysis techniques to group social skills training can prove useful for more rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of social skills interventions in many applied settings.
Predictors of distress in women being treated for infertility

Many studies cite infertility as highly stressful, yet women's responses to infertility are quite variable. Lazarus and Folkman's cognitive phenomenological theory of stress, coping, and appraisal may explain this variability. Gender role identity, career role salience, and societal pressure for motherhood are variables hypothesised to affect a woman's cognitive appraisal of infertility, thus influencing distress level. Female participants (N = 119) were recruited through the NYU Fertility Clinic and Resolve, a support organisation for individuals faced with infertility. Participants completed questionnaires assessing gender characteristics, career role salience, social pressure for motherhood, cognitive appraisal, and distress. Many respondents (42%) reported clinically significant levels of distress. A path analysis assessed the effects of gender‐role identity, career role salience, social pressure for motherhood, and cognitive appraisal on distress. The model accounted for 32% of the variance in distre...
Share the Care for the LGBT Community.

Tompkins County, where I have lived for more than forty years, is located 250 miles upstate from New York City. Ithaca, the small city at the heart of the county, is a culturally rich, scenically b...
Tourist behavior and personality

Abstract Stanley Plog's concept of psychocentrism-allocentrism in travel preferences was operationally measured by two scales: one of preferred destinations and another of preferred activities while on vacation. It was found, for females, that psychocentrics (who are non-adventurous) were less neurotic but more extraverted than allocentrics.
Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis and glomerulonephritis in an adult

We report the case of an adult who developed severe post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) after a subclinical streptococcal infection. Antistreptococcal antibody titres, renal biopsy and the clinical course confirmed the diagnosis. Coincidence of PSRA and PSGN is rare in the adult population and the potential for misdiagnosis exists, particularly when prior streptococcal infection is not apparent. The clinical manifestations of poststreptococcal syndromes are highly variable, and the diagnosis of concomitant PSRA and PSGN should be considered when patients present with glomerulonephritis and inflammatory arthritis. Factors from both the host and the pathogen are probably important in determining disease expression in poststreptococcal syndromes.
Mueller matrices and the degree of polarization

This article shows that only polarizers, retarders, and improper rotation Mueller matrices do not decrease the degree of polarization for any input Stokes vector. On the other hand, a Mueller matrix does not increase the degree of polarization for any input Stokes vector if and only if it has an unpolarized Stokes vector as eigenvector. Furthermore, for any Mueller matrix an unpolarized incident Stokes vector always has the maximum gain in the degree of polarization. It is pointed out that a general Mueller matrix deforms the Poincare sphere (for input Stokes vectors) into an ellipsoid (for output Stokes vectors). Finally, several inequalities involving the input and output degrees of polarization are derived.
Novel phosphodiesterase type 5 modulators: a patent survey (2008 - 2010).

Introduction: The inhibition of cyclic nucleotide PDE5 has been clinically validated as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. There are three PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil) approved worldwide and a further two agents (udenafil and mirodenafil) approved only in Korea. These first generation agents are perceived to have flaws in selectivity over other PDEs: slow onset, duration of action or CNS penetration, which has driven further research to identify optimal PDE5 inhibitors for the current pathologies. Several clinical trials have been reported to investigate the potential for PDE5 inhibitors to treat additional indications, which might require agents with different biological and/or pharmacokinetic profiles. Areas covered: This review provides a summary of developments in the patent and open literature over the period 2008 – 2010. Expert opinion: Avanafil, the first of a new generation of PDE5 inhibitors, has shown encouraging efficac...
Intradermal Histamine Release by 3 Muscle Relaxants

The induration and redness caused by intradermal injections of equipotent doses of atracurium, vecuronium and d-tubocurarine were measured in six healthy, male volunteers. Atracurium and d-tubocurarine were almost indistinguishable in their reactions. Vecuronium caused a significantly smaller response than both atracurium and d-tubocurarine. We therefore suggest that of these three drugs, vecuronium may cause the least histamine release and is, perhaps, the drug of choice in patients with a history of asthma or allergy.
Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity and plasma malondialdehyde levels in children with Henoch Schönlein purpura

