cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Approach for Testing Methods for Modeling Uncertainty

To address the need for efficient and unbiased experimental testing of methods for modeling uncertainty that are used for decision making, we devise an approach for probing weaknesses of these methods by running numerical experiments on arbitrary data. We recommend using readily available data recorded in real-life activities, such as competitions, student design projects, medical procedures, or business decisions. Because the generating mechanism and the probability distribution of this data is often unknown, the approach adds dimensions, such as fitting errors and time dependencies of data that may be missing from tests conducted using computer simulations. For an illustration, we tested probabilistic and possibilistic methods using a database of results of a domino tower competition. The experiments yielded several surprising results. First, even though a probabilistic metric of success was used, there was no significant difference between the rates of success of the probabilistic and possibilistic models. Second, the common practice of inflating uncertainty when there is little data about the uncertain variables shifted the decision differently for the probabilistic and possibilistic models, with the latter being counter-intuitive. Finally, inflation of uncertainty proved detrimental even when very little data was available.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake and the Risk of Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Women

Background Despite the promising findings from short-term intervention trials, the long-term effect of habitual fruit and vegetable intake on blood pressure (BP) remains uncertain. We therefore assessed the prospective association between baseline intake of fruits and vegetables and the risk of hypertension in a large cohort of middle-aged and older women.
Interface ferromagnetism in a SrMnO 3 /LaMnO 3 superlattice

Resonant soft x-ray absorption measurements at the O $K$ edge on a ${\mathrm{SrMnO}}_{3}\text{/}{\mathrm{LaMnO}}_{3}$ superlattice show a shoulder at the energy of doped holes, which corresponds to the main peak of resonant scattering from the modulation in the doped hole density. Scattering line shape at the Mn ${L}_{3,2}$ edges has a strong variation below the ferromagnetic transition temperature. This variation has a period equal to half the superlattice superperiod and follows the development of the ferromagnetic moment, pointing to a ferromagnetic phase developing at the interfaces. It occurs at the resonant energies for ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{4+}$ valences. A model for these observations is presented, which includes a double-exchange two-site orbital and the variation with temperature of the hopping frequency ${t}_{ij}$ between the two sites.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation induces current pulses in transcranial direct current stimulation electrodes

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique where weak direct current is administered through electrodes placed on the subject's head. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method for focal brain stimulation where small intracranial currents are induced by a pulsed magnetic field. TMS can be applied simultaneously with tDCS to probe brain excitability or to effect synergistic neuromodulation. Delivering TMS simultaneously with tDCS can induce electric current pulses in the tDCS electrodes even when the tDCS device is turned off or is set to 0 mA output, as long as the electrodes are connected to the tDCS current source. The output impedance of commercial tDCS devices is in the range of 2–5 kΩ which can allow substantial currents to be induced by TMS. In a rat TMS-tDCS setup, the induced currents are comparable to the tDCS current magnitude. To mitigate the induced currents, the area of the loop formed by the tDCS electrode leads should be minimized and the impedance of the tDCS circuit at TMS pulses frequencies (1–10 kHz) should be maximized.
Characteristics of soil microbiostasis

Abstract No increase in numbers of fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria in 3 days, as measured by selective media, was used as an indication of the presence of fungistasis, actinostasis and bacteriostasis in soil, respectively. The population of fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria did not increase in 9 of 10 soils tested indicating concurrent existence of fungistasis, actinostasis and bacteriostasis in a wide range of soils. When Penicillium funiculosum, Streptomyces scabies and Agrobacterium radiobacter were used as test organisms, these three types of microbiostasis were detected simultaneously in all 8 soils tested. All three groups of microorganisms flourished in autoclaved soil, and microbiostasis was restored to sterilized soil by reinoculation with 1% natural soil or microorganisms including antibiotic and non-antibiotic producers. Soil microbiostasis was annulled completely or partially by addition of different nutrie0nts. Bacteriostasis appeared to be the easiest to overcome with nutrients among these three types of microbiostasis.
The Closure of the Ocean Mixed Layer Temperature Budget using Level-Coordinate Model Fields

