cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure-function analysis of the Abm12 beta mutation using site-directed mutagenesis and DNA-mediated gene transfer.

The B6.C-H-2bm12 (bm12) mouse possesses a naturally occurring mutation in its class II MHC A beta gene. The three amino acid substitutions at positions 67, 70, and 71 that comprise this mutation lead to changes in both Ia expression and immune recognition of the resultant A beta A alpha molecule. The experiments reported here utilize a combination of oligonucleotide-mediated site-directed mutagenesis and DNA-mediated gene transfer to explore the roles played by each of the three mutant residues in these various phenotypic changes. A beta genes comprising all permutations of the residues distinguishing Ab beta from Abm12 beta were created and were individually co-transfected with Ab beta into mouse L cells. Sublines expressing high levels of membrane Ia were selected by preparative flow cytometry and were studied for reactivity with a panel of monoclonal anti-Ia antibodies, or for their ability to act as antigen-presenting cells (APC) for the stimulation of T cell hybridomas. During the generation of these transfectant lines, it was noted that expression of a high level of Abm12 beta Ab alpha was more difficult to achieve than a similar level of Ab beta Ab alpha. Northern blot analysis of specific A beta and A alpha mRNA levels in these various lines indicated that more class II mRNA, and presumably more A beta and A alpha chains, were required to achieve expression of Abm12 beta Ab alpha equal to that of Ab beta Ab alpha, suggesting that the previously noted reduction of Ia expression on cells from bm12 mice reflects a decreased ability of Abm12 beta Ab alpha chains to pair, or to reach the membrane. Staining of the panel of transfectants with monoclonal antibodies revealed that antibodies which did not distinguish Ab beta Ab alpha from Abm12 beta Ab alpha also reacted equally well with all molecules involving in vitro mutant A beta chains. Monoclonal antibodies reactive with Ab beta Ab alpha but not Abm12 beta Ab alpha were specific for an epitope primarily determined by the presence or absence of Arg 70 in Ab beta. In striking contrast, all three mutant positions were found to play crucial roles in T cell recognition, because all substitutions led to significant or complete loss of antigen-presenting function with all but one of the T hybridomas tested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Asthma and allergists: A modern perspective

In the current issue of Pediatrics (page 1061), Leffert elegantly reviews the theories of asthma pathogenesis, while identifying areas of our continued ignorance. He also calls for pediatricians to assume a more central role in the management of this condition rather than resort to the traditional, often near automatic practice of referring and deferring to allergists. It would be a pity to obscure the important theme of Leffert9s article by an intramural fight for "turf" between pediatricians and allergists. The noteworthy points of Leffert9s article are: (1) Not all asthma is due to allergy. (2) Dramatic developments in asthma therapy have taken place in recent years.1-4
Spectral transverse instabilities and soliton dynamics in the higher-order multidimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Abstract Spectral transverse instabilities of one-dimensional solitary wave solutions to the two-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation with fourth-order dispersion/diffraction subject to higher-dimensional perturbations are studied. A linear boundary value problem governing the evolution of the transverse perturbations is derived. The eigenvalues of the perturbations are numerically computed using Fourier and finite difference differentiation matrices. It is found that for both signs of the higher-order dispersion coefficient there exists a finite band of unstable transverse modes. In the long wavelength limit we derive an asymptotic formula for the perturbation growth rate that agrees well with the numerical findings. Using a variational formulation based on Lagrangian model reduction, an approximate expression for the perturbation eigenvalues is obtained and its validity is compared with both the asymptotic and numerical results. The time dynamics of a one-dimensional soliton stripe in the presence of a transverse perturbation is studied using direct numerical simulations. Numerical nonlinear stability analysis is also addressed.
My traditional Japanese wedding

Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate deep gaze using a Japanese Shinto wedding ceremony as an example. Some long-term tourists develop an intimate understanding of the host country’s culture by gaining access to authentic experiences typically limited to the locals. These native visitors experience a deep gaze. Design/methodology/approach – Combing subjective personal introspection (SPI) and confirmatory personal introspection (CPI), the author’s 76 wedding photographs are examined critically. Findings – Results demonstrate how a native visitor uses SPI and CPI analyses of native gaze. While the Shinto wedding ceremony’s authenticity mixes traditional and evolutionary elements, the ceremony is best viewed as a Gestalt experience. The evidence suggests authenticity need not have deep roots in the culture. Research limitations/implications – The findings serve as only one configuration of many possible gazes. Tourist Gaze 4.0 is a set of complex antecedent conditions and multiple configurations. Origina...
Pituitary and recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid-derived human growth hormones alter glucose metabolism in 3T3 adipocytes.