Reactive oxygen molecules (ROM) have been suggested to contribute to many pathological conditions including vasculitides and renal diseases. In the present study we measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an antioxidant enzyme in red blood cells and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is a product and an indicator of lipid peroxidation, in the plasma of 16 children (7M, 9F) with Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) at the onset of the disease (SOD 1 and MDA 1) and at the remission period (SOD 2 and MDA 2). The results were compared with the results of 17 healthy children studied as a control group. There was no significant difference for SOD activities between the patients in each period and the control group (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between MDA 1 and MDA 2 levels (p < 0.01), each of which were also significantly different from the MDA levels of control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The effect of ROMs on different clinical conditions of HSP was also examined and lipid peroxidation was found to be increased more in patients with renal involvement. It is concluded that oxidant stress especially lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HSP and in development of renal injury.
Bijective Recurrences for Motzkin Paths

Consider the lattice paths on Z^2 with steps (1,1), (1,-1), and (1,0). For n>=2, let E"n denote the set of such paths running from (0,0) to (n,0) and remaining strictly above the x-axis except initially and terminally. The cardinalities, f"n=|E"n| for n>=2, are the Motzkin numbers, 1,1,2,4,9,21,51,127,.... We define a bijection yielding the recurrence (n+1)f"n"+"1=(2n-1)f"n+3(n-2)f"n"-"1, for n>=3. A modification of the bijection proves that the sum of the areas under the paths of E"n, denoted by A"n, satisfies A"n"+"1=2A"n+3A"n"-"1, for n>=3. A second modification yields a recurrence for a second moment for the paths of E"n which agrees with Euler's recurrence for the central trinomial numbers.
Increased and Prolonged Pulmonary Fibrosis in Surfactant Protein C-Deficient Mice Following Intratracheal Bleomycin

Recent reports have linked mutations in the surfactant protein C gene (SFTPC) to familial forms of pulmonary fibrosis, but it is uncertain whether deficiency of mature SP-C contributes to disease pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice with genetic deletion of SFTPC. Compared with wild-type (SFTPC+/+) controls, mice lacking surfactant protein C (SFTPC−/−) had greater lung neutrophil influx at 1 week after intratracheal bleomycin, greater weight loss during the first 2 weeks, and increased mortality. At 3 and 6 weeks after bleomycin, lungs from SFTPC−/− mice had increased fibroblast numbers, augmented collagen accumulation, and greater parenchymal distortion. Furthermore, resolution of fibrosis was delayed. Although remodeling was near complete in SFTPC+/+ mice by 6 weeks, SFTPC−/− mice did not return to baseline until 9 weeks after bleomycin. By terminal dUTP nick-end labeling staining, widespread cell injury was observed in SFTPC−/− and SFTPC+/+ mice 1 week after bleomycin; however, ongoing apoptosis of epithelial and interstitial cells occurred in lungs of SFTPC−/− mice, but not SFTPC+/+ mice, 6 weeks after bleomycin. Thus, SP-C functions to limit lung inflammation, inhibit collagen accumulation, and restore normal lung structure after bleomycin.
Use of First-Order Uncertainty Analysis to Optimize Successful Stream Water Quality Simulation

: A first-order uncertainty technique is developed to quantify the relationship between field data collection and a modeling exercise involving both calibration and subsequent verification. A simple statistic (LTOTAL) is used to quantify the total likelihood (probability) of successfully calibrating and verifying the model. Results from the first-order technique are compared with those from a traditional Monte Carlo simulation approach using a simple Streeter-Phelps dissolved oxygen model. The largest single difference is caused by the filtering or removal of unrealistic outcomes within the Monte Carlo framework. The amount of bias inherent in the first-order approach is also a function of the magnitude of input variability and sampling location. The minimum bias of the first-order technique is approximately 20 percent for a case involving relatively large uncertainties. However the bias is well behaved (consistent) so as to allow for correct decision making regarding the relative efficacy of various sampling strategies. The utility of the first-order technique is demonstrated by linking data collection costs with modeling performance. For a simple and inexpensive project, a wise and informed selection resulted in an LTOTAL value of 86 percent, while an uninformed selection could result in an LTOTAL value of only 55 percent.
Multiscale edge-guided wavelet snake model for delineation of pulmonary nodules in chest radiographs