Entrainment is an important element of the mixed layer mass, heat, and temperature budgets. Conventional procedures to estimate entrainment heat advection often do not permit the closure of heat and temperature budgets because of inaccuracies in its formulation. In this study a rigorous approach to evaluate the effect of entrainment using the output of a general circulation model (GCM) that does not have an explicit prognostic mixed layer model is described. The integral elements of the evaluation are 1) the rigorous estimates of the temperature difference between mixed layer water and entrained water at each horizontal grid point, 2) the formulation of the temperature difference such that the budget closes over a volume greater than one horizontal grid point, and 3) the apparent warming of the mixed layer during the mixed layer shoaling to account for the weak vertical temperature gradient within the mixed layer. This evaluation of entrainment heat advection is compared with the estimates by other commonly used ad hoc formulations by applying them in three regions: the north-central Pacific, the Kuroshio Extension, and the Nino-3 areas in the tropical Pacific. In all three areas the imbalance in the mixed layer temperature budget by the ad hoc estimates is significant, reaching a maximum of about 4 K yr(exp -1).
Russian grandparent–grandchild communication: stories about the past and current events

This paper is a continuation of the previous study [Romanov, A. Y. (2009b). Communication satisfaction and topics of conversation in grandparent–grandchild communication in Russia. Russian Journal of Communication, 2, 26–45] and examines 21 Russian grandparents' narratives about past and current events in grandparent–grandchild (GP–GC) interviews with the help of qualitative analysis. The study explores grandparents' narratives involving history and current events in an attempt to explain why the former topic is positively associated with grandparents' perceived communication satisfaction and the latter is negatively associated with their perceived communication satisfaction. Russian grandmothers and grandfathers articulate different messages, both about historical topics and current events, in GP–GC communication. Grandfathers talk more about their studies in younger years, their work, and their opinions on past events, whereas grandmothers disclose more about their relationships, interests, and tastes w...
Utilization of mercaptoethylgluconamide for depleting human cystinotic fibroblasts of their accumulated lysosomal cystine.

ABSTRACT: Human cystinotic fibroblasts were completely depleted of their accumulated intracellular free cystine within a 2-h time interval when exposed to culture medium containing between 1 and 5 mM mercaptoethylgluconamide. This cystine-depleting action of mercaptoethylgluconamide was observed with three different human cystinotic fibroblast cell lines and with all three cell lines, 2 mM mercaptoethylgluconamide was as effective as 1 mM cysteamine in depleting cells of their intracellular free cystine. Cell viability was excellent for cystinotic fibroblasts exposed to 2 mM mercaptoethylgluconamide for up to 6 days in duration. Mercaptoethylgluconamide (2 mM) was sufficiently stable under cell culture conditions such that a single addition of mercaptoethylgluconamide maintained cystine depletion in human cystinotic fibroblasts for at least a 4-day period. In contrast to cysteamine, 2 mM mercaptoethylgluconamide was not capable of depleting the cystine content of isolated cystinotic lysosomes, implying that cellular integrity is necessary to achieve cystine depletion by mercaptoethylgluconamide. The efficient cystine-depleting action of mercaptoethylgluconamide coupled with its lack of offensive odor encourage further investigation of this agent to possibly complement or supplant the use of cysteamine in the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis.
A simplified model for stable open porosity

Abstract A simplified model is developed for a stable network of interconnected porosity in a polycrystalline material. Rectangular parallelipipeds are assumed to represent grains, with cylindrical tubes of porosity along all edges. Adapting the theory of shape instabilities for infinite cylinders to finite segments, the model predicts a critical volume fraction (or swelling) for a stable/unstable condition of ~ 5–6% for equiaxed grains. This is in good agreement with many experimental results for the onset of isolated porosity during sintering and the onset of interconnected porosity during the swelling of ceramic nuclear fuels. The model also predicts much larger critical values for significantly elongated grains and in particular indicates that the open-tunnel mechanism of fission-gas release in ceramic nuclear fuels does not apply to elongated or columnar grains.
3D method via time and spatially multiplexed confocal microscope

