cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Competitive Ethos and Democratic Education

Young children and even infants work hard at mastering various kills and show spontaneous pleasure at their own accomplishment. John Nicholls explores the conditions that cause students to lose their unselfconscious involvement in a game or task and become concerned with how they are stacking up against others. Charting the development of children s concepts of luck, effort, and ability, he argues that with age they are increasingly prone to take superiority over others as the definition of success. An emphasis on interpersonal competition, which permeates Western society, exacerbates this egotistical tendency and results in diminished accomplishment and alienation from school.To overcome these problems, Nicholls argues, we must become as little children for whom absorption in exploration and accomplishment come naturally, even when those around them are more competent. This ideal is unlikely to be promoted through technical approaches to education, or by the current emphasis on the role of education in economic development. Instead, Nicholls calls for a progressive approach to education. Difficult though it is to implement, this approach is most likely to increase equality of motivation for intellectual development, substantial accomplishment, satisfaction in work, and more productive relations with others. These are important ideas for anyone interested in achievement motivation, for those professionally involved in education, and for nonspecialists interested in, or worried about, how we educate our children."
Natural gas as a marine fuel

This paper provides new knowledge about the life-cycle emissions of natural gas compared to traditional petroleum-based fuels in the marine sector. While natural gas will reduce local air pollutants, such as sulfur oxides and particulate matter, the implications for greenhouse gases depend on how the natural gas is extracted, processed, distributed, and used. Applying a “technology warming potential” (TWP) approach, natural gas as a marine fuel achieves climate parity within 30 years for diesel ignited engines, though could take up to 190 years to reach climate parity with conventional fuels in a spark ignited engine. Movement towards natural gas as a marine fuel continues to progress, and conditions exist in some regions to make a near-term transition to natural gas feasible. Liquefied natural gas in marine transportation is likely to be incentivized where economics favoring natural gas is coupled with air emissions public policy targets. To ensure that climate neutral conversion is achieved with the least delay, TWP results highlight the important role of energy policy for infrastructure development of upstream pathways and onboard ship systems technology innovation.
Basic techniques for the use of reverse phase protein microarrays for signal pathway profiling

Ultimately, disease-related genetic defects are manifested on a protein level, involving derangements in protein function and the information flow within diseased cells and the surrounding tissue microenvironment. New classes of protein microarrays have been recently developed using highly sensitive, specific technology, and can be used to generate a “wiring diagram” of information flow mediated through posttranslational modification driven networks. Through the combined use of laser capture microdissection of pure populations of tumor cells obtained from patient biopsies, these arrays can provide the foundation for the development of individualized combinatorial therapies of molecular inhibitors to target tumor-specific deranged pathways regulating key biologic processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immunity, and metastasis. In the future, therapies can be tailored to the specific deranged molecular circuitry of an individual patient's disease. The successful transition of these technologies from research tools to integrated clinical diagnostic platforms will require ongoing continued development, development of reference standards, and optimization with rigorous standardization development and quality-control procedures. Keywords: proteomics; reverse phase; protein microarray; signal pathway; phosphoproteomics
The Crimean War and Japan

It is not customary to associate Japan with the Crimean War yet there is a very real connection. When the Russo-Turkish conflict expanded into a general European struggle it made out of the North Pacific and the seas around Japan a new arena of friction. Until March of 1854 the fighting had been confined to the Black Sea and the Near East, but with the entrance of Great Britain and France into the war on the side of Turkey the Asiatic colonies and commercial settlements of Russia were brought within the scope of hostilities. Europe, however, continued to remain the major sphere of battle, which fact tended to eclipse the significance of events that were taking place in and around Japan. Historical treatment of the period of the Crimean War has naturally dealt with these more important phases, ignoring almost entirely the Far East.
Rock and Stone

Rock is the basic building material of the earth’s crust, and the original building material used by man. All rocks, called stone if fabricated, are composed of one or several kinds of minerals — these help to determine the physical and chemical properties of rocks. Detailed descriptive information on mineral properties is omitted here; it may be readily obtained from any text book on physical geology. The information, however, is summarized on a chart in Appendix A, with all mineral properties pertinent to the stone industry. Rocks are classified into three major groups based on their origin, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks: 1. Igneous or magmatic rocks are primarily crystallized from a fiery fluid silicate melt, either deep below the earth’s surface or at the surface. Texture and fabric of these rocks depend on their environment during crystalliLation. Granite, gabbro, basalt, porphyry, and others belong to this group. 2. Sedimentary rocks, or layered rocks, are formed by the concentration of debris of variable size and shape deposited by mechanical means or by precipitation, or by accumulation of organic skeletons and shells. Conglomerate, sandstone, shale, limestone marble, dolomite, travertine, and onyx marble are common sedimentary rocks. 3. Metamorphic rocks are derived either from igneous or sedimentary rocks recrystallized by the effect of pressure and temperature. Important rocks of this group are gneiss, slate, marble and crystalline quartzite. Figure 73 of the chapter Decay of Stone sketches the environments of the three main rock groups.
Whether the medical aspects of lightning injury are different in developing countries

