cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complex Problems with Separate Contracts System

Contracting systems used in the construction industry today are presenting new and complex problems and those engaged in the industry should be aware of them. The construction management concept used to produce construction today has adapted the separate contract system to implement its purpose. The concept, which itself is relatively new, is adapting an old system in different ways without, in the opinion of the writer, looking to the legal, technical, and management problems involved. It is using these systems in a number and at a rate at which the slower processes of law cannot keep pace with. Three major problems are presented here. They are not solved because the solutions wait on the law. The purpose of this paper is to hopefully serve as a signal or reminder to the industry and to bring to the industry’s notice some of these problems in hope that its members will recognize them and act accordingly.
Hypersonic Transition and Turbulence

Laminar-turbulent transition and the subsequent development of the turbulent boundary layer at hypersonic speeds affect heat-transfer, skin friction, and boundary-layer separation. Particularly at high-speeds, much remains unknown about the main mechanisms and the area remains one of active current research. The goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with an introduction to the current state of understanding, so it can serve as a starting point for further reading. Transition is the result of a complex, difficult to predict laminar-instability process that can be very sensitive to apparently small factors. The transition process is summarized, with emphasis on those events that are specific to high speeds, along with the instability process and some parametric effects. In the second part of the chapter, the main properties of high speed turbulence are described to provide an understanding of qualitative and quantitative trends in surface loads at large Mach numbers where high-temperature effects become active. Keywords: hypersonics; laminar-turbulent transition; instability; high-temperature effects; hypersonic boundary layers; stability; transition; turbulence; heat transfer; skin friction
Nutrition training in graduate medical (residency) education: a survey of selected training programs

Because limited information exists about nutrition training of residents, we studied the teaching practices of nationally recognized nutrition programs. Two hundred thirty-eight nutrition educators and 787 residency-program directors identified 160 institutions with strong nutrition training. The 23 highest-ranked programs were surveyed and 7 were visited. The results showed that 1) clinically active physician-nutritionist role models are the key elements in teaching residents clinical nutrition; 2) multidisciplinary nutrition support teams are valuable learning resources unless they function primarily as technical support services; 3) nutrition elective rotations, although highly effective, are taken by a minority of residents; 4) the nutrition curriculum should include practical learning materials and conferences; and 5) a research environment is important to attract qualified physician-nutritionist role models. A major deficit is teaching nutritionally based approaches to disease prevention in the ambulatory setting. Finally, a shortage of nutrition-oriented physician role models is probably the major constraint in teaching nutrition to residents.
Glucose repression of yeast mitochondrial transcription: kinetics of derepression and role of nuclear genes.

Abstract Yeast mitochondrial transcript and gene product abundance has been observed to increase upon release from glucose repression, but the mechanism of regulation of this process has not been determined. We report a kinetic analysis of this phenomenon, which demonstrates that the abundance of all classes of mitochondrial RNA changes slowly relative to changes observed for glucose-repressed nuclear genes. Several cell doublings are required to achieve the 2- to 20-fold-higher steady-state levels observed after a shift to a nonrepressing carbon source. Although we observed that in some yeast strains the mitochondrial DNA copy number also increases upon derepression, this does not seem to play the major role in increased RNA abundance. Instead we found that three- to sevenfold increases in RNA synthesis rates, measured by in vivo pulse-labelling experiments, do correlate with increased transcript abundance. We found that mutations in the SNF1 and REG1 genes, which are known to affect the expression of many nuclear genes subject to glucose repression, affect derepression of mitochondrial transcript abundance. These genes do not appear to regulate mitochondrial transcript levels via regulation of the nuclear genes RPO41 and MTF1, which encode the subunits of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase. We conclude that a nuclear gene-controlled factor(s) in addition to the two RNA polymerase subunits must be involved in glucose repression of mitochondrial transcript abundance.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia: update on key adverse events

Current treatment recommendations for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are guided by results from multiple clinical trials involving tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target BCR-ABL1. Consideration of the unique clinical benefits and potential risks associated with each tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of CML is crucial for physicians when recommending the most appropriate therapy for each patient. Monitoring for and prompt management of adverse events may increase adherence to therapy and optimize patient outcomes. Here we provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors approved for the treatment of CML, as well as recommendations for the management of key adverse events reported with these agents in clinical trials involving patients with CML.
Fast and accurate computation of dielectric losses in multi-layer, multi-conductor microstrip structures

An approach is proposed which can be used in lieu of lossy, full-wave solutions to provide accurate and efficient data for the CAD (computer-aided design) of multilayer, multiconductor MIC and MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuits) structures. This application gives results that are as accurate as lossy full-wave techniques over a wide range of frequency, including the dispersive region. In addition to giving accurate results, this method is up to three times faster, depending on the number and type of substrates or superstrates. Results are shown for various symmetric and asymmetric, multiconductor, multilayer structures which have good agreement with the lossy, fully-wave approach and use significantly less computer time. >
Exploring the Potential of Assessment Efficacy in Sports Coaching: A Commentary