A confocal microscope can achieve superior contrast when imaging a certain layer in the bulky samples. However, the parallel signal collection feature of the optical system is sacrificed when the sample is scanned pixel by pixel. In this paper, we proposed a novel confocal microscope design that uses a time and spatially multiplexed method, which dramatically increases the time resolution of a confocal microscope. This design has been used to solve a long-standing problem in cardiac research whether or not a small submembranous domain exists with calcium and sodium ion concentrations significantly different from those measured in bulk cytosol. We applied our time and spatially multiplexed confocal microscope to obtain the transient 3-D distribution of calcium ion concentration in rat cardiac myocytes. Our experimental results prove the feasibility of the technique and also demonstrate the huge potential of this design.
Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide–deoxyguanosine adducts are accurately bypassed by yeast DNA polymerase ζ in vitro

The possible role of bypass DNA polymerase zeta in mutagenic translesion synthesis past benzo[a]pyrene (BP) 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (DE) N(2)-deoxyguanosine (dG) adducts has been examined. We prepared 59-mer DNA templates containing dG adducts derived from trans opening of enantiomers of BP DE-2, in which the 7-hydroxyl group and epoxide oxygen are trans. The 10S-BP DE-dG and 10R-BP DE-dG adducts derive from the (+)- and (-)-DE-2 enantiomers, respectively. The adducted dG is located at a site identified as a G-->T mutational hotspot in random mutagenesis studies of (+)-BP DE-2 in Chinese hamster V-79 cells. Yeast pol zeta (complex of Gst-Rev3p and Rev7p) formed extension products (total of all lengths) of 71, 74 and 88% of a primer annealed to the 10S-BP DE-dG, 10R-BP DE-dG and non-adducted 59-mer templates, respectively. However, only 18 and 19% of the primer was extended to the full-length product on 10S-BP DE-dG and 10R-BP DE-dG adducted templates compared to 55% of the primer on the non-adducted template. A major 34-mer product corresponding to primer elongation up to and including the base before the adduct indicated that nucleotide incorporation opposite both adducts was strongly blocked. Full-length products were isolated from gels and subjected to PCR amplification and cloning. Sequence analysis of more than 300 clones of these full-length products on each template showed that only the correct dCMP was incorporated opposite both the adducted and non-adducted G-hotspot in the template. This corresponds to a probability of mutation lower than 0.3%, the limit of detection, and demonstrates the remarkable fidelity of yeast pol zeta in translesion synthesis past these BP DB-dG lesions in vitro.
The pharmaceutical management system at Shade Tree Family Clinic: a medical student-run free clinic's experience.

The Shade Tree Family Clinic (STFC) is a student-run free walk-in health clinic opened by Vanderbilt University medical students in October 2005 to address the acute and chronic health needs of the underinsured community in East Nashville. STFC founders decided that the clinic would provide complete medical care, including dispensing commonly prescribed medications at no charge to patients. After several months of managing the inventory in a log book, a medical student author created a Web-based pharmaceutical tracking system to manage the medication formulary. In the process, the authors found little literature available addressing the logistics of setting up an electronic pharmacy system. The system created uses the freely available RxNorm and US Department of Veterans Affairs National Drug File Reference Terminology databases for medication and classification data. Incorporation of these databases allows medical students to dispense and restock medications with ease. The system ensures accurate data en...
Enhanced transthyretin tetramer stability following expression of an amyloid disease transsuppressor variant in mammalian cells

Background The transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is an incurable fatal inherited disease that is characterized by progressive peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. It is caused by missense amyloidogenic mutations in the TTR gene that destabilize the native tetrameric state and lead to the cytotoxic misfolded monomeric state. One interesting variant (T119M) stabilizes heterotetramers with amyloidogenic TTR and, in the reported heterozygous individuals, protects the carriers from disease. In the present study, we characterize in vitro and in vivo the ectopic expression of the human T119M mutant, termed a transsuppressor for TTR amyloid disease. Methods Lentiviral vectors encoding wild or mutant forms of human TTR were constructed and transduced to the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2, or mice. Heterooligomerization between T119M TTR and amyloidogenic variants was analysed by immunoprecipitation following western blotting. Results T119M TTR was stably expressed in transduced HepG2 cells and was secreted as an oligomer that can interact with its native partner, retinol-binding protein. Importantly, the T119M TTR formed secreted heterooligomers with amyloidogenic TTR variants, V30M, L55P and V122I, in HepG2 cells that were more stable than the homooligomers of the same amyloidogenic TTR variants. Human T119M TTR also formed heterooligomers with V30M TTR in transduced mice. Conclusions The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the stabilization of heterotetramers by T119M TTR in human cells and suggest that gene transfer of T119M TTR may have potential as a gene therapy for TTR amyloidosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncountable admissibles II: Compactness