Multiple reports have reviewed the medical aspects of lightning injury but they are primarily based on cases that are taken from developed countries [1–3]. Often, accounts in developing countries report much more severe injuries than usually occur in developed countries. Insufficient data exists to determine if these reports are exceptions or actually reflect a difference in injury pattern. This paper will examine potential reasons for bias in these reports as well as propose hypotheses that may account for any true differences in the injuries.
An Organometallic Electrode Based on Covalent Attachment of the Cobaltocenium Group to Carbon

Electrochemical reduction of a cobaltocenium diazonium complex results in covalent attachment of the cobaltocenium ion to a glassy-carbon surface and formation of an “organometallic electrode”.
A survey of the theory of source coding with a fidelity criterion

The purpose of this paper is threefold: 1) to acquaint the reader with the types of problems that have been considered in the area of source coding with a fidelity criterion; 2) to survey results that have been obtained on these problems; and 3) to outline future research trends in the area. >
Elastic and inelastic proton scattering from 109Ag

Abstract The elastic and inelastic scattering of 13 MeV protons from 109 Ag has been studied. Angular distributions have been measured between the angles of 23° and 165° for particles scattered from the ground state and excited states at 0.311, 0.415, 0.702, 0.863, 0.912, 1.091, 1.26, 1.324, 1.51, 1.61, 2.15 and 2.23 MeV. The magnitudes and shapes of the angular distributions were compared with the predictions of the core-excitation model. For the states which appear to be due to coupling the odd proton to the one-phonon quadrupole and octupole states of the even core, the experimental cross sections were fitted by the DWBA approximation. Differential cross sections of the states attributed to excitation of the one- and two-quadrupole phonon states of the even core have been compared to the predictions of the coupled-channel theory with the assumption that only a p 1 2 . proton is coupled to the core. Reasonable agreement between experiment and theory was obtained, provided an admixture of one- and two-quadrupole phonon 2 + states was allowed.
New mass values for 206 Bi and secondary masses

The $Q$ value for the reaction $^{204}\mathrm{Pb}(\ensuremath{\alpha},d)^{206}\mathrm{Bi}$ has been measured as ${Q}_{0}=\ensuremath{-}15798\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}11.6$ keV. This leads to a $^{206}\mathrm{Bi}$ mass excess of -20 019 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 13 keV which differs by 107 keV from the previously accepted value. Previously adopted mass values for $^{210}\mathrm{At}$, $^{214}\mathrm{Fr}$, $^{218}\mathrm{Ac}$, and $^{222}\mathrm{Pa}$ are also directly affected by a change in the $^{206}\mathrm{Bi}$ mass.
Rapid prototyping of extrusion dies using layer-based techniques

Extrusion die design and development often requires significant craftsman skill and iterative improvement to arrive at a production-ready die geometry. Constructing the dies used during this iterative process from layers, rather than from one solid block of material, offers unique opportunities to improve die development efficiency when coupled with concepts drawn from the rapid prototyping field. This article presents a proof-of-concept illustrating the potential utility of layer-based extrusion dies for the die design and fabrication process. The major benefits include greater flexibility in the design process, a more efficient, automated fabrication technique, and a means for performing localized die modifications and repairs.
Centromeric chromatin and the pathway that drives its propagation

The centromere is the locus that directs chromosomal inheritance at cell division. While centromeres in diverse eukaryotes are commonly found at sites of repetitive DNA, their location is epigenetically specified. The histone H3 variant CENP-A is the prime candidate for epigenetically marking the centromere, and recent work has uncovered several additional proteins that play key roles in centromere assembly and maintenance. We describe advances in the identification and characterization of proteins that form the centromere, and focus on recent findings that have advanced our understanding of the assembly of functional centromeric chromatin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Histone chaperones and chromatin assembly.
Gas-phase separations of electrosprayed peptide libraries.