A novel approach based on a multiscale edge-guided wavelet snake model is developed for deliniation of pulmonary nod- ules in digital chest radiographs. The approach is applied to the differentiation of nodules and false positives reported by our computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme for detection of nodules. The wavelet snake is a deformable contour that is designed to iden- tify the boundary of a round object. The shape of the snake is de- termined by a set of wavelet coefficients in a certain range of scales. Portions of the boundary of a nodule are first extracted by multiscale edge representation. Then the multiscale edges are fitted by defor- mation of the shape of the snake through a change in the wavelet coefficients by use of a gradient descent algorithm. The degree of overlap between the fitted snake and the multiscale edges is calcu- lated as a measure for classification of nodules and false detections. A total of 242 regions of interest, consisting of 90 nodules and 152 false positives, reported by our existing CAD scheme are used for evaluation of our method by means of receiver operating character- istic (ROC) analysis. The false positives are difficult to distinguish from nodules, because they cannot be removed, even though vari- ous methods for false-positive elimination processes are employed in our CAD scheme. Our method based on the multiscale edge- guided snake model yields an area under the ROC curve of 0.74, which can eliminate 15% of false positives with the sacrifice of only one nodule. The result indicates that our method appears to be effective in the classification of nodules and false positives, even when difficult false positives are included. © 2003 SPIE and IS&T.
Low-energy electron spectrum of a copper target bombarded by α-particles of 238 Pu

The (αe) time coincidence method is applied to study the low-energy electron spectrum of a copper target bombarded by α-particles of 238Pu. Ionization of atoms bombarded by charged particles is considered as the shaking of electrons into the continuous spectrum due to a sudden perturbation by a flying particle. A comparison of experimental and calculated distributions showed good agreement, which confirms the accuracy of the ionization description as a result of the shaking effect.
Technology and Research in a Global Networked University Digital Library (NUDL)

As Bibliotecas Digitais (DLs) encerram sistemas extremamente complexos de informacao que suportam a criacao, gestao, distribuicao e preservacao de fontes complexas de informacao, enquanto permitem uma interacao eficaz e eficiente entre as diversas sociedades que se beneficiam do conteudo e servicos da Biblioteca Digital. Neste trabalho, centralizamo-nos sobre nossa experiencia defrontando desafios de construcao, manutencao e desenvolvimento de uma Biblioteca Digital Universitaria em Rede (www.nudl.org), uma extensao da Biblioteca Digital em Rede de Teses e Dissertacoes (www.ndltd.org). NUDL e uma iniciativa de âmbito mundial que visa a tornar a propriedade intelectual produzida em universidades mais acesssivel, estimulando a colaboracao internacional entre todas as disciplinas. Damos os detalhados aspectos tecnologicos de nossas solucoes e atividades de pesquisa realizados para proporcionar solidos e enriquecidos servicos para as comunidades servidas por esta iniciativa.
Thermodynamic stability theory for DNA doughnut shapes induced by charge neutralization.

A thermodynamic analysis of the bending free energy of DNA, initiated previously, is extended. It was demonstrated that the ionic-strength dependence of the persistence length of DNA in aqueous NaCl can be understood by postulating (1) a rigid-rod 60 base-pair unit and (2) a negative contribution from nonelectrostatic sources to the bending free energy of this unit. On electrostatic neutralization of the phosphate charge, the latter term alone survives, and bending becomes a spontaneous process. In this paper it is demonstrated from a theoretical analysis of the ionic-strength dependence of the rate of denaturation of DNA that the above statements are restricted in their validity to radii of curvature greater than 170 A; beyond this limit, the steeply rising repulsive energy of tightly packed atoms dominates the bending free energy. Therefore, spontaneous bending on charge neutralization proceeds up to, but not beyond, this barrier to curvature. It is noted that doughnut forms of DNA induced by binding of cationic spermidine, or mixtures of Mg2+ and polyamines are observed to possess maximum curvatures, corresponding to the radius of the “hole in the middle,” in the range 1/150–1/200 A.
3′-Untranslated Region of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase mRNA Contains Multiple Instability Elements That Bind AUF1