AssumeV=L. Let κ be a cardinal and forX⊆κ, n<ω let αn(X) denote the least ordinal α such thatLα[X] is Σn admissible. In our earlier paperUncountable admissibles I: forcing, we characterized those ordinals of the form σn(X) when κ is regular. This paper treats the singular case using Barwise compactness, an effective version of Jensen's covering lemma and β-recursion theory.
Symmetry considerations applied to 3-D dyadic Green's functions for three-port inhomogeneous microstrip ferrite circulator

Compacted perimeter 3-D dyadic Green's functions are derived under threefold symmetry for a circular ferrite circulator which is radially inhomogeneous. It is demonstrated how the perpendicular electric field, and therefore the s-parameters, may be determined with these dyadic Green's functions. A large reduction in the number of dyadic Green's function elements required for numerical evaluation results, simplifying all formulas dependent upon these elements. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 19: 227–229, 1998. 1
Theorizing Cyberspace: the Idea of Voice Applied to the Internet Discourse

This article offers the idea of voice as a way to think of cyberspace and the internet. It is argued that web pages represent the presence of individuals and institutions representing what they have to say. Consequently, we would argue that a robust construct such as voice might offer an unique theoretical lens through which to examine the internet and cyberspace phenomenon. This article argues that cyberspace can be conceptualized as a discursive space, and calls for a textual/discursive/rhetorical analysis focusing on the eloquence of representation as a principal means by which people and institutions voice themselves in this space.
Integrating linear physical programming within collaborative optimization for multiobjective multidisciplinary design optimization

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) is a concurrent engineering design tool for large-scale, complex systems design that can be affected through the optimal design of several smaller functional units or subsystems. Due to the multiobjective nature of most MDO problems, recent work has focused on formulating the MDO problem to resolve tradeoffs between multiple, conflicting objectives. In this paper, we describe the novel integration of linear physical programming within the collaborative optimization framework, which enables designers to formulate multiple system-level objectives in terms of physically meaningful parameters. The proposed formulation extends our previous multiobjective formulation of collaborative optimization, which uses goal programming at the system and subsystem levels to enable multiple objectives to be considered at both levels during optimization. The proposed framework is demonstrated using a racecar design example that consists of two subsystem level analyses — force and aerodynamics — and incorporates two system-level objectives: (1) minimize lap time and (2) maximize normalized weight distribution. The aerodynamics subsystem also seeks to minimize rearwheel downforce as a secondary objective. The racecar design example is presented in detail to provide a benchmark problem for other researchers. It is solved using the proposed formulation and compared against a traditional formulation without collaborative optimization or linear physical programming. The proposed framework capitalizes on the disciplinary organization encountered during large-scale systems design.
Bridging the gap in complementary and alternative medicine research: manualization as a means of promoting standardization and flexibility of treatment in clinical trials of acupuncture.

Introduction: An important methodological challenge encountered in acupuncture clinical research involves the design of treatment protocols that help ensure standardization and replicability while allowing for the necessary flexibility to tailor treatments to each individual. Manualization of protocols used in clinical trials of acupuncture and other traditionally-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) systems facilitates the systematic delivery of replicable and standardized, yet individually-tailored treatments. Objectives: To facilitate high-quality CAM acupuncture research by outlining a method for the systematic design and implementation of protocols used in CAM clinical trials based on the concept of treatment manualization. Methods: A series of treatment manuals was developed to systematically articulate the Chinese medical theoretical and clinical framework for a given Western-defined illness, to increase the quality and consistency of treatment, and to standardize the technical aspect...
Conjunction, cumulation and respectively readings