High-resolution ion mobility spectrometry has been combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry for analysis of a combinatorial peptide library that is expected to contain 676 components. In this approach, the components of a mixture of three residue peptides, having the general form (d)Phe-Xxx-Xxx-CONH2 (where Xxx is randomized over 26 residues including 10 naturally occurring amino acids and 16 synthetic forms) were ionized by electrospray ionization. Ion mobility/time-of-flight distributions have been recorded for all ions using a nested drift(flight) time technique. The improvement in resolving power [(t/Δt) = 100−150 for singly charged ions] was illustrated by analysis of a mixture of tryptic digest peptides using high- and low-resolution instruments. The approach allows many components of the library (e.g., structural, sequence, and stereo isomers) that cannot be distinguished by mass spectrometry alone to be resolved. Impurities due to side reactions appear to be minimal, comprising <10% of the t...
Measuring Exchange Market Pressure and Its Contagion in the East African Community

As the members of the East African Community seek to further integrate their economies, issues of compatibility arise. How interlinked are these countries' exchange markets, and which currencies are most likely to influence their neighbours? This study constructs monthly indices of exchange market pressure (EMP) for Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda over the past decade. Two methods of constructing these indices are shown to exhibit large differences. Vector autoregressive approaches are then applied to the main EMP series and a set of global stock price proxies. Kenya, the dominant economy, is shown to have the largest effect on the region but is not itself affected by other regional currencies. Foreign stock price declines increase EMP for all countries except Tanzania, which is also the least integrated in terms of trade. This suggests that financial integration in the region is uneven – with implications for a successful common currency.
Histopathologic Features of Splenic Small B-Cell Lymphomas A Study of 42 Cases With a Definitive Diagnosis by the World Health Organization Classification

We studied 42 cases of splenic small B-cell lymphoma (SBL) (21 women, 21 men; aged 32-82 years; median, 65 years) with a definitive diagnosis by the World Health Organization classification: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 8; mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), 9; follicular lymphoma (FL), 12; marginal zone lymphoma, 13 (splenic [SMZL], 12; extranodal [EMZL], 1). Splenectomy was performed for diagnosis or therapy; splenic weights were 0.2 to 3.8 kg (median, 1.4 kg). In general, splenic SBLs showed white pulp (WP) expansion; morphologic features of the nodules recapitulated the corresponding lymph node histopathologic features. "Marginal zones" were observed commonly in SMZL and FL, may be present in MCL involving the spleen, and may be seen in hilar lymph nodes (HLNs) in SBLs other than SMZL. FL may simulate SMZL and can be distinguished by the presence of neoplastic follicles and HLN morphologic features. Extracellular hyaline deposits (EH) are common in FL and SMZL. MCL typically shows WP expansion by a monotonous small lymphocytic infiltrate, without diffuse red pulp (RP) infiltration or EH; leukemic MCL may show RP infiltration. Splenic morphologic features in CLL vary in WP or RP dominance; marginal zones usually are not observed in CLL.
Dark matter of the bulb

A study now shows that granule cells deep in the olfactory bulb exhibit wildly different response dynamics depending on behavioral state, suggesting they could configure network changes across behavioral states.
Algorithmic symmetrization of coulomb frictional problems using augmented lagrangians

Abstract A major drawback of most implicit algorithmic treatments of Coulomb frictional contact problems is the nonsymmetry of the algorithmic tangent operator, which emanates from the nonassociativity of the slip (flow) rule. Reliable algorithms leading to symmetric equation systems are highly desirable, especially in three-dimensional problems where the computational cost is dominated by equation solving. In this paper such an algorithm symmetrization is proposed. The method is derived from the augmented Lagrangian treatment of friction given by Simo and Laursen (Comput. & Structures 42 (1992) 97–116), and exploits the iterative nature of the classical method of multipliers. More specifically, symmetrization is achieved by a modified multiplier update scheme in which all nonassociativity is removed from the solution phase and placed in the multiplier update phase. The result is an algorithm involving only the solution of symmetric equations, which maintains the attributes of an augmented Lagrangian method.
Cell migration and the anatomic control of thymocyte precursor differentiation

The thymus performs several essential functions during the steady-state production of T lymphocytes in adults, including expansion of the precursor pool, differentiation into multiple lineages and screening for TCRs with restricted specificities. Other than those functions attributed to the TCR, most of the factors that control these processes remain undefined. One potential mechanism for such control may be related to the movement of precursor cells between distinct anatomical compartments in the thymus. Histological studies show that the majority of CD4- CD8- cells are found in the subcapsular region. However; vascular tissues that support the migration of precursor cells into the thymus (postcapillary venules) are located deep in the tissue, near the cortico-medullary junction. This implies that blood-borne cells entering the thymus must transit outward across the cortex in order to accumulate in the SCR. Differentiation of DN cells into the CD4+ 8+ stage correlates with a reversal in polarity and migration inward, while mature cells ultimately transit the CMJ in the opposite direction of cells first entering the organ. Here we review evidence for a model in which differentiation is induced and proliferation is controlled by this progressive translocation of immature precursors through discrete stromal compartments. In addition, we attempt to summarize what is known about the molecular mechanisms that may support polarized migration of early CD4- 8- thymocytes in the adult, as well as how and where the relevant differentiative and/or proliferative signals may be compartmentalized.
Summer Habitat Use by Introduced Smallmouth Bass in an Oligotrophic Adirondack Lake