3T3-F442A adipocytes were used to compare the effects on glucose metabolism of pituitary human (h) GH and methionyl-hGH produced by recombinant DNA techniques (met-hGH 22K). Pituitary hGH and met-hGH 22K were similar in their ability to inhibit glucose oxidation and lipid accumulation after 48 h. After 4 h of incubation, both forms of hGH stimulated glucose oxidation transiently in 3T3 adipocytes. A bacterially produced form of the 20,000-dalton variant of hGH (met-hGH 20K) also stimulated glucose oxidation at 4 h and inhibited glucose oxidation and lipid synthesis after 48 h. All three forms of hGH had a similar ability to inhibit [(125)I]iodo-met-hGH 22K binding to 3T3-adipocytes. Thus, met-hGH 22K and 20K directly produce in 3T3 adipocytes the transient stimulation and delayed inhibition of glucose metabolism attributed to pituitary hGH, indicating that these metabolic effects are intrinsic to the hGH molecule.
Habitat use of breeding green turtles Chelonia mydas tagged in Dry Tortugas National Park: Making use of local and regional MPAs

Abstract Use of existing marine protected areas (MPAs) by far-ranging marine turtles can be determined using satellite telemetry. Because of a lack of information on MPA use by marine turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, we used satellite transmitters in 2010 and 2011 to track movements of 11 adult female breeding green turtles (Chelonia mydas) tagged in Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO), in the Gulf of Mexico, south Florida, USA. Throughout the study period, turtles emerged every 9–18 days to nest. During the intervals between nesting episodes (i.e., inter-nesting periods), the turtles consistently used a common core-area within the DRTO boundary, determined using individual 50% kernel-density estimates (KDEs). We mapped the area in DRTO where individual turtle 50% KDEs overlapped using the USGS Along-Track Reef-Imaging System, and determined the diversity and distribution of various benthic-cover types within the mapped area. We also tracked turtles post-nesting as they transited to foraging sites 5–282 km away from tagging beaches; these sites were located both within DRTO and in the surrounding area of the Florida Keys and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), a regional MPA. Year-round residency of 9 out of 11 individuals (82%) both within DRTO and in the FKNMS represents novel non-migratory behavior, which offers an opportunity for conservation of this imperiled species at both local and regional scales. These data comprise the first satellite-tracking results on adult nesting green turtles at this remote study site. Additional tracking could reveal whether the distinct inter-nesting and foraging sites delineated here will be repeatedly used in the future by these and other breeding green turtles.
Maternal Serum Lipids During Pregnancy and Infant Birth Weight: The Influence of Prepregnancy BMI

Maternal obesity may be associated with metabolic factors that affect the intrauterine environment, fetal growth, and the offspring's long-term risk for chronic disease. Among these factors, maternal serum lipids play a particularly important role. Our objective was to estimate the influence of variation in maternal serum lipid levels on variation in infant birth weight (BW) in overweight/obese and normal weight women. In a prospective cohort of 143 gravidas, we measured maternal serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) at 6-10, 10-14, 16-20, 22-26, and 32-36 weeks gestation. Effects of maternal serum lipid levels on infant BW adjusted for gestational age at delivery (aBW) were analyzed using linear regression models. In analyses stratified by maternal prepregnancy BMI categorized as normal (≤25.0 kg/m(2)) and overweight/obese (>25.0 kg/m(2)), we found a significant (P < 0.05) inverse association between aBW and HDL-C at all time points starting at 10 weeks gestation in overweight/obese women. No significant effect was found in normal weight women. In contrast, increased maternal serum TG was significantly associated with increased aBW only for normal weight women at 10-14 and 22-26 weeks gestation. Variation in aBW is not associated with variation in maternal serum TC or LDL-C for either stratum at any time point. We postulate that such differences may be involved in the "physiological programming" that influences later risk of chronic disease in the infants of overweight/obese mothers.
Depth-based patch scaling for content-aware stereo image completion

A number of recent algorithms have been proposed for working with stereo image pairs in ways that are already familiar to users of single-image editing tools. In particular, Morse, et al. (2012) have proposed a method for performing image completion in stereo images so as to maintain stereoscopic consistency. Like prior work in stereo completion, this method drew source texture only from regions at the same depth as the target region, which while helping the result can sometimes overly limit the pool of suitable source textures. Other methods such as the Generalized PatchMatch approach of Barnes, et al. (2010) have used scaled (and otherwise transformed) source texture to improve the quality of the completed target region, but these methods rely on randomly sampling the scale (or transformation) space without knowledge of scene geometry. This paper extends stereo image completion to include source textures scaled according to the relative differences in depth between image regions. Limited random sampling is used to make the method robust to minor errors in the stereo disparities and to provide for non-uniform aspect ratios, but with far fewer random samples than prior unrestrained sampling of scale. A preference for unscaled or downsampled source textures rather than upsampled ones is incorporated into the objective function and avoids an inherent matching bias towards low-frequency regions. Results demonstrate that using scene geometry to drive scale selection results in improved image completion compared to either single-image completion or prior methods for stereo completion.
Dependence of the Electrical Conductivity and Thermoelectric Power of Pure and Aluminum-Doped Rutile on Equilibrium Oxygen Pressure and Temperature