So-called respectively readings have posed serious challenges for theories of syntax and semantics. Sentences like George and Martha respectively denounced and were denounced by the governor (McCawley 1998) show that although the conjoined verbal expressions share the same syntactic subject, they do not predicate that subject in the same way; George (not Martha) denounced the governor, and Martha (but not George) was denounced by the governor. Postal (1998: 160–163) and Gawron & Kehler (2004: 193–194) show that this phenomenon poses problems for contemporary theories of grammar and argue that it is particularly acute for theories where subcategorization and predication are linked via unification. As these authors note, the problem is even more severe in respectively readings involving filler–gap constructions. In this paper I argue that the severity of these problems has been overstated and that the data do not entail any special dissociation between predication, subcategorization, or extraction. In this paper I propose an account which is fully compatible with unification-based theories of grammar. Gawron & Kehler (2004) propose an account of respectively phenomena which covers a remarkably wide range of cases. That approach relies on a Respf operator, which it stipulated to be optionally overt. However, I argue that this analysis is problematic because there are significant semantic differences between respectively readings with and without an overt realization of ‘respectively’. Rather, the data suggest that respectively readings may be special cases of more general phenomena which happen to create interpretations that are compatible with the semantics of the adverb respectively. This explains why respectively readings can arise without the adverb, and does not require us to posit a disconnect between predication and subcategorization. In fact, a sentence with a respectively reading will not differ in syntactic or semantic structure from sentences without such a reading.
Prediction of organ-confined prostate cancer: incremental value of MR imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging to staging nomograms.

Purpose: To assess retrospectively the incremental value of endorectal coil magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and combined endorectal MR imaging–MR spectroscopic imaging to the staging nomograms for predicting organ-confined prostate cancer (OCPC). Materials and Methods: The institutional review board approved this HIPAA-compliant study and issued a waiver of informed consent for review of the MR reports and clinical data. Between November 1, 1999, and November 1, 2004, 229 patients underwent endorectal MR imaging and 383 underwent combined endorectal MR imaging–MR spectroscopic imaging before radical prostatectomy. Mean patient age was 58 years (range, 32–74 years). MR studies were interpreted prospectively by 12 radiologists who were informed of patients' clinical data. On the basis of the MR reports, the risks of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and lymph node metastasis were scored retrospectively from 1 to 5; the highest score was subtracted from 6 to determine a score (from 1 to 5) f...
Agreement Between Aging Parent’s Bequest Intention and Middle-Aged Child’s Inheritance Expectation

Purpose: This study investigated discrepancies in expectations of aging parents and their middle-aged offspring regarding future inheritances. Methods: Data from 327 older parent–adult child dyads were analyzed. Using multilevel models, we examined factors (e.g., economic resources, family characteristics, current support exchanges, and beliefs about family obligation) associated with expectations of inheritance. We also explored patterns of correspondence in expectations over inheritance within dyads and what factors are associated with these patterns. Results: We found a significant generational difference in expectations of inheritance, with children less likely to expect inheritances than parents expected to give. Parent’s income, number of siblings, and support currently given to children were significantly associated with both parents’ and children’s positive expectations of inheritance. The effects of child’s income, support given to parent, and parent’s gender on inheritance expectations differed between parents and children. Compared with discordant dyads (parents intended to leave a bequest, but their child did not expect an inheritance), correspondent dyads (both parents and children expected a bequest) showed higher income of parents and children, more support given to the child, and lower levels of child’s filial obligation. Implications: Although bequest decisions are circumscribed by parent’s financial resources, our findings suggest that they are also a continuation of established patterns of exchanges. Parents and children form their intention or expectation about inheritance based on different factors, leaving open the possibility of misunderstandings between the generations.
Application of computational fluid dynamics for LNG vapor dispersion modeling: A study of key parameters