INTRODUCTION Hay et al. present a stimulating article about the need for assessment efficacy in sports coaching. The idea of creating a development initiative that can help us understand the complex and dynamic nature of sports coaching is an exciting prospect. In our experience working with sport stakeholders from the youth sport to elite sport levels for the past several decades, we have yet to find a sport program with a comprehensive or systematic assessment protocol. We find this somewhat puzzling given that sport programs focus on performance and achievement. We must ask, though, achievement of what? There has been a recent surge of literature connecting positive youth development (PYD) frameworks to youth sport settings, and organized sport has long been considered a prime breeding ground for societal leaders [1, 2]. However, it seems as though formal assessment of these expected outcomes has been neglected. In the remainder of this commentary, we elaborate on Hay et al.’s comments by sharing some examples from our ongoing work related to assessment efficacy in sports coaching.
State-Selected and State-to-State Ion−Molecule Reaction Dynamics

A unique triple-quadrupole double-octopole (TQDO) photoionization mass spectrometer has been developed for total cross section measurements of state-selected ion−molecule reactions. By employing this TQDO apparatus, we have recently examined the absolute total cross sections for a series of state-selected ion−molecule reactions involving Ar+(2P3/2,1/2), O+(4S, 2D, 2P), and organosulfur ions (CH3SH+, CH3CH2SH+, and CH3SCH3+) in their ground states. The cross section measurements, together with product ion kinetic energy analyses, have provided convincing evidence that the Ar+(2P3/2,1/2) + CO2 (CO, N2, O2) reactions proceed via a charge-transfer predissociation mechanism. The comparison of absolute cross sections for product ions formed in the dissociative charge transfer of Ar+(2P3/2,1/2) + CO2 (CO, N2, O2) and those produced in photoionization of CO2 (CO, N2, O2) suggests that product ions formed by dissociative charge transfer are also produced by photoionization via a similar set of excited predissociat...
Numerical solution of reaction–diffusion equations by compact operators and modified equation methods

A system of reaction–diffusion equations which governs the propagation of an ozone decomposition laminar flame in Lagrangian co-ordinates is analysed by means of compact operators and modified equation methods. It is shown that the use of fourth-order accurate compact operators yields very accurate solutions if sufficient numbers of grid points are located at the flame front, where very steep gradients of temperature and species concentrations exist. Modified equation methods are shown to impose a restriction on the time step under certain conditions. The solutions obtained by means of compact operators and modified equation methods are compared with solutions obtained by other methods; good agreement is obtained.
Interfacing computers with electric trains in schools

Abstract Digital electric trains have come to the attention of educators and administrators at a critical time when schools are deeply concerned with at-risk students, finding creative uses for computers in the classroom, developing both cooperative learning and critical thinking skills, encouraging girls to participate in computer learning activities, and improving computer literacy among students in the lower two-thirds of the higher learning skills (math and science particularly). The following paper evaluates the new technology of digital trains which are becoming popular in school districts across the country. These trains allow for multiple students to control electric trains on common tracks thereby promoting cooperation, communication, and interactive problem solving. Computers can also be connected to the trains through an interface that is built into the digital system. The addition of the computer makes it possible to teach computer skills with electric trains as the output device. Trains not only become a real time control device, but they also have sensors that communicate with the computer making the system a two-way interactive problem solver.
Gas-Solid Flow in a Fluidically Oscillating Jet

The motion of air and solid particles is examined in a fluidically oscillating slot jet using time-averaged and cycle-resolved laser Doppler anemometry measurements. These measurements reveal the time dependent relative velocity magnitudes between the phases as well as the detailed nature of the fluidically oscillating slot jet. Temporal phase differences between the gas and solid phases ranged up to 40 degrees for jet oscillation frequencies up to 50 Hz
Supporting parents in the NICU: A new app from the US, MyPreemie

Abstract This article describes the new MyPreemie app for iPhone and iPad, designed to inform, assist, empower, and support parents of premature babies in the NICU and afterwards. Created by the same team who wrote the book Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies, the app contains information on medical and developmental issues; suggested questions for parents to ask doctors and nurses to understand their baby's care; a combined baby journal and adult diary with focused prompts to record events and emotions; tools to track growth; and organizing lists for questions to ask, tasks to do, and mementos to collect. The app's pages can be shared by email or Facebook to facilitate communication with family and friends, and printed in PDF and saved. Overall, the app aims to ease parents' distress by providing meaningful parenting activities during a baby's NICU stay and an increased sense of normality, control, and connection. Nurses are encouraged to advise their patients' families about the MyPreemie app as a way to help meet their practical and emotional needs and support them through the stressful experience of prematurity.
Strontium, hydrothermal systems and steady-state chemical weathering in active mountain belts