The electrical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ and thermoelectric power $Q$ have been measured as a function of equilibrium oxygen pressure in crystals of pure and Al-doped rutile. The pressure was varied over the range ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ mm Hg to \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{3}$ mm Hg with the temperature held constant at several fixed values in the vicinity of 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The electrical conductivity of the pure material varied with pressure according to the relation $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}{p}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{x}}$ with $x\ensuremath{\approx}6$ for $pg10$ mm Hg and $x\ensuremath{\approx}5$ for $pl10$ mm Hg. For the Al-doped crystal, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ reached a minimum for $p={p}_{0}$ mm Hg. At low pressures $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ followed a relation of the form $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}{p}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{x}}$ with $x\ensuremath{\sim}5$, whereas at high pressures a relation of the form $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}{p}^{+\frac{1}{x}}$ with $x\ensuremath{\sim}5$ was obeyed. The thermoelectric power exhibited a reversal near ${p}_{0}$, being negative at lower pressures and positive for $pg{p}_{0}$. For pure rutile a defect model involving anion vacancies and estimated values of equilibrium constants leads to a pressure dependence of the conductivity: $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}{p}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{6}}$, whereas for a model involving titanium interstitials the pressure dependence is $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}{p}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{5}}$. On the basis of the present measurements it seems that for pure rutile the anion vacancy mechanism obtains at "high" pressures with the titanium interstitials mechanism predominating at "low" pressures. For Al-doped rutile, both the anion vacancy model and the titanium interstitials model are shown to give rise to approximately the observed pressure dependence of conductivity. The anion vacancy model equations are solved in detail (assuming certain values of the equilibrium constants). The titanium interstitials model equations are not solved explicitly for this case but it is shown that for a certain combination of reaction constants the observed pressure dependence may be approximated. Assuming a two-band formalism to be valid---and therefore, a formalism into which the results derived from any defect model must fit---we have analyzed the data and shown that reasonable agreement with observation results. Some indications that hole mobilities at 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are considerably larger (\ensuremath{\sim}180 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/V sec) than those of the electrons are discussed. Assuming high-temperature polar scattering to obtain, a hole effective mass ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}{m}_{0}$ (where ${m}_{0}$ is the free-electron mass) is deduced as a consequence of the mobility calculations.
Developmental control of late replication and S phase length.

Summary Background Fast, early embryonic cell cycles have correspondingly fast S phases. In early Drosophila embryos, forks starting from closely spaced origins replicate the whole genome in 3.4 min, ten times faster than in embryonic cycle 14 and a hundred times faster than in a wing disc. It is not known how S phase duration is regulated. Here we examined prolongation of embryonic S phases, its coupling to development, and its relationship to the appearance of heterochromatin. Results Imaging of fluorescent nucleotide incorporation and GFP-PCNA gave exquisite time resolution of S phase events. In the early S phases, satellite sequences replicated rapidly despite a compact chromatin structure. In S phases 11–13, a delay in satellite replication emerged in sync with modest and progressive prolongation of S phase. In S phase 14, major and distinct delays ordered the replication of satellites into a sequence that occupied much of S phase. This onset of late replication required transcription. Satellites only accumulated abundant heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) after replicating in S phase 14. By cycle 15, satellites clustered in a compact HP1-positive mass, but replication occurred at decondensed foci at the surface of this mass. Conclusions The slowing of S phase is an active process, not a titration of maternal replication machinery. Most sequences continue to replicate rapidly in successive cycles, but increasing delays in the replication of satellite sequences extend S phase. Although called constitutively heterochromatic, satellites acquire the distinctive features of heterochromatin, compaction, late replication, HP1 binding, and aggregation at the chromocenter, in successive steps coordinated with developmental progress.
Hypochondriasis, masked depression, and electroconvulsive therapy.

Much of the extensive literature on hypochondriasis assumes that it is related to depression. '·'4 Many authors believe that hypochondriasis is a symptom of depression,3.4·6.8.10 especially in the elderly.5.9 Others see the two conditions as coexistent.2.7.12.13 The most frequently advanced idea is that the underlying depression, instead of being expressed in the typical emotional and vegetative symptoms, is masked by the somatic presentation, and thus serves as a defense against the depression itself.3.4.6.8.9.'2 There is agreement on the difficulty of treating hypochondriacal patients; confrontive or insight-oriented psychotherapy is generally held to be ineffective because of the tremendous denial exhibited by these patients.I.5.15.'6 Many authors recommend supportive treatment, preferably by a medical practitioner rather than by a psychiatrist,5.14.17.2o although others do advise analytically oriented psychotherapy.6.21.23 The opinion on somatic treatments is divided, with some authors finding it of little value I 1.22 or even counterproductive8. '2 while others advocate the use of medications in hypochondriacal patients with serious, especially suicidal, depressions.2.4.5.,o.'1.16 Most authors find electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to be of little value2.5.10 or even detrimental1.22; others
The Response of a Spectral General Circulation Model to Refinements in Radiative Processes