ABSTRACT Non-native smallmouth bass became established in 1951 in Little Moose Lake, an oligotrophic Adirondack lake. Salmonids dominated the littoral zone at the time. Snorkel surveys, from late June through early August 1997, were used to determine the distribution and abundance of fish in the littoral zone. Transects were established on four habitat types: sand, wood (submerged trees), rock covered by silt (particles 64 mm). Non-native smallmouth bass were the most common fish species observed over the transects. Counts of adult smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) were greater than pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) and salmonids. Average lengths of bass were different between habitat types indicating size class segregation among the habitats in the littoral zone. Adult bass (>50 mm) were only observed on wood and cobble habitats. Nearly all bass >300 mm were observed on wood habitats. Young-of-year bass (<50 mm) were only observed on sand and silted rock. Only two ...
Gender preferences of efficiencies and ethical issues: commercial, personal, and governmental applications of RFID-based implants and technologies

Significant advancements in RFID-related applications and its scanning technology has become an increasing subject for academic research. Analysing a sample of employed business professionals, representative of the service industry located within the metropolitan section of Pittsburgh, PA, a major corporate headquarters revealed a number of significant gender differences when considering the myriad operational and ethical issues associated RFID-related implementations, especially concerning microchip implants. Overall, male business professionals had a perceived greater awareness of RFID-related technological applications, while females were more concerned about job loss due to such technological innovations, local government has more control over technological innovations, and felt that such technology was useful in reducing the threat of personal identity theft. In general, most respondents felt that RFID-embedded microchip implants were potentially important in dealing with effectively dealing with criminal elements in society and keeping domesticated animals safe, but generally felt that too many potential issues associated with commercial and governmental misuse exists in order to allow for widespread, unregulated implementations into society.
Retroviral Producer Cells Cause Sarcoma in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Mice.

Direct in situ introduction of retroviral producer cells might provide a form of treatment for localized tumors. A possible undesirable consequence of this treatment could be uncontrolled proliferation of the injected producer cells. To test this possibility, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice were reconstituted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes which were marked with a retroviral vector using a coculture method. Although specific measures were taken to remove the possible contaminating producer cells, a high percentage of mice developed fibrosarcoma 2–6 weeks after reconstitution. We hypothesized that tumors arose from a small number of contaminating producer cells in the inoculum. Tumor cells were consistently DNA tetraploid, a characteristic of the producer cell line. DNA extracted from tumor tissue was found to contain the gene (neomycin phosphotransferase) used to mark the producer cell line. Furthermore, SCID mice injected with 1 × 104 producer cells developed tumors with analogous characteristics. This report indicates that the retroviral producer cell line is tumorigenic in immune-deficient animals.
Becoming a belly dancer: gender, the life course and the beginnings of a serious leisure career.

Serious leisure careers have a beginning, middle and end, yet few studies examine the beginning stage of leisure careers dominated by women. Drawing from interviews with male and female belly dancers in the USA, this study examines how people join serious leisure activities. Results show that both men and women were interested in dance, arts and history, had personal ties to belly dance, and wanted an enjoyable form of exercise to match their capabilities when they entered the world of belly dance. Unlike men, the women in this study also experienced major life transitions, such as diminishing familial responsibilities, job and school issues, moving and shifting relationships. These findings have implications for the gendered nature of serious leisure.
A method for obtaining three-dimensional strains during flow from a model bin

Abstract Previous studies conducted on axially-symmetric flow using three-dimensional bin models show the influence of angle of internal friction and wall material on the flow pattern. Because of the difficulties in idealizing three-dimensional flow, these studies have not uniquely identified the flow pattern. Hence, a cylindrical model bin, with a high ratio of bin to outlet diameter, was used in conjunction with three-dimensional Cartesian and cylindrical coordinate systems to study flow similar to that occurring in large bins. The present study utilized a technique to fix the granular material, allowing the set model to be sliced and the central flow zone observed. This method is unique in that it allows measurement of all three components of strain. By determining the velocity field in the flowing material and comparing it with the material;s properties, it is hoped that increasingly efficient flow can be coaxed from large bins.
Coupled-plasmon induced transparency in planar stacked metal/insulator films

We present a theoretical study of coherently coupled, stacked planar metal/insulator films. Our analysis shows that resonant coupling of plasmon and waveguide modes results in strongly dispersive, nonmonotonic reflectance, suitable for enhanced plasmonic sensing applications.
Metabolism of propionic acid to a novel acyl-coenzyme A thioester by mammalian cell lines and platelets