Abstract The increased demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has led to the construction of several new LNG terminals in the United States (US) and around the world. To ensure the safety of the public, consequence modeling is used to estimate exclusion distances. For LNG industry, the purpose of identifying these exclusion distances is to protect the public from being reached by flammable vapors during a release and they are determined by one-half of the Lower Flammability Limit (half LFL, 2.5% v/v). Since LNG vapors are heavier-than-air when released into atmosphere, it goes through several stages, which are respectively characterized as negative, neutral, and positively buoyant as it dilutes. To address this complex phenomenon, several simple models were developed and tested against large scale experimental data for the past three decades. This paper was derived from the development of design and safety specifications for LNG facilities based on experimental and theoretical research at Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC). Medium-scale LNG tests were performed at the Brayton Fire Training Field (BFTF), Texas A&M University to provide data for this specific research. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to perform consequence modeling for LNG release. The CFD code showed good agreement with the data collected during the November 2007 test performed at BFTF. This paper showed the simulation setup and the comparison with data collected for two scenarios: release on water and on dry concrete. Once the model was tuned against experimental data, it was used in a sensitivity analysis on parameters to assess the effects on the LFL distance and the concentration levels. Furthermore, three turbulence models were compared. The source term was composed of turbulence intensity at the source, LNG pool geometry, mass evaporation rate, and LNG pool area. The vapor dispersion parameters were wind velocity, sensible heat flux, and obstacles effects. It was concluded that at low wind velocity, the source term parameters strongly influenced the LFL distance and the concentration level. On the other hand, at high wind velocity, the source term parameter had a slight effect on the LFL distance and the concentration levels.
SCALED-UP NONEQUILIBRIUM AIR PLASMAS

The volume scalability of nonequilibrium plasmas produced by electrical discharges in atmospheric pres- sure air has been investigated. A variety of direct current (DC) and pulsed glow discharges obtained in either slow flow of ambient or fast flow of preheated (~2000 K) air at atmospheric pressure is presented. Single DC and repeti- tively pulsed discharges represent the first approach. Stable discharges with electron number densities as high as 10 12 cm -3 were obtained without filamentation. A large decrease of the input power by 2-3 orders of magnitude was achieved in pulsed discharges, in comparison with the DC discharges. A dual-discharge facility was developed that combines two parallel DC discharges in either ambient or preheated air. Uniform plasma volumes of a few cubic centimeters have been achieved by this technique. Multiple pulsed discharges in parallel have been examined as well in order to increase the plasma volume. Finally, some paradoxical results on DC discharges in transverse gas flow are presented. The temperature distribution effecting the reduced electric field E/N is found to strongly influ- ence the shape of the discharge.
Sexual orientation in a U.S. national sample of twin and nontwin sibling pairs.

Objective: Although previous studies have suggested that sexual orientation is influenced by familial factors, which may be partly genetic, these studies have relied on unrepresentative and potentially biased samples. The authors attempted to estimate the role of genetic and environmental factors in the determination of sexual orientation in a more representative sample. Method: Sexual orientation was assessed by a single item on a self-report questionnaire in a U.S. national sample of twin and nontwin sibling pairs. Sexual orientation was classified as heterosexual or nonheterosexual (bisexual or homosexual). The authors compared the similarity of sexual orientation in the monozygotic twins to the similarity in the same-sex dizygotic twins, all dizygotic twins, the same-sex dizygotic twins and sibling pairs, and all dizygotic twins and sibling pairs. Biometrical twin analyses were performed. Results: All analyses demonstrated familial resemblance for sexual orientation. Resemblance was greater in the monozygotic twins than in the dizygotic twins or in the dizygotic twins plus nontwin siblings. Biometrical twin modeling suggested that sexual orientation was substantially influenced by genetic factors, but family environment may also play a role. No evidence was found for a violation of the equal-environment assumption regarding monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs. Conclusions: Familial factors, which are at least partly genetic, influence sexual orientation. The results of these analyses should be interpreted in the context of low statistical power and the use of a single item to assess the complex phenotype of sexual orientation.
Gender and pronominal variation in an Indo-Guyanese creole-speaking community

Drawing on data gathered during fieldwork in an Indo-Guyanese village (1994–96), this article shows that the gender patterns for variable pronominal usage are strikingly stable over time. In both this study and one conducted by John Rickford more than twenty years ago, women, compared with men, use more basilectal variants in the category of 1sg. subject (mi vs. ai), but fewer in the category of 3sg. objects (am vs. shi/ii/it). Rather than explain this variation as a “leveling out” (Rickford 1979), it is here suggested that variants must be understood in terms of their contribution to an unfolding interactional engagement. The conclusion remarks on the continuing confusion among sociolinguists regarding the analytical relevance of gender as an external constraint on variation. A more developed understanding of these issues depends on recognizing the way in which language variation serves as an indirect and constitutive index of gender.
A survey of optical techniques with an emphasis on frequency control (phase stability) aspects