Abstract We present here results and analyses of a series of numerical experiments performed with a spectral general circulation model (GCM). The purpose of the GCM experiments is to examine the role of radiation/cloud processes in the general circulation of the troposphere and stratosphere. The experiments were primarily motivated by the significant improvements in the GCM zonal mean simulation as refinements were made in the model treatment of clear-sky radiation and cloud-radiative interactions. The GCM with the improved cloud/radiation model is able to reproduce many observed features, such as: a clear separation between the wintertime tropospheric jet and the polar night jet; winter polar stratospheric temperatures of about 200 K; interhemispheric and seasonal asymmetries in the zonal winds. In a set of sensitivity experiments, we have stripped the cloud/radiation model of its improvements, the result being a significant degradation of the zonal mean simulations by the GCM. Through these experiments ...
Tests of a mixed model for paired-associates learning with overlapping stimuli ☆

Abstract This research was concerned with the overlap problem of discrimination-learning theory—how discriminations among stimuli with overlapping cues are learned. One hundred and twenty subjects learned a paired-associates list in which the overlap among the compound stimulus members of the items was varied to produce a wide range of component cue validities and intratask transfer effects. After learning the list, subjects were tested on the component cues alone and on a series of novel compounds which overlapped the training compounds. An analysis of these transfer tests indicated that subjects tended to respond on the basis of the validity or relevancy of the component cues, and that frequency of presentation of the cues during learning was not a critical variable. An extended version of a mixed model of stimulus-sampling theory yielded a good quantitative account of acquisition and transfer performance.
Combined open septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Abstract Objectives: To compare perioperative and immediate postoperative complication rates of combined open septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery to complication rates of the 2 procedures performed individually. Methods: A sample of 57 patients treated at an academic referral center who had undergone combined open septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery was identified. Medical charts were reviewed to identify complications encountered during, or immediately after the combined procedures. These complication rates were compared to the complication rates of the 2 procedures performed alone as quoted in the general medical literature. Results: Patients ranged in age from 14 to 77 years (mean age, 42 years). Among the 57 cases, there were 7 (12%) minor complications and no major complications. Of the minor complications, there were 4 cases of mild cellulitis (7%) and 3 cases of postoperative epistaxis (5%). No other intraoperative or early postoperative complications were found. Conclusions: Open septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery may be safely and effectively performed in combination without a significantly increased risk of complications when compared to either procedure performed individually. The slightly increased risk of cellulitis encountered in our study may warrant careful consideration of the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis following combined open septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Photon-induced Complete Dehydrogenation of Putative Interstellar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Cations: Coronene and Naphtho[2,3-a]pyrene

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectra of coronene and naphtho[2,3-a]pyrene radical cations exposed to broadband ultraviolet/visible radiation are presented. Parent ions are formed and confined in a Penning trap at 3.0 T and photolyzed with an Xe arc lamp. Each of the two radical cations is found to dehydrogenate completely to leave the C+24 bare carbon cluster cation. The extent of dehydrogenation depends directly on irradiation power. We infer that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon cations are inherently unstable to photolysis. We discuss some implications of hydrogen loss to yield bare carbon cluster cations. The relevance of dehydrogenation to unidentified interstellar infrared emission bands is discussed briefly.
Carbon isotope fractionation during photosynthesis

A study was made of the reasons for isotopic fractionation in photosynthesis and the various factors controlling it. CO/sub 2/ samples from plants, air, and calcium carbonate were analyzed in a mass spectrometer in order to determine C/sup 13//C/sup 12/ and O/sup 18//O/sup 16/ ratios. The relative is otopic compositions of the samples and the fractionation factor between CO/sub 2/ and fixed plant carbon were determined. The effects of high light intensities on the fractionation factors of photosynthesis were studied. Results indicated that greater C/sup 12/ enrichment occurred at high CO/sub 2/ concentrations and that light intensity was not important. Experiments on the extraction of "dissolved CO/sub 2/" and on the enzymic fixation of carbon dioxide suggested that the major fractionation of carbon isotopes in the photosynthetic fixation of atmospheric CO/ sub 2/ is due to two steps. The first step involves the preferential uptake of C/ sup 12/ from the atmosphere and the second step the preferential conver the first product of photosynthesis. Subsequent matabolism of photosynthetic products was accompanied by isotope fractionation. However, these fractionations affected the isotopic composition of only a few minor constituents of the plant. (M.C.G.)
Fatigue Failure of Composite Bolted Joints