Metabolism of propionate involves the activated acyl-thioester propionyl-CoA intermediate. We employed LC-MS/MS, LC-selected reaction monitoring/MS, and LC-high-resolution MS to investigate metabolism of propionate to acyl-CoA intermediates. We discovered that propionyl-CoA can serve as a precursor to the direct formation of a new six-carbon mono-unsaturated acyl-CoA. Time course and dose-response studies in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells demonstrated that the six-carbon mono-unsaturated acyl-CoA was propionate-dependent and underwent further metabolism over time. Studies utilizing [13C1]propionate and [13C3]propionate suggested a mechanism of fatty acid synthesis, which maintained all six-carbon atoms from two propionate molecules. Metabolism of 2,2-[2H2]propionate to the new six-carbon mono-unsaturated acyl-CoA resulted in the complete loss of two deuterium atoms, indicating modification at C2 of the propionyl moiety. Coelution experiments and isotopic tracer studies confirmed that the new acyl-CoA was trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoyl-CoA. Acyl-CoA profiles following treatment of HepG2 cells with mono-unsaturated six-carbon fatty acids also supported this conclusion. Similar results were obtained with human platelets, mouse hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa1c1c7 cells, human bronchoalveolar carcinoma H358 cells, and human colon adenocarcinoma LoVo cells. Interestingly, trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoyl-CoA corresponds to a previously described acylcarnitine tentatively described in patients with propionic and methylmalonic acidemia. We have proposed a mechanism for this metabolic route consistent with all of the above findings.
TPR and SIMS studies of CaCO3 catalyzed CO2 gasification of carbon

Abstract Temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) combined with isotope labelling is used to probe the CaCO 3 -catalyzed CO 2 gasification of carbon. The identity and reaction chemistry of the surface species are probed with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). As carbon gasification begins, most of the CaCO 3 decomposes to form CaO and CO 2 . The CaO species, which are observed by SIMS, appear to catalyze gasification by an oxidation-reduction mechanism that is similar to the mechanisms for Na and K catalysts. The catalyst oxidation step is shown to be reversible and in equilibrium, while the catalyst reduction step is rate limiting and essentially irreversible.
STABILITY OF ELECTROLYTE FILMS ON STRUCTURED SURFACES

We investigate the stability of a thin film of liquid electrolyte on an electrically charged structured surface with a periodic array of gas-filled grooves. We derive a nonlinear evolution equation for the film thickness by taking into account the effects of structuring into our system of lubrication-type equations. We analyze how the introduction of structuring destabilizes the film by increasing either the Navier slip length or the length of the groove at the no-shear segments. We perform nonlinear simulations for the evolution of the film thickness to show that structuring decreases the rupture time with respect to a thin film on a solid surface.
Optimal Scheduling of Critical Peak Pricing Considering Wind Commitment

Demand response has been widely implemented as one of the “virtual” control mechanisms to make peak load management more efficient and economic. One of the popular demand response programs is called critical peak pricing (CPP). Relatively simple pricing schemes and convenient implementation within current energy system metering infrastructure make it well accepted by many utilities and load-serving entities (LSEs). In this paper, we investigate the optimal scheduling of CPP events from the perspective of an LSE which has wind energy to sell into the day-ahead market. The goal is to minimize the total operational cost for the whole planning horizon, taking into account the energy purchasing cost, revenue from the CPP, and wind energy sales, as well as imbalance penalties due to wind energy over- and under-commitments. We propose a multi-stage stochastic mixed integer nonlinear programming model. In addition, we perform various analyses of both the special case of a single-stage problem and the general multi-stage problem analytically and experimentally. Our analysis leads to useful operational insights and policy implications on how to manage a renewable-integrated system more efficiently.
Trace analysis of two detergents in blood from guinea pigs after immersion in aqueous baths

Abstract Analytical procedures are described for determining residues of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sodium dodecyl sulfoacetate (SDSA) as low as 0.1 ppm in whole blood from guinea pigs. The procedures are based on the hydrolysis of the compounds to dodecanol, conversion of the alcohol to a heptafluorobutyryl (HFB) derivative and analysis by electron-capture gas chromatography. The methods were used to determine blood levels of the two detergents in immersion tests with guinea pigs. Skinfold thickness and pathologic changes are also discussed.
An Evaluation of the Accuracy of Community-Based Perimetry

We assessed the accuracy of five office-based perimetric technicians in the examination of 14 patients with prechiasmal and chiasmal defects unknown to them. A pre-test followed by two days of instruction and supervised practice; the technicians were then retested on the same patients (post-test). An independent evaluator scored their results. The identification of any field defect rose significantly (P = .039) from 69% in the pre-test to 95% in the post-test. The identification of the hemianopic configuration of a defect rose from 45% in the pre-test to 84% in the post-test (P = .11); initial identification of nasal steps was 77%, falling to 67% in the post-test. Adequate definition of extent, depth, and slope of defects was rare (5%) on the pre-test, but rose significantly (P = .032) to 57% on the post-test. The monitored patient examinations were essential for correcting recurrent flaws in technique. This study shows that such teaching efforts, including emphasis on identifying hemianopic defects, are necessary to raise visual field examination to the level of a consistently reliable diagnostic determinant.
Deep temporal lobe projections to the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca

Electrophysiological studies with acutely prepared cats found that stimulation of deep temporal lobe structures (e.g., amygdala, prepyriform cortex) evoked responses in the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca. An analysis of field, extra- and intracellular unitary responses points to the existence of a monosynaptic excitatory connection.
A referent bone mineral density database for Chinese American women

Introduction While osteoporosis is common among women of Chinese descent, a readily available bone mineral density (BMD) referent database for Chinese American women does not exist. Fracture risk among this population is currently assessed using a Caucasian reference as well as diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis developed for postmenopausal Caucasian women. Many studies indicate that there are important racial differences in skeletal health and fracture risk, an observation that makes the application of Caucasian data to all groups problematical. This study was undertaken to establish a BMD referent database in Chinese American women and to compare it with a Caucasian female database. It is expected that a race-specific database will be useful in the assessment of bone health for Chinese American women.
Excretion of beta-phenethylamine is elevated in humans after profound stress

The urinary excretion rate of the endogenous, amphetamine-like substance beta-phenethylamine was markedly elevated in human subjects in association with an initial parachuting experience. The increases were delayed in most subjects and were not correlated with changes in urinary pH or creatinine excretion. The data suggest a stress-related role for beta-phenethylamine.
Metabolism of the carcinogen N-2-fluorenylacetamide in germ-free and conventional rats.

Abstract Because an appreciable difference was observed in the metabolism of N -hydroxy- N -2-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-FAA) in germ-free and conventional control rats, the metabolism of the parent compound, N -2-fluorenylacetamide (FAA), was examined in this system. Germ-free and conventional rats injected i.p. with a single dose of FAA excreted similar levels of hydroxylated metabolites in urine, chiefly as conjugates with glucuronic acid. By quantitative rank, decreasing amounts of the 7- 5- 3- and N -hydroxy derivatives of FAA were present in both groups of rats. On the other hand, there were significant differences between the germ-free and control rats in metabolites in the cecum and in the feces. Substantial amounts of conjugated metabolites, glucosiduronic acids and sulfuric acid esters were found in the germ-free group. In the controls, the major portion of the metabolites occurred as free, unconjugated materials. Intracecal injection of FAA led to virtually complete absorption and metabolism similar to what was found after i.p. injection. The bacterial flora in conventional rats affects the metabolism of FAA by converting conjugates to free compounds in the lower portion of the intestinal tract ; these in turn are reabsorbed in part and undergo additional metabolism.
Discriminating multiple motor imageries of human hands using EEG

We investigated the feasibility of discriminating four different motor imagery (MI) types from both hands using electroencephalography (EEG) through exploring underlying features related to MIs of thumb and fist from one hand. New spectral and spatial features related to different MIs were extracted using principal component analysis (PCA) and squared cross correlation (R2). Extracted features were evaluated using a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier, resulting in an average decoding accuracy about 50%, which is significantly higher than the guess level and the 95% confidence level of guess. The preliminary results demonstrate the great potential of extracting features from different MIs from same hands to generate control signals with more degrees of freedom (DOF) for non-invasive brain-computer interface applications. In addition, for movement related applications, especially for neuroprosthesis, the present study may facilitate the development of a non-invasive BCI, which is highly intuitive and based on users' spontaneous intentions.
Oriented Z-Type Langmuir-Blodgett Films from A Soluble Asymmetrically Substituted Polydiacetylene.