Abstract Hydrothermal systems are a common feature of active collisional orogens. These systems can have a profound effect on the Sr fluxes and Sr isotopic composition of riverine waters through the direct input of Sr from hot springs and groundwaters and the chemical weathering of hydrothermal calcite. In an effort to quantify the role of calcite weathering we present an analytical model that examines the relationship between rock uplift and steady-state chemical weathering of granites and greywackes that contain trace amounts ( We compare model results with Sr fluxes and isotopic composition of riverine waters from the Southern Alps of New Zealand, an area that is frequently used as an example of a steady-state collisional orogen. As our model predicts, roughly 50% of Sr flux is from the weathering of calcite in the areas of highest uplift along the west-flank of the Southern Alps. This proportion decreases substantially (
A simple model for surface charge on ion channel proteins.

We present a simple two-parameter model for surface charge directly associated with ion channels. A spherically symmetric "charged shell" models a distribution of surface charge arrayed about the channel entrance, with a corresponding set of image charges behind the plane of the membrane. The transition between a regime of buffered conductance and a regime of rapidly falling conductance at very low ionic strength is found to depend on the magnitude of the surface charge as well as the separation between the charge and the channel entrance. This resolves an apparent discrepancy between the experimental findings of Naranjo and Latorre (1993. Biophys. J. 64:1038–1050) and previous theoretical computations. The charged-shell model is used in a comparative study of the toad skeletal muscle conductance data of Naranjo and Latorre, the rat skeletal muscle conductances of Ravindran et al. (1992. Biophys. J. 61:494–508), and a second set of rat muscle conductances presented in this paper.
Robust dynamic remote data checking for public clouds

Remote Data Checking (RDC) allows clients to efficiently check the integrity of data stored at untrusted servers. This allows data owners to assess the risk of outsourcing data in the public cloud, making RDC a valuable tool for data auditing. Early RDC schemes have focused on static data, whereas later schemes such as DPDP support the full range of dynamic operations on the outsourced data, including insertions, modifications, and deletions. Robustness is required for both static and dynamic RDC schemes that rely on spot checking for efficiency. In this paper, we propose the first RDC schemes that provide robustness and, at the same time, support dynamic updates, while requiring small, constant, client storage.
Teachers' voices: Literacy portfolios in the classroom and beyond

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and attitudes of teachers using literacy portfolios in their classrooms as their district moved toward mandated and standardized literacy portfolio assessment. The first section of the paper presents the benefits and advantages of literacy portfolios in classroom contexts as documented by three teachers who have theoretical and practical expertise in informal portfolio assessment. These teachers value classroom portfolio assessment because it allows creativity, reflection, self‐assessment, and supports diversity. These attributes of informal assessment are illustrated in the critical anecdotes that these teachers share. The second section of the paper presents the concerns of the same three teachers when their district begins the process of mandated and standardized portfolio assessment. These teachers fear that some of the most valuable and authentic aspects of portfolio assessment will be lost in the standardization process proposed by their ...
Assessing the magnitude of folding forces along the oxidative folding pathway of multi-disulfide-containing proteins.

Oxidative folding involves the acquisition of the native set of disulfide bonds and native structure of a protein from its reduced, unfolded form. Two major factors that influence the distribution of disulfide bonds (over their entropically favored probability of formation) during the regeneration, eventually favoring and sustaining the native set of disulfide bonds, are enthalpic interactions that lead to conformational ordering among intermediates and conformational folding, resulting in native (or nativelike) structure which protects the native disulfide bonds from reduction and intramolecular thiol−disulfide exchange reactions. Here, we report a novel technique to provide a quantitative description of the enthalpic and conformational folding forces present at any stage of the oxidative folding process of multi-disulfide-containing proteins which is made feasible by assessing their ability to form “structures” that are able to protect disulfide bonds from reduction.
Video games and queerness in California

AbstractThis text offers a brief review of a recent conference held at the University of California Berkeley, in the Fall 2013, titled Queerness and Games.
Infections, bacterial resistance, and antimicrobial stewardship: The emerging role of hospitalists†

The care of patients with serious infections both within and outside healthcare settings is increasingly complicated by the high prevalence of resistant or multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Moreover, infections caused by MDR versus susceptible bacteria or other pathogens are associated with significantly higher mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Antimicrobial misuse or overuse is the primary driver for development of antimicrobial resistance, suggesting that better use of antimicrobials will translate into improved patient outcomes, more efficient use of hospital resources, and lowered healthcare costs. Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the various practices and procedures utilized to optimize antimicrobial use. The primary goal of antimicrobial stewardship is to improve patient outcomes and lower antimicrobial resistance and other unintended consequences of antimicrobial therapy. Secondary goals are to reduce length of hospital stays and healthcare-related costs. Hospitalists are increasingly involved in the care of hospitalized patients throughout the United States. Expertise in managing conditions requiring hospitalization, and experience in quality improvement across a wide range of clinical conditions, make hospitalists well positioned to participate in the development and implementation of hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and provide more efficient and lower-cost hospital care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:S34-S43. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Human vs. Animal Outbreaks of the 2009 Swine-Origin H1N1 Influenza A epidemic