The effects of a number of parameters on the fatigue characteristics of a bolted graphite/epoxy composite laminate are investigated. In particular, tests were performed in order to study the influence of three independent parameters; applied stress level, orientation of the outer layer reinforcing filaments, and the bolt torque level on the fatigue life of a graphite/epoxy composite. Analysis of variance and censoring techniques were used to analyze the experimentally obtained data. Fatigue life data was determined to be adequately characterized by using a log-normal distribution. 29 refs.
Another record of incomplete ambicoloration in the summer flounder,Paralichthys dentatus

A specimen of the sunmmr flounder,Paralichthys dentatus, exhibiting incomplete ambicoloration was recently caught off North Carolina. The capture of this fish supports the suggestion that identical genetic factors or environmental combinations may cause the phenomenon.
Defining and measuring conceptual knowledge in mathematics

Abstract A long tradition of research on mathematical thinking has focused on procedural knowledge, or knowledge of how to solve problems and enact procedures. In recent years, however, there has been a shift toward focusing, not only on solving problems, but also on conceptual knowledge. In the current work, we reviewed (1) how conceptual knowledge is defined in the mathematical thinking literature, and (2) how conceptual knowledge is defined, operationalized, and measured in three mathematical domains: equivalence, cardinality, and inversion. We uncovered three general issues. First, few investigators provide explicit definitions of conceptual knowledge. Second, the definitions that are provided are often vague or poorly operationalized. Finally, the tasks used to measure conceptual knowledge do not always align with theoretical claims about mathematical understanding. Together, these three issues make it challenging to understand the development of conceptual knowledge, its relationship to procedural knowledge, and how it can best be taught to students. In light of these issues, we propose a general framework that divides conceptual knowledge into two facets: knowledge of general principles and knowledge of the principles underlying procedures.
Theoretical Analysis of "Switching" in a Localized Model for Mountain Pine Beetle Mass Attack

Abstract The dynamic interaction between mountain pine beetles (MPB) and hosts (generally lodgepole pine) is reviewed briefly. In particular, successful “switching” from initial foci of attack to nearby hosts which may be higher-quality resources is a potentially critical element initiating the transition from endemic to epidemic population levels. A coupled partial differential equation model for MPB dispersal and host response is reviewed. The equations are decoupled making an adiabatic assumption for MPB chemotaxis, and a “local” projection is made using the leading eigenfunction for the MPB density equation. This projection yields a system of ordinary differential equations for the spatio-temporal responses at individual trees. These equations are analysed to determine what factors control successful “switching” in a two-tree model. The results suggest that stand thinning ameliorates outbreaks mainly through interference with the chemical ecology via a change in micro-climate rather than by altering host vigor.
Caffeine-stimulated ATP-reactivated motility in a detergent-treated bovine sperm model.

Abstract Mammalian sperm cells contain most of the components of a cyclic AMP-mediation system. To determine if the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase has a role in the control of bovine sperm motility, a sperm model was developed that was permeable to exogenously added ATP. Treatment of bovine epididymal spermatozoa with dithiothreitol and Brij-35 (polyoxyethylene alcohol), a nonionic surfactant, resulted in a sperm model with caffeine-stimulated, ATP-reactivatable motility. The results of the data obtained using this sperm model can be summarized as follows. (1) Brij partially solubilized the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity and released nearly half of the total acid-extractable nucleotides of the cells. (2) Brij treatment severely damaged the sperm mitochondria as judged by their lack of respiration. (3) Brij-treated spermatozoa lose their motility but were reactivated with ATP; the reactivated motility was stimulated by caffeine. (4) Despite the caffeine stimulation of motility in Brij-treated spermatozoa, increased protein phosphorylation did not accompany reactivation of motility, nor could a cyclic AMP effect be demonstrated on reactivated motility or on kinase activity in the sperm model.
A population study on changes in wave aberrations with accomodation

Wave aberrations were measured with a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) in the right eye of a large young adult population when accommodative demands of 0, 3, and 6 D were presented to the tested eye through a Badal system. Three SHWS images were recorded at each accommodative demand and wave aberrations were computed over a 5-mm pupil (through 6th order Zernike polynomials). The accommodative response was calculated from the Zernike defocus over the central 3-mm diameter zone. Among all individual Zernike terms, spherical aberration showed the greatest change with accommodation. The change of spherical aberration was always negative, and was proportional to the change in accommodative response. Coma and astigmatism also changed with accommodation, but the direction of the change was variable. Despite the large inter-subject variability, the population average of the root mean square for all aberrations (excluding defocus) remained constant for accommodative levels up to 3.0 D. Even though aberrations change with accommodation, the magnitude of the aberration change remains less than the magnitude of the uncorrected aberrations, even at high accommodative levels. Therefore, a typical eye will benefit over the entire accommodative range (0-6 D) if aberrations are corrected for distance viewing.
Whole Language in Theory and Practice