An introductory survey of fiber-optic techniques for signal transmission is given. The intensity modulation/direct detection technique, the most widely used approach at present, is discussed. A brief discussion of the erbium-doped fiber-optical amplifier and its impact on long-distance signal transmission is given, followed by a discussion on a coherent technique and its requirements on laser linewidth and frequency stability. The author also discusses recent developments in narrow linewidth lasers, laser frequency stabilization, and generation of microwave signals using coherent mixing of two laser beams. >
Graphoepitaxial effect in the guided growth of SWNT arrays on quartz

Researchers have demonstrated that the alignment of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the surface of the single crystal substrate is due to guided growth along either step edges (graphoepitaxial) or certain directions in the atomic lattice (epitaxial), with only one of the two alignment modes predominating in different research systems. For the SWNTs grown on a quartz surface, the growth of a perfectly aligned array and other shapes were induced by the epitaxial effect. Here we report the finding that water vapor introduced during the catalyst annealing process can change the alignment mode of the SWNTs on the quartz surface by modifying the surface status of both the catalyst and the substrate. Zigzag shaped nanotube arrays can be obtained by enabling both alignment modes simultaneously through adjusting the water vapor concentration, changing the oxidation state of the metal catalyst and/or modifying the morphology of the substrate surface. These findings provide important insights into the mechanism of guided growth of complex nanotube shapes, for potential applications including electronics, photodetection, sensing, and in other devices.
Structural characterization of assemblies from overall shape and subcomplex compositions

We suggest structure characterization of macromolecular assemblies by combining assembly shape determined by electron cyromicroscopy with information about subunit proximity determined by affinity purification. To achieve this aim, structure characterization is expressed as a problem in satisfaction of spatial restraints that (1) represents subunits as spheres, (2) encodes information about the subunit excluded volume, assembly shape, and pulldowns in a scoring function, and (3) finds subunit configurations that satisfy the input restraints by an optimization of the scoring function. Testing of the approach with model systems suggests its feasibility.
Assembly of cyclic enterobacterial common antigen in Escherichia coli K-12.

We describe here the purification and quantification of a water-soluble cyclic form of enterobacterial common antigen (ECA CYC ) from Escherichia coli K-12 as well as information regarding its subcellular location and the genetic loci involved in its assembly. Structural characterization of purified ECA CYC molecules obtained from E. coli K-12 revealed that they uniformly contained four trisaccharide repeat units, and they were substituted with from zero to four O -acetyl groups. Cells from overnight cultures contained approximately 2 μg ECA CYC per milligram (dry weight), and cell fractionation studies revealed that these molecules were localized exclusively in the periplasm. The synthesis and assembly of ECA CYC were found to require the wzxE and wzyE genes of the wec gene cluster. These genes encode proteins involved in the transmembrane translocation of undecaprenylpyrophosphate-linked ECA trisaccharide repeat units and the polymerization of trisaccharide repeat units, respectively. Surprisingly, synthesis of ECA CYC was dependent on the wzzE gene, which is required for the modulation of the polysaccharide chain lengths of phosphoglyceride-linked ECA (ECA PG ). The presence of ECA CYC in extracts of several other gram-negative enteric organisms was also demonstrated; however, it was not detected in cell extracts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . These data suggest that in addition to ECA PG , ECA CYC may be synthesized in many, if not all, members of the Enterobacteriaceae .
CMUT ring arrays for forward-looking intravascular imaging

The paper describes an annular CMUT ring array designed and fabricated for the tip of a catheter used for forward-looking intravascular imaging. A 64-element, 2-mm average diameter array was fabricated as an experimental prototype. A single element in the array is connected to a single-channel custom front-end integrated circuit for pulse-echo operation. In conventional operation, the transducer operates at around 10 MHz. In the collapsed regime, the operating frequency shifts to 25 MHz and the received echo amplitude is tripled. The SNR is measured as 23 dB in a 50-MHz measurement bandwidth for an echo signal from a plane reflector at 1.5 mm. We also performed a nonlinear dynamic transient finite element analysis for the transducer, and found these results to be in good agreement with experimental measurements, both for conventional and collapsed operation.
A New Subspecies of Pocket Gopher (Genus Geomys) from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas with Comments on its Historical Biogeography