Abstract : A soluble, asymmetric polydiacetylene has been shown to form stable monolayers at the air-water interface of a Langmuir trough. The monolayers of this unconventional amphiphilic polymer could be repeatedly deposited onto hydrophobic substrates during every up-stroke cycle of the vertical dipping method to form uniform Z-type multilayers. Characterization of the precise orientation of the polymer main chain has been carried out to determine the spatial correlation between the nonlinear optical chromophore responsible for second order nonlinear optical properties and the backbone. Polarized UV/Vis and IR spectroscopic studies indicate a preferential orientation of the main chain along the dipping direction with a mean fluctuation of + or - 30 deg between director axis and chain trajectories. Polarization-dependent second-harmonic generation (SHG) in multilayers indicates a high degree of orientational anisotropy of the backbone. As expected, SHG intensities increase with the number of layers due to the noncentrosymmetric Z-type structure. The second-order nonlinear coefficient (d sub 33) was estimated to be 1.52 pm/V at 1064 nm of Nd-YAG laser after correcting for absorption. Surface characterization and alignment of the extended chain backbones is further established using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Clinical utility of testing for autoimmunity in chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Background Positive autoimmune testing in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) has previously been associated with more severe disease. Objective We sought to determine whether patients with CIU and a positive autoimmune urticaria test finding were more difficult to treat clinically. Methods In this retrospective study, 428 patients seen by physicians of the Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh between January 2007 and March 2010 were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 708.9 for urticaria. Included individuals met clinical criteria for CIU and had an autoimmune urticaria test (chronic urticaria index or CD203 expression test) result in their medical record. Results Twenty patients met the study criteria set forth and positive autoimmune urticaria test results occurred in 8 of the 20 patients. In all, 75% of patients in each group (positive and negative autoimmune test findings) were more than 75% clear of disease ( P = 1) by the last visit. Mean number of distinct medications prescribed for urticaria management in the positive and negative autoimmune groups was 6.9 and 8.4, respectively ( P = .4). No significant difference was detected between the various medications that led to more than 75% disease clearance in either group. The mean number of patient clinic visits over the study period was 3.1 and 4.8, respectively, for positive and negative groups ( P = .5). Limitations This was a retrospective study with a small sample size. Conclusion A positive autoimmune urticaria test finding in the setting of CIU is not indicative of a more complicated clinical course.
Historic Period Chumash Occupation of 'Anayapax, Anacapa Island, Alta California

Abstract Researchers have documented some 22 named historic Chumash villages on California's northern Channel Islands. Historic period Chumash sites have so far been confined to the three largest islands (Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel), with none from Anacapa Island. Radiocarbon dating and artifacts from two rockshelters (CA-ANI-18 and CA-ANI-22) provide the first archaeological evidence of Chumash occupation of Anacapa during the historic period. These data expand the known distribution of historic Island Chumash archaeological sites, provide further evidence for contact period occupation of rockshelters, and document diverse historic period island human settlement systems.
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy: Instrumentation, Theory, and Applications

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy permits vibrational imaging with high-sensitivity, high speed, and three-dimensional spatial resolution. We review recent advances in CARS microscopy, including experimental design, theoretical understanding of contrast mechanisms, and applications to chemical and biological systems. We also review the development of multiplex CARS microspectroscopy, which allows high-speed characterization of microscopic samples, and CARS correlation spectroscopy, which probes fast diffusion dynamics with vibrational selectivity.
Chloroplasts and bacterial amino acid incorporation: A further comment

Abstract The incorporation of amino acid by chloroplasts, isolated from higher plants by ordinary biochemical techniques (using hypotonic buffers without protective colloids), was observed and could be ascribed largely if not completely to contaminating bacteria. Incorporating activity did not require ATP or GTP nor was it affected by ribonuclease; however, it was inhibited either by anaerobiosis or by respiratory inhibitors such as cyanide. Prelabeled bacteria were found to cosediment with chloroplasts to a considerable extent, and observed activity correlated best with the number of viable bacteria as measured by colony counts on nutrient agar. Preparing chloroplasts from the same leaves by grinding them in a Honda medium, which contained protective colloids, both preserved the ability of the native chloroplast to synthesize proteins, and appeared to prevent a major part of the bacteria from being collected together with the chloroplasts. By using a Honda medium for grinding and respiratory inhibitors in the reaction, protein synthesis could be studied without interference from bacterial activity.
Parasites on the rise: a new epidemic of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

The recent increase in non-bacterial corneal ulcers has raised a number of questionsabout the etiology, diagnosis, and management of thesecases.Recently the major manufacturers of contact lenses andcontact lens solutions have moved toward marketingproducts that are more convenient for the consumer.High-Dk/t silicone lenses were designed for improvedcomfort, and the one-step “no rub” multi-purpose solutionsrequire less effort and shorter soaking times than themulti-step hydrogen peroxide systems.
Environmental Modification and System Response: Developmental Change in Dominica

Environment of individuals, which includes other individuals, is the focus of a study of 61 communities on the island of Dominica. The working hypothesis is that communities with richer and more exploitable environmental resources will be more internally developed or economically differentiated. Environmental variables are government aid, external cash income, and population size. Economic differentiation is measured by the systemic variables of vocational distribution, vocational specialization, and commercialization. The Dominican data support the working hypothesis and suggest that environmental modification causes differentiation of the economic system.
Accurate modeling of particle-substrate coupling of surface plasmon excitation in EELS

Abstract In studying surface plasmon excitations of small particles by means of energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), the effect of the substrate needs to be taken into account when the particle size becomes comparable to the substrate thickness. We present a general method to exactly solve the particle-substrate coupling system, and apply the method to the case of a metallic spherical particle on a thin carbon film. Our results show that the surface plasmon excitation rate due to a particle on a substrate is, in general, less than that due to the particle alone. Interaction between the surface and bulk plasmon excitation is also discussed.
Unification, H-duality, and data truncation in image reconstruction from divergent beam projections