The increasing attention to the whole language movement in speech-language pathology is a natural result of the evolution of our field toward more interactive and naturalistic intervention practices. This paper presents the historical influence of many disciplines that have led to the whole language movement and some of the theoretical principles underlying this philosophy. The differences between assumptions underlying traditional intervention practices are contrasted with those of whole language. Specific suggestions for implementing whole language intervention with language-disordered children is presented, including using theme building to achieve long- and short-term objectives, accomplishing multiple goals through collaborative activities, and facilitating the language learning process using scaffolding strategies and developmentally appropriate interactions.
Whitman to C. W. Post: A Lost Letter Located

Presents a newly located lost letter of Whitman's and offers a brief history of its recipient, the dry-cereal manufacturer C.W. Post.
Mouse and fly models of neurodegeneration

One of the most surprising discoveries of the past decade (at least in the field of neurodegeneration) was that protein misfolding underlies several seemingly disparate neurological diseases. Animal models were crucial to this discovery. In this article, we will discuss the CAG repeat diseases, the tauopathies and Parkinson disease, highlighting how mouse and fly models have contributed to our understanding of pathogenesis. In each case, we will stress what has been learned about the role of protein clearance and the questions that remain about how misfolded proteins acquire their toxicity.
Harmony, Peacemaking, and Power: Controlling Processes and African Mediation

Anthropologist Laura Nader has advanced a scathing critique of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a controlling process. Data from an anthropological study in The Gambia, West Africa, indicate that processes such as mediation have a wide range of social functions and can be used to challenge as well as reinforce hierarchies. A more balanced analysis of conflict resolution and a cross-cultural perspective illuminate both the challenges and the potential of mediation.
Nanoscale n-channel and ambipolar organic field-effect transistors

N-channel and ambipolar organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with a few tens of nanometer channel length were fabricated and characterized. N,N′-bis(n-octyl)-dicyanoperylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) (PDI-8CN2) was employed as the active semiconductor and yielded a linear regime electron mobility of 2.3×10−3cm2∕Vs at 5×105V∕cm in an OFET with channel length of 15nm. An ambipolar heterostructure transistor consisting of thin layers of PDI-8CN2 and pentacene was fabricated with channel length of about 23nm. Field-effect hole and electron mobilities of 9.2×10−3 and 4.0×10−3cm2∕Vs, respectively, are obtained at 5×105V∕cm. These results represent the shortest channel length n-channel and ambipolar organic transistors that have been fabricated.
Cell-Mediated Assembly of Phototherapeutics†

Light-activatable drugs offer the promise of controlled release with exquisite temporal and spatial resolution. However, light-sensitive prodrugs are typically converted to their active forms using short-wavelength irradiation, which displays poor tissue penetrance. We report herein erythrocyte-mediated assembly of long-wavelength-sensitive phototherapeutics. The activating wavelength of the constructs is readily preassigned by using fluorophores with the desired excitation wavelength λ(ex). Drug release from the erythrocyte carrier was confirmed by standard analytical tools and by the expected biological consequences of the liberated drugs in cell culture: methotrexate, binding to intracellular dihydrofolate reductase; colchicine, inhibition of microtubule polymerization; dexamethasone, induced nuclear migration of the glucocorticoid receptor.
The lack of scientific evidence in clinical practice guideline in brain death determination: Implications for organ donation and transplantation.

Human death is universally understood to be a biological phenomenon, that is, the irreversible loss of the body's ability to mitigate entropy. Technological advances in transplantation medicine created the problem of optimally managing the supply of and demand for viable organs. We have previously outlined how irreversible apneic coma was introduced as a criterion of death and was approved by the US President's Commission in 1981.[1] The Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) enacted two alternative methods in death determination: (1) Irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions; or (2) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem.[1] Other countries have adopted the brainstem definition of death. Most jurisdictions have followed the US legislation. Existing laws already disallow the act of procurement to be the proximate cause of the donor's death, reflecting a deontological moral premise that, in the context of organ donation, is referred to as the dead donor rule (DDR). Different cultures and religions do not object to organ donation if and only if vital organs are procured from cadavers and thus, in compliance with the DDR. The legal and moral legitimacy of procuring organs after determination of death with brain-based criteria, that is, brain death (BD) is centered on its equivalency with biological death. The concept of BD has serious shortcomings in this regard: (1) equivalency with biological death cannot be substantiated by contemporary neuroscience; (2) standard practice guideline for BD diagnosis is based only on weak scientific evidence, and (3) the biophilosophical explanation to equate BD and human death lacks logical coherence.
Adsorption of rotavirus and bacteriophage MS2 using glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles

Abstract Batch and flow-through experiments were conducted to investigate the removal and inactivation of rotavirus (RV) and bacteriophage MS2 using glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles. Batch tests showed a high removal of MS2 (2.49 × 10 11 plaque forming unit/g) and RV (8.9 × 10 6 focal forming unit/g) at a low concentration of hematite nanoparticles in solution (0.043 g/L and 0.26 g/L, respectively). Virus adsorption was, however, decreased in the presence of bicarbonate ions and natural organic matter (NOM) in solution, suggesting a great affinity of iron oxide nanoparticles for these competitors. Adsorption on hematite nanoparticles by MS2 and RV was also tested with aquifer groundwater under saturated flow conditions to mimic environmental conditions with promising results (8 × 10 8 plaque forming unit/g and 3 × 10 4 focal forming unit/g, respectively). Desorption of up to 63% of infectious MS2 and only 2% of infectious RV from hematite nanoparticles were achieved when an eluant solution containing beef extract and glycine was used. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed evidence of electrostatic adsorption of apparently intact MS2 and structurally damaged RV particles to hematite nanoparticles. Results from this research suggest that a cartridge made of glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles could be used as a point-of-use device for virus removal for drinking water treatment.
Lightning Rates Relative to Tornadic Storm Evolution on 22 May 1981

Lightning and Doppler radar data for two tornadic storms in Oklahoma on May 22, 1981 are used to analyze ground flash rates relative to the time of tornadoes. It is found that the ground flash rates had no obvious relationship with the tornado times, although the stroke rate in both storms was greatest after the tornadic stage ended. The variations in the cyclone shear and the intracloud flash rates within 10 km of the mesocyclone region are examined. The results suggest that most tornadic storms have an increase in total flash rates near the time of the tornado and that this increase is often dominated by intracloud flashes.
Gasoline addiction in children

Three cases of addiction to the inhalation of gasoline fumes are presented with a discussion of the physiological and dynamic factors involved in such cases. It is believed that the statistical incidence of this behavior is much higher than commonly assumed, but no accurate figures are available because of the lack of an adequate investigation. Also, this behavior may not be revealed in routine pediatric or psychiatric interviews. The predisposing factors in these children, which may lead to future reliance on alcohol or drugs, are discussed.
Evaluation of an objective method for the in vivo measurement of changes in light transmittance of the human crystalline lens

Because the results of various vision tests and diagnostic methods are influenced by the amount of light transmitted by the lens, it would be useful to quantify changes in transmittance. We have developed a new method capable of following these changes objectively and quantitatively. The method is based on an increasing loss of fluorescence emitted by the lens substance as the probing volume is located more posteriorly along the lens axis. The loss of fluorescence is quantified by a parameter called the fluorescence reading ratio (FRR). In the present study, performed on postmortem human lenses, we evaluated the validity of our proposed in vivo method by comparing it with measurements of lens transmittance by spectrophotometry. The correlation of FRR with the transmittance between 420- and 500 nm ( r > 0·7, P r = 0·93, P r = 0·88, P
Theoretical study of the mechanism of alkane hydroxylation and ethylene epoxidation reactions catalyzed by diiron bis-oxo complexes. The effect of substrate molecules.

The hybrid density functional method B3LYP was used to study the mechanism of the hydrocarbon (methane, ethane, methyl fluoride, and ethylene) oxidation reaction catalyzed by the complexes cis-(H2O)(NH2)Fe(μ-O)2(η2-HCOO)2Fe(NH2)(H2O), I, and cis-(HCOO)(Imd)Fe(μ-O)2(η2-HCOO)2Fe(Imd)(HCOO) (Imd = Imidazole), I_m, the “small” and “medium” model of compound Q of the methane monooxygenase (MMO). The improvement of the model from “small” to “medium” did not change the qualitative conclusions but significantly changed the calculated energetics. As in the case of methane oxidation reported by the authors previously, the reaction of all the substrates studied here is shown to start by coordination of the substrate molecule to the bridging oxygen atom, O1 of I, an Fe(IV)-Fe(IV) complex, followed by the H-atom abstraction at the transition state III leading to the bound hydroxy alkyl intermediate IV of Fe(III)-Fe(IV) core. IV undergoes a very exothermic coupling of alkyl and hydroxy groups to give the alcohol comple...
Entangled photon generation in a phase-modulated, quasi-phasematched crystal

We propose a scheme to generate polarization-entangled photon pairs by spontaneous parametric downconversion in a phase-modulated, type-II, quasi-phasematched (QPM) crystal. Instead of using two distinct crystals to generate |HV〉and |VH〉states, the phase-modulated QPM grating allows both states to be generated simultaneously in a distributed fashion throughout the nonlinear crystal. Temporal compensation is still needed to correct for effects of birefringence in the crystal. The distributed generation of the polarization-entangled photons is compared to generation using two sequential crystals.
Context, Computation, and Optimal ROC Performance in Hierarchical Models