The majority of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, including recently emerging influenza viruses such as the 2009 swine-origin H1N1 influenza A epidemic. The epidemic that year affected both human and animal populations as it spread globally. In fact, before the end of 2009, 14 different countries reported H1N1 infected swine. In order to better understand the zoonotic nature of the epidemic and the relationship between human and animal disease surveillance data streams, we compared 2009 reports of H1N1 infection to define the temporal relationship between reported cases in animals and humans. Generally, human cases preceded animal cases at a country-level, supporting the potential of H1N1 infection to be a “reverse zoonosis”, and the value of integrating human and animal disease report data.
Fatigue and fracture mechanics aspects of LIGA fabricated nickel and Ni-20%Fe microstructures

This work is used to determine fracture mechanics properties and fatigue life of electroplated nickel and nickel-iron microstructures used in Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) applications from published tensile test data. Calculations of the stress intensity factor, the initial crack length of the plastic zone, and predictions of fatigue life for micro structured nickel and Ni-20%Feare presented. The goal of this effort is to provide a theoretical approach that will allow for the future development of an industrial standard to predict the fatigue life of MEMS components.
Economies of Scale: Some Statistical Evidence

Содержание: I. Statement of the problem, 232.--II. The evidence from some previous studies, 233.--III. The ".6 factor" rule and its application, 234.--IV. Specific evidence in a selection of metal processing and chemical industries, 236.--V. Studies of selected mineral industries, 239.--VI. Conclusions, 242 (Из JStore)
GAMMA IRRADIATION, HOT WATER AND IMAZALIL TREATMENTS ON DECAY ORGANISMS AND PHYSICAL QUALITY OF STORED NETTED MUSKMELON FRUIT

Nonchemical treatments of gamma irradiation (2 Kilograys) and hot water (57°C) and the fungicide imazalil (1000 ppm) were compared with and without shrink-film wrap for effects on decay and physical quality of netted muskmelon fruit stored at 4°C for 0 through 60 days. Gamma irradiation was ineffective in controlling decay and surface molds, and injurious to physical quality by decreasing firmness, increasing fresh weight loss, membrane leakage and vein track browning. Hot water treatment coupled with shrink-film wrap was effective in controlling decay activity and maintaining physical quality up to 20 days storage. Imazalil coupled with shrink-film wrap controlled the incidence and severity of decay and maintained fruit firmness, moisture loss, membrane permeability and vein track browning for almost 60 days storage.
On the front lines: Stress, conflict, and the customer service provider

Abstract Previous marketing research examines role stress (role conflict and role ambiguity) as an antecedent of job satisfaction across a range of professional marketing contexts. Recently, research has begun to address the impact of nonwork factors on employee job satisfaction. For the most part, however, this research ignores the front line service providers who, given their key role in building customer satisfaction and relationships, are immensely important in many business settings. In this study, a model is developed and tested that posits work-family conflict as a partial mediator of the role stress-job satisfaction relationship. Empirical results suggest that increased role conflict and role ambiguity diminish job satisfaction both directly and indirectly, such that the true effect of these important role constructs may not be understood without a consideration of work/family conflict. Results are contrasted with those from other work domains, and implications for marketing managers are discussed.
Differences in the distribution, phenotype and gene expression of subretinal microglia/macrophages in C57BL/6N (Crb1rd8/rd8) versus C57BL6/J (Crb1wt/wt) mice