In this paper, a unified framework of image reconstruction from both fan-beam and cone-beam projections is formulated by using intermediate functions. The intermediate function has an imaginary part and a real part. The causality principle is used to prove that the imaginary and real part is mutually linked by a Hilbert transform. Using this link, it is shown that image can be reconstructed by using either the real part or the imaginary part of the intermediate function. Thus there exist two fundamental image reconstruction schemes in image reconstruction from divergent beam projections. One scheme only uses the imaginary part of the intermediate function, while the other scheme only uses the real part. Two schemes are dual to each other by Hilbert transform in intermediate functions. Thus this dual nature is called H-duality. One of the paired dual formulas explicitly allows data truncation, while the other one does not. However, they are equivalent in the sense that both of them are mathematically exact image reconstruction formulas provided the measured data is sufficient for both formulas and is free from noise. Practically, a fan-beam image reconstruction formula is identified to solve the fan-beam data truncation problem.
Fractional statistics of the vortex in two-dimensional superfluids.

The quantum behavior of two identical point vortices (e.g., in a superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ thin film) is studied. It is argued that this system obeys neither Bose nor Fermi statistics, but intermediate or $\ensuremath{\theta}$ statistics: We find that a single vortex in this system possesses quarter-fractional statistics (i.e., $\ensuremath{\theta}=\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{2} or 3\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{2}$). The source of the $\ensuremath{\theta}$ statistics is identified in the relative zero-point motion of the vortices.
Pediatric small bowel transplantation

The multivisceral liver-intestine-pancreas-stomach allograft was first described by Starzl nearly 50 years ago. Since then, over 1000 children have received small bowel transplantation (SBTx), alone or with the liver and other organs, for refractory short gut syndrome (SGS) because of a variety of congenital conditions. In 2001, SBTx was approved as definitive therapy for SGS by Medicare. Currently, 1- and 5-year graft survival routinely exceeds 90% and 80%, respectively. The expected outcomes also include freedom from parenteral nutrition, normalization of growth parameters, and quality of life. However, recurrent rejection, complications of high-dose immunosuppression, or chronic rejection, which is more likely to occur after SBTx without a liver graft, account for differences between early and late survival. Future efforts aimed at overcoming such challenges include preventing SBTx through early referral to comprehensive SGS management programs and understanding why the liver protects the small bowel allograft from rejection. Finally, inflammatory mechanisms, which predispose the highly immunogenic small bowel allograft to a protracted risk of resistant rejection must be elucidated, in order to ensure durable success.
Crisis in Assisted Conception: The British Approach to an American Dilemma

Although British and American couples who are infertile have similar treatment options in their home countries, the British system for ensuring quality of care has striking advantages over the American status quo in reproductive medicine. The British system effectively addresses what continue to be serious problems on the American scene, such as the lack of any clear license or certification of infertility treatment centers to reassure consumers, the absence of a complete consumer-friendly account of success rates at various sites and by technique, and the continuing proportional increase in multiple births because of high numbers of embryos transferred in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and numbers of oocytes produced as a result of ovulation-stimulating drugs. In addition, the British system has clear compulsory guidelines in place that regulate what kinds of human embryo research can be performed, by whom, and where. In infertility practice, the British also have strict controls on the introduction of innovations, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The British prohibition, for example, against cloning by nuclear replacement is already a matter of record, and there is no necessity (as is the case in the United States with cloning via nuclear transplantation) to invoke a public ban and hope that a private moratorium will be observed. Regardless of what one thinks about the clinical and research issues, the clarity and order that permeate practice and research in reproductive medicine in Great Britain have advantages that could serve as guideposts for necessary reforms in the United States.
Cohesive properties of mammalian epididymal spermatozoa.

Changing spermatozoan associations were observed in the epididymides of several mammals. These associations ranged from closely interwoven cylindrical bodies, found in the proximal part of the epididymis, to disorganized masses of spermatozoa, found in the distal part of the duct. It is suggested that changes in the cohesive properties of epididymal spermatozoa resulted in the formation and fragmentation of cylindrical bodies. These bodies, differeing in pattern and complexity according to the species, were found in all investigated mammals, including man. Cohesiveness appeared first in the upper part of the epididymidis, where it was confined to the spermatozoan tails. In general, there was a diminution of cohesive forces as the spermatozoa passed down the epididymal duct; consequently, the cylindrical bodies turned into disorganized masses of spermatozoa. There are indications that changes in the cohesive properties of spermatozoa may represent one aspect of spermatozoan maturation.