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cytochrome-b gene of mtDNA and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of cranial morphology were used to determine the evolutionary status of relictual, isolated populations of pocket gophers (genus Geomys) from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Results of the mtDNA sequence analysis indicated that populations from the Ozark Mountains are most similar to G. bursarius missouriensis in Missouri and not to geographically proximate populations of G. breviceps. Morphological analyses were concordant with those results. Our findings confirm earlier work comparing similarities in allozymes and species-specific ectoparasites. Nucleotide sequence and morphological divergence between the Ozark populations and G. bursarius missouriensisare typical of differentiation between other subspecies of G. bursarius. We conclude that populations of pocket gophers isolated in the Ozark Mountains represent a discrete genetic entity and should be recognized as a new subspecies.
Effects of the Increased Minimum Drinking Age Law on Drinking and Driving Behavior Among Adolescents

In Minnesota, the minimum drinking age law was raised from 19 to 21, effective September 1, 1986. As anyone born prior to September I, 1967 could legally continue to purchase alcohol, we hypothesized that adolescents born on or after September 1, 1967 would report less drinking and driving than their peers born prior to this date. Participants originally comprised the entire seventh-grade enrollment of four suburban school districts in Minnesota in 1979 and 1980 (N = 7124). Drinking and driving data were collected in 1987 and 1988. Comparing the Younger cohort (born on or after September 1, 1967) in 1988 to the Older cohort in 1987, we observed lower overall drinking and driving prevalence in the Younger cohort. The Younger cohort reported a significantly lower rate of driving after drinking at least two drinks than did the Older cohort, though there was a minimal difference in rates of heavy drinking and driving. The increased drinking age seemed effective in reducing the overall drinking and driving pre...
An Adjustable Lower-Extremity Brace

An adjustable brace of the type described is of practical value in the evaluation and treatment of gait disturbances. Unquestionably, the adaptability of the brace can be increased by change in design. The importance of the present brace is that it has demonstrated that an adjustable brace is technically feasible, practical, and of clinical value.
Outcome of patients with clinically node-positive bladder cancer undergoing consolidative surgery after preoperative chemotherapy: The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Experience

Abstract Purpose Patients with urothelial cancer with nodal metastasis have a poor prognosis, with many deemed incurable. We report outcomes of a prospective clinical protocol of patients with clinically node-positive disease treated via a multimodality treatment approach. Patients and methods A total of 55 patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma with concurrent node-positive disease including pelvic nodal and retroperitoneal lymph node (RPLN) involvement underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by consolidative surgery between 1995 and 2010. Associations between clinicopathologic factors and outcomes were analyzed using log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. Results Median cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 26 months (95% CI: 12.9–not applicable) for all patients. A total of 30 (55%) patients had pN0 category disease at the time of surgical extirpation. Despite radiologic complete response after chemotherapy, 6 of 21 patients (29%) had pN+category disease. The 5-year CSS rate was 66% for pN0 category disease vs. 12% for pN+category disease ( P P = 0.038). Although no recurrences occurred within the lymphadenectomy template, 2 (14%) patients with cM1 RPLN disease who did not undergo RPLN dissection had recurrences in the RPLN basin and died within 6 months. Conclusion Multimodality treatment approach with upfront chemotherapy followed by surgery can result in a 66% 5-year CSS rate for patients rendered as having pN0 category disease despite initially presenting with node-positive disease. However, as those with residual disease do so poorly, further efforts in refining selection of patients for surgical consolidation are needed.
A Plaque Assay for Respiratory Syncytial Virus

SummaryAn accurate and sensitive method for enumeration of infective plaque forming units of respiratory syncytial virus, utilizing agar-overlaid HEp-2 monolayers in Petri dishes, is described. Sma...
Reflective band image generation in the night vision integrated performance model

The generation of accurate reflective band imagery is complicated by the intrinsic properties of the scene, target, and camera system. Unlike emissive systems, which can be represented in equivalent temperature given some basic assumptions about target characteristics, visible scenes depend highly on the illumination, reflectivity, and orientation of objects in the scene as well as the spectral characteristics of the imaging system. Once an image has been sampled spectrally, much of the information regarding these characteristics is lost. In order