Microglia/macrophages (MG/MΦ) are found in the subretinal space in both mice and humans. Our goal was to study the spatial and temporal distribution, the phenotype, and gene expression of subretinal MG/MΦ in mice with normal retinas and compare them to mice with known retinal pathology. We studied C57BL/6 mice with (C57BL/6N), or without (C57BL/6J) the rd8 mutation in the Crb1 gene (which, in the presence of yet unidentified permissive/modifying genes, leads to a retinal degeneration), and documented their fundus appearance and the change with aging. Immunostaining of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) flat mounts was done for 1) Ionized calcium binding adaptor (Iba)-1, 2) FcγIII/II Receptor (CD16/CD32, abbreviated as CD16), and 3) Macrophage mannose receptor (MMR). Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was done for genes involved in oxidative stress, complement activation and inflammation. The number of yellow fundus spots correlated highly with subretinal Iba-1+ cells. The total number of subretinal MG/MΦ increased with age in the rd8 mutant mice, but not in the wild-type (WT) mice. There was a centripetal shift in the distribution of the subretinal MG/MΦ with age. Old rd8 mutant mice had a greater number of CD16+ MG/MΦ. CD16+ cells had morphological signs of activation, and this was most prominent in old rd8 mutant mice (P <1×10−8 versus old WT mice). Subretinal MG/MΦ in rd8 mutant mice also expressed iNOS and MHC-II, and had ultrastructural signs of activation. Finally, rd8 mutant mouse RPE/ MG/MΦ RNA isolates showed an upregulation of Ccl2, CFB, C3, NF-kβ, CD200R and TNF-alpha. The retinas of rd8 mutant mice showed upregulation of HO-1, C1q, C4, and Nrf-2. When compared to C57BL/6J mice, C57BL/6N mice demonstrate increased accumulation of subretinal MG/MΦ, displaying phenotypical, morphological, and gene-expression characteristics consistent with a pro-inflammatory shift. These changes become more prominent with aging and are likely due to the combination of the rd8 mutation and yet unidentified permissive/modulatory genes in the C57BL/6N mice. In contrast, aging leads to a scavenging phenotype in the C57BL/6J subretinal microglia/macrophages.
Conservation Biology: Strict Marine Protected Areas Prevent Reef Shark Declines

Populations of two coral reef shark species are declining rapidly: the pattern of decline highlights both the substantial impact of poaching on closed areas and the success of strict no-entry marine protected areas in maintaining healthy shark populations.
Studies of the electroencephalogram of normal children: comparison of visual and automatic frequency analyses

Abstract Electroencephalograms of 71 normal children in one-year age groups ranging from 1 to 10 years inclusive were recorded. In all instances right and left parieto-occipital recordings were subjected to frequency analysis by means of the Ediswan Walter analyzer. The results of the analysis, presented in the form of a scattergram for each one-year age group, show (1) relative constancy (under basic conditions) of frequency analysis of one area and similarity of homologous areas; (2) great variability of analysis within single age groups; this has been illustrated by electroencephalograms representive of relatively mature (fast) and immature (slow) patterns in each age group; and (3) evidence of individuality of delta (1 to 3 c/sec.), theta (4 to 7 c/sec.) and alpha (8 to 12 c/sec.) which undergo complex changes with development. Four subjects (5.6 per cent) had grossly abnormal tracings. While 3 of these subjects had focal sharp-wave discharges, the fourth had a diffuse abnormality. Of the 3 subjects with focal sharp waves in their electroencephalograms, 2 had normal records 18 months later. It is concluded that sharp-wave foci in children may have a less serious prognostic significance than in adults. The relative merits of visual and automatic analysis are discussed together with suggestions for the practical application of automatic analysis in pediatric electroencephalography. It is suggested that combination of the automatic-analyzer tracing and the 8 traces of the standard recording may result in reaching or even exceeding the threshold of data saturation of the observer. Such a situation may require compromises aimed at simplifying the final presentation.
Rapid acquisition of an enhanced capacity to produce tumor necrosis factor, alpha/beta interferon, and interleukin 6 after implantation of tumor cells.

Abstract This study shows that the ability of mice to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF), alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), but not interleukin 1 (IL-1), in response to endotoxin was dramatically augmented within 24 h intradermal implantation of 10 6 tumor cells. Tumor cell implantation also caused endotoxin-independent appearance of IFN-α/β and IL-6 in serum within 24 h. Priming for endotoxin-induced TNF production was not evident during the first 12 h of tumor cell implantation and it had decreased by 72 h. However, this decrease was followed by a second peak of priming on day 6 of tumor growth. Priming for endotoxin-induced TNF production was not induced by injection of dead tumor cells, the products of live tumor cells, or syngeneic or allogeneic splenocytes. Priming for TNF production was associated with an increased susceptibility of mice to endotoxin toxicity. These data suggest the existence of a cytokine-dependent host defense mechanism that is rapidly elicited in response to tumor cell implantation.
Unstable flow during supratransus working of Ti–6Al–4V

The occurrence of flow instabilities during hot working of Ti–6Al–4V in the β phase field has been studied with the help of hot compression tests conducted over the ranges 1000°C–1100°C and 0.001–100 s−1. The stress–strain curves exhibited steady-state flow behavior at slower strain rates while oscillations were observed above 1 s−1. Instability analyses conducted using the phenomenological and continuum criteria indicated the possibility of unstable flow at faster strain rates (>1 s−1). However, the microstructural manifestation of the predicted flow instability could not be retained in the compressed specimens due to phase transformation occurring while cooling to room temperature and smaller associated strains (50%) in the uniaxial compression test. A high-speed extrusion experiment conducted by imparting larger strain (270%) under unstable flow conditions revealed that the β instability manifests in the form of flow localization bands. The presence of fine-grained structure within these bands indicates that the kinetics of phase transformation are influenced by the intense localized plastic deformation.
CONFIRMATION OF THE FREUDIAN PSYCHOSEXUAL STAGES UTILIZING SEXUAL SYMBOLISM