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is regulated solely by alterations in gene expression that involve changes in rates of PEPCK mRNA transcription and degradation. A tetracycline-responsive promoter system was used to quantify the half-life of various chimeric β-globin-PEPCK (βG-PCK) mRNAs in LLC-PK -F+ cells. The control βG mRNA was extremely stable (t½ = 5 days). However, βG-PCK-1 mRNA, which contains the entire 3′-UTR of the PEPCK mRNA, was degraded with a half-life of 1.2 h. RNase H treatment indicated that rapid deadenylation occurred concomitant with degradation of the βG-PCK-1 mRNA. Previous studies indicate that PCK-7, a 50-nucleotide segment at the 3′-end of the 3′-UTR, binds an unidentified protein that may contribute to the rapid decay of the PEPCK mRNA. However, the chimeric βG-PCK-7 mRNA has a half-life of 17 h. Inclusion of the adjacent PCK-6 segment, a 23-bp AU-rich region, produced the βG-PCK-6/7 mRNA, which has a half-life of 3.6 h. The βG-PCK-3 mRNA that contains the 3′-half of 3′-UTR was degraded with the same half-life. Surprisingly, the βG-PCK-2 mRNA, containing the 5′-end of the 3′-UTR, was also degraded rapidly (t½ = 5.4 h). RNA gel shift analyses established that AUF1 (hnRNP D) binds to the PCK-7, PCK-6, and PCK-2 segments with high affinity and specificity. Mutational analysis indicated that AUF1 binds to a UUAUUUUAU sequence within PCK-6 and the stem-loop structure and adjacent CU-region of PCK-7. Thus, AUF1 binds to multiple destabilizing elements within the 3′-UTR that participate in the rapid turnover of the PEPCK mRNA.
Geometry and strain effects on single-electron charging in silicon nano-crystals

We investigate by numerical simulation the effects of geometry and strain on single-electron charging in 100-A-diameter silicon (Si) nano-crystals of various shapes, embedded in silicon dioxide (SiO2). Our approach accounts for the Si band structure within the effective mass approximation and a continuum strain model based on the deformation potential theory. Electron–electron interactions in nano-crystals are treated within the density-functional theory. We show that the interplay between the Si nano-crystal geometry and the particular spatial symmetry generated by the strain potential enhances confinement in the quantum-dot and dramatically influences the electronic structure and single-electron charging behavior. In particular, for a Si(001)-oriented truncated-sphere and hemispherical nano-crystals, the 001-oriented orbitals (YY′ states) are relatively insensitive to nano-crystal strain compared to orbitals originating from conduction band valleys oriented in the other directions.
Nationalism, Ethnic Pressures, and the Breakup of the Soviet Union

Nationalism and ethnic pressures contributed to the breakup of the Soviet Union, but they were not the primary cause. A qualified exception to this argument is Russian elite separatist nationalism, led by Boris Yeltsin, which had a direct impact on Soviet disintegration. This article provides an overview of Soviet policy vis-a-vis nationalities, discusses the surge of nationalism and ethnic pressures in the Soviet Union in 1988–1991, and shows how ethnic unrest and separatist movements weakened the Soviet state. It also emphasizes that the demise of the Soviet Union resulted mainly from three other key factors: 1) Mikhail Gorbachev's failure to establish a viable compact between center and periphery in the early years of his rule; 2) Gorbachev's general unwillingness to use decisive force to quell ethnic and nationalist challenges; and 3) the defection of a core group of Russian elites from the Soviet regime.