It is widely recognized that human vision relies on contextual information, typically arising from each of many levels of analysis. Local gradient information, otherwise ambiguous, is seen as part of a smooth contour or sharp angle in the context of an object's boundary or corner. A stroke or degraded letter, unreadable by itself, contributes to the perception of a familiar word in the context of the surrounding strokes and letters. The iconic Dalmatian dog stays invisible until a multitude of clues about body parts and posture, and figure and ground, are coherently integrated. Context is always based on knowledge about the composition of parts that make up a whole, as in the arrangement of strokes that make up a letter, the arrangement of body parts that make up an animal, or the poses and postures of individuals that make up a mob. From this point of view, the hierarchy of contextual information available to an observer derives from the compositional nature of the world being observed. We will formulate this combinatorial viewpoint in terms of probability distributions and examine the computational implications. Whereas optimal recognition performance in this formulation is NP-complete, we will give mathematical and experimental evidence that a properly orchestrated computational algorithm can achieve nearly optimal recognition within a feasible number of operations. We will interpret the notions of bottom-up and top-down processing as steps in the staging of one such orchestration.
Prevalence of Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Ideation Among Lesbian and Gay Youth

Abstract Researchers argue that a disproportionate number of lesbian and gay adolescents attempt suicide. The problem demands careful attention from social work. Most, perhaps all, social workers serve lesbian and gay clients. Some are aware of it. Yet all too often social workers assume that the sexual orientation of the adolescents with whom they work does not vary. When that assumption is made, social workers may be missing a key opportunity to understand and intervene with and on behalf of gay and lesbian teens. This paper begins by defining several pertinent terms. Next, it examines findings concerning prevalence and risk factors for suicidality in lesbian and gay youth, and provides information on recognizing lesbian and gay adolescents. The paper ends with an overview of areas in which social workers need to intervene.
How old is my gene

Gene functions, interactions, disease associations, and ecological distributions are all correlated with gene age. However, it is challenging to estimate the intricate series of evolutionary events leading to a modern-day gene and then to reduce this history to a single age estimate. Focusing on eukaryotic gene families, we introduce a framework that can be used to compare current strategies for quantifying gene age, discuss key differences between these methods, and highlight several common problems. We argue that genes with complex evolutionary histories do not have a single well-defined age. As a result, care must be taken to articulate the goals and assumptions of any analysis that uses gene age estimates. Recent algorithmic advances offer the promise of gene age estimates that are fast, accurate, and consistent across gene families. This will enable a shift to integrated genome-wide analyses of all events in gene evolutionary histories in the near future.
A Method to Analyze Voltage Resonance in Power Systems

While the appearance of nonlinear devices as loads in electric power systems is not a new phenomenon, this sector of the total demand is significantly increasing and has reached substantial levels in many areas. Experience has shown that the configuration of the power system to which these devices are attached can be such as to cause a resonance condition to develop [1], [2]. This paper proposes a method to readily evaluate a system configuration so that an evaluation of possible problems due to harmonic voltage resonance can be made. This method will produce results with enough accuracy to reduce the need to run multiple modified Newton-Raphson power flow studies [3], [4].
Characterization of post-fire surface cover, soils, and burn severity at the Cerro Grande Fire, New Mexico, using hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing

Abstract Forest fires leave behind a changed ecosystem with a patchwork of surface cover that includes ash, charred organic matter, soils and soil minerals, and dead, damaged, and living vegetation. The distributions of these materials affect post-fire processes of erosion, nutrient cycling, and vegetation regrowth. We analyzed high spatial resolution (2.4 m pixel size) Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data collected over the Cerro Grande fire, to map post-fire surface cover into 10 classes, including ash, soil minerals, scorched conifer trees, and green vegetation. The Cerro Grande fire occurred near Los Alamos, New Mexico, in May 2000. The AVIRIS data were collected September 3, 2000. The surface cover map revealed complex patterns of ash, iron oxide minerals, and clay minerals in areas of complete combustion. Scorched conifer trees, which retained dry needles heated by the fire but not fully combusted by the flames, were found to cover much of the post-fire landscape. These scorched trees were found in narrow zones at the edges of completely burned areas. A surface cover map was also made using Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) data, collected September 5, 2000, and a maximum likelihood, supervised classification. When compared to AVIRIS, the Landsat classification grossly overestimated cover by dry conifer and ash classes and severely underestimated soil and green vegetation cover. In a comparison of AVIRIS surface cover to the Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) map of burn severity, the BAER high burn severity areas did not capture the variable patterns of post-fire surface cover by ash, soil, and scorched conifer trees seen in the AVIRIS map. The BAER map, derived from air photos, also did not capture the distribution of scorched trees that were observed in the AVIRIS map. Similarly, the moderate severity class of Landsat-derived burn severity maps generated from the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) calculation had low agreement with the AVIRIS classes of scorched conifer trees. Burn severity and surface cover images were found to contain complementary information, with the dNBR map presenting an image of degree of change caused by fire and the AVIRIS-derived map showing specific surface cover resulting from fire.