2,336 Ss between the ages of 3 and 17 chose one member of each of 12 pairs of Freudian-inspired shapes representing masculinity or femininity. Choices supported the psychoanalytic hypotheses that: (1) the phallic, latency, and genital stages would be revealed in shape preferences; and (2) both males and females aged 13 or older would prefer masculine shapes due to the male-orientation of our culture while the choices of children in the phallic stage, who were assumed ignorant of our culture's male-orientation, would be determined by opposite-sex attraction.
Design of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy vs. Stenting Trial (CREST)

Rationale Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and medical therapy were shown superior to medical therapy alone for symptomatic (≥50%) and asymptomatic (≥60%) stenosis. Carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS) offers a less invasive alternative. Establishing safety, efficacy, and durability of CAS requires rigorous comparison with CEA in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin disrupts TCR signaling in CD1d-restricted NKT cells leading to functional anergy.

Exogenous CD1d-binding glycolipid (α-Galactosylceramide, α-GC) stimulates TCR signaling and activation of type-1 natural killer–like T (NKT) cells. Activated NKT cells play a central role in the regulation of adaptive and protective immune responses against pathogens and tumors. In the present study, we tested the effect of Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT) on NKT cells both in vivo and in vitro. LT is a binary toxin known to suppress host immune responses during anthrax disease and intoxicates cells by protective antigen (PA)-mediated intracellular delivery of lethal factor (LF), a potent metalloprotease. We observed that NKT cells expressed anthrax toxin receptors (CMG-2 and TEM-8) and bound more PA than other immune cell types. A sub-lethal dose of LT administered in vivo in C57BL/6 mice decreased expression of the activation receptor NKG2D by NKT cells but not by NK cells. The in vivo administration of LT led to decreased TCR-induced cytokine secretion but did not affect TCR expression. Further analysis revealed LT-dependent inhibition of TCR-stimulated MAP kinase signaling in NKT cells attributable to LT cleavage of the MAP kinase kinase MEK-2. We propose that Bacillus anthracis–derived LT causes a novel form of functional anergy in NKT cells and therefore has potential for contributing to immune evasion by the pathogen.
The nasal gland of the Montpellier snake Malpolon monspessulanus: Fine structure, secretion composition, and a possible role in reduction of dermal water loss

A study was made of the structure and function of the enlarged lateral nasal gland of the Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus). This unusual gland opens directly to the exterior via a duct on the nasal valve. The secretion is spread over the skin surface by a series of stroking movements with the head. An ultrastructural examination showed that the gland does not have the specialized cytological features associated with salt secretion, the only previously known function for nasal glands in reptiles. The principal tubule cells are filled with clear secretory vacuoles of various sizes, moderate numbers of mitochondria, and have few interdigitations with adjacent cells. The nuclei are basal. In one snake the cells had numerous membrane bound lamellar bodies (LB) in the basal region. These LB stained darkly with toluidine blue and strongly resembled lamellar bodies found in the mammalian lung. Although LB were not seen in nasal glands of five other snakes, membrane bound globular structures found in some might well be earlier or later stages of the same organelle, possibly a lysosome. A major portion of the gland is a system of anastomosing ducts lined with simple columnar or cuboidal epithelium. The ducts not only connect with the secretory tubules but also with blind vessels lined with squamous epithelium. The glands go through cyclic increases in size, which are externally visible as swellings posterior to the nares. Gentle pressure on the swollen glands expelled fluid through the duct on the exterior aspect of the nasal valve. At certain times the glands also responded to subcutaneous injections of the parasympathetic agent pilocarpine by pronounced swelling. The secretion was quite watery but contained a complex mixture of fatty acids, proteins, and variable amounts of sodium and potassium. The spreading of this material over the skin might be related to retardation of dermal evaporative water loss, since long chain fatty acids are known to have this effect when applied as films on an aqueous surface. In partial confirmation of this hypothesis, rates of total evaporative water loss were found to be extremely low (0.2–0.5% body weight/day for 0.2–1.0 kg snakes at 33°C). In dry air at 33°C, the dermal loss was only about 30% of the total evaporative loss.
Quantitative model for anisotropy and reorientation thickness of the magnetic moment in thin epitaxially strained metal films

A quantitative mathematical model for the critical thickness of strained epitaxial metal films is presented, at which the magnetic moment experiences a reorientation from in-plane to perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The model is based on the minimum of the magnetic anisotropy energy with respect to the orientation of the magnetic moment of the film. Magnetic anisotropy energies are taken as the sum of shape anisotropy, magnetocrystalline anisotropy and magnetoelastic anisotropy, the two latter ones being present as constant surface and variable volume contributions. Other than anisotropy materials constants, readily available from literature, only information about the strain in the films for the determination of the magnetoelastic anisotropy energy is required. Application of the epitaxial Bain path allows to express the strain in the film in terms of substrate lattice constant and film lattice parameter, and thus to obtain an approximate closed expression for the reorientation thickness in terms of lattice mismatch. The model can predict the critical spin reorientation transition thickness with surprising accuracy.
Information Retrieval and Digital Library Applications Minitrack Introduction

Information retrieval, or "search" has become the central and primary mode for access to internet information. As more and more information becomes available the search technology required to access and retrieve that information becomes complex at the same time it becomes more commonplace. The computer science research field of information retrieval has become more widely known in recent years and has attracted researchers from other areas of computer and information science. Information Retrieval is primarily concerned with effective search in large collections of information ranging in size from small personal collections of information housed on a PC, to multi-terabyte repositories of information such as the National Science Digital Library, and indexes of the entire Web typified by Google and Yahoo.
AFSSI-C: the Adaptive Feature-Specific Spectral Imaging Classifier

We have developed an architecture for spectral classification in spectral imaging. Adaptive kernels are designed using probabilistically-weighted principal component analysis. Simulation predicts orders-of-magnitude reduction in error rates, and a prototype system is currently under construction.
Hepatic metabisulfite sensitivity in a patient with sclerosing cholangitis.

Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an uncommon chronic cholestatic liver disease with a poor prognosis in symptomatic cases. Genetic and immunologic alterations have been identified, and many possible etiologies have been entertained. Most treatments have limited benefit, and primary sclerosing cholangitis is a common cause for liver transplantation. Objective To describe a patient with documented primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with chronic ulcerative colitis, who developed hepatic toxicity following ingestion of metabisulfite. Results A placebo-controlled oral challenge suggested metabisulfite hypersensitivity with liver toxicity. He was treated with cobalamin (to prevent sulfite toxicity), low-sulfite diet, steroids, and antibiotics and has had an unusually benign course for 19 years. Conclusions The hypersensitivity to oral metabisulfite in our patient appeared to be a significant trigger to flare-ups of his disease. Controlling the response to metabisulfite (along with recurrent antibiotic and steroid therapy) may have contributed significantly to the remarkably good outcome in this patient.
1609 REAL TIME ULTRASONIC SECTOR SCANNING IN DIAGNOSING INTRACRANIAL PATHOLOGY

Real time (RT) ultrasonic sector scanning of the head was performed through the anterior fontanelle in 130 neonates for the following indications: birth weight <1500 g (60),suspected hypoxic ischemic injury secondary to perinatal asphyxia (16),or severe respiratory disease (12), neural tube defects (16),multiple congenital anomalies (12),abnormal head size (6),seizures (5) and cranial bruit (3). Additional diagnostic data was obtained from computerized tomographic (CT)scanning and post-mortem evaluation.
Harmonizing Particularity of Religions and Universality of Human Rights: Critique of Traditional 'Top Down' Approach and Proposed Alternative

This article is a response to the traditional discourse of human rights and religion as it addresses the charge of impossibility of universal human rights due to particularity of religious traditions. This traditional top-down approach is shown to be lacking in several respects. A bottom-up methodology is proposed, inspired by feminist thinkers. This alternative methodology does not separate religion but suggests that people with their religious convictions continuously redefine human rights. It includes recommendations for implementation. This process allows for more complete participation and support and has greater potential to lay the groundwork for the realization of human rights.
RGS10 is a selective activator of G alpha i GTPase activity.

POLYPEPTIDES that define a protein family termed RGS (for regulators of G-protein signalling) are encoded by the SST2 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the EGL-10 gene of the nematode Caenorhabdatis elegans, and several related mammalian genes. Genetic studies in invertebrates and mammalian cell-transfection experiments indicate that RGS proteins negatively regulate signalling pathways involving seven transmem-brane receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins1–3. However, the biochemical mechanism by which RGS proteins control these pathways is unknown. Here we report the characterization of human RGS10, a member of this protein family. Co-immunopre-cipitation studies demonstrate that RGS10 associates specifically with the activated forms of two related G-protein subunits, Gαi3 and Gα z, but fails to interact with the structurally and functionally distinct Gα s subunit. In vitro assays with purified proteins indicate that RGS10 increases potently and selectively the GTP hydrolytic activity of several members of the Gα i family, including Gα i3, Gα z and Gα o. These results demonstrate that RGS proteins can attenuate signalling pathways involving heterotrimeric G proteins by serving as GTPase-activating proteins for specific types of Gα subunits.
A method for simultaneous correction of spectrum hardening artifacts in CT images containing both bone and iodine

A method is described capable of correcting artifacts in x-ray computer tomography (CT) images due to beam hardening in an arbitrary number of substances. The method works with reconstructed image data and does not require the original raw data. It is necessary to have an estimate of the spectrum of the incident x-ray beam. The method is similar to previously described iterative methods that correct artifacts induced by bones. Our implementation was designed to correct for hardening in both bone and iodine contrast agent. It is necessary to identify those regions of the image which contain bone and iodine. A central concept is that of effective density, which is the ratio of CT number of the substance to that of water. It is necessary to establish by a preliminary experiment the relationship between CT number and mass density of iodine or bone. From these data one estimates path integrals through soft tissue (water equivalent), bone, and iodine using a reprojection algorithm applied to the given image. Given this input, a key equation is solved numerically which provides a correction term to be subtracted from the reprojected data. This can be shown to eliminate the nonlinear terms in the projections due to beam hardening, assuming that the original density estimates were correct. In principle, the method can be repeated iteratively to improve the accuracy. However, in our experience using an image of a phantom containing iothalamate meglumine and K2HPO4, scanned using the Siemens Evolution electron beam tomography scanner, the quality of the corrected image was excellent and no further iteration is needed for the phantoms studied. More research is needed to implement the method on clinical scans.
CD2 promotes human natural killer cell membrane nanotube formation.

Membrane nanotubes are thin membranous projections that physically connect two cells. While nanotubes have been studied in human natural killer (NK) cells and are implicated in aiding NK cell cytotoxic function, requirements for their formation to susceptible target cells remain incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that the CD2-CD58/48 receptor-ligand interaction promotes and is required for nanotube formation in human NK cells. In the CD2− NK cell line YTS, a stable CD2 expression variant enabled effective nanotube formation, and was associated with better cytotoxic function. Importantly, only interactions between an NK cell and a susceptible target cell were associated with multiple nanotubes and the number of nanotubes was inversely correlated with their length. Quantitative live cell fluorescence microscopy of CD2 nanotubes revealed time-dependent enrichment and localization of CD2 to the nanotube tip, and blocking CD2 receptor-ligand interactions prevented nanotube formation. Increased nanotube formation was not simply a feature of receptor-ligand pairing, as a KIR-MHC interaction in the same cell line system failed to promote nanotube formation. Additionally, blocking LFA-1-ICAM and 2B4-CD48 receptor-ligand interactions failed to inhibit nanotube formation. Thus only specific receptor-ligand pairs promote nanotubes. CD2 also promoted nanotube formation in ex vivo NK cells suggesting that CD2 plays a crucial role in the generation of nanotubes between an NK cell and its target.
Characteristics of high-power gliding arc plasma reformer for industrial applications

Summary form only given. Recently researchers of Drexel Plasma Institute have developed a 10 kW non thermal plasmatron that can be used as a basic unit for scaling up for industrial applications [1]. The goal of this study is to gain understanding of the processes which are happening during gliding arc existence. For this purpose we employed high speed photo camera “Phantom M310” to obtain information regarding gliding arc formation, propagation and extinction. We present results showing that the life time of a single arc consists of multiple stages which are the moment of breakdown, a few types of reconnections and extinction. Characteristic of the lifetime as a function of flow rate, power, arc thickness and length will be discussed.
Dose-structured population dynamics

Applied population dynamics modeling is relied upon with increasing frequency to quantify how human activities affect human and non-human populations. Current techniques include variously the population's spatial transport, age, size, and physiology, but typically not the life-histories of exposure to other important things occurring in the ambient environment, such as chemicals, heat, or radiation. Consequently, the effects of such 'abiotic' aspects of an ecosystem on populations are only currently addressed through individual-based modeling approaches that despite broad utility are limited in their applicability to realistic ecosystems [V. Grimm, Ten years of individual-based modeling in ecology: what have we learned and what could we learn in the future? Ecol. Model. 115 (1999) 129-148][1]. We describe a new category of population dynamics modeling, wherein population dynamical states of the biotic phases are structured on dose, and apply this framework to demonstrate how chemical species or other ambient aspects can be included in population dynamics in three separate examples involving growth suppression in fish, inactivation of microorganisms with ultraviolet irradiation, and metabolic lag in population growth. Dose-structuring is based on a kinematic approach that is a simple generalization of age-structuring, views the ecosystem as a multi-component mixture with reacting biotic/abiotic components. The resulting model framework accommodates (a) different memories of exposure as in recovery from toxic ambient conditions, (b) differentiation between exogenous and endogenous sources of variation in population response, and (c) quantification of acute or sub-acute effects on populations arising from life-history exposures to abiotic species. Classical models do not easily address the very important fact that organisms differ and have different experiences over their life cycle. The dose structuring is one approach to incorporate some of these elements into the existing structures of the classical models, while retaining many of the features (and other limitations) of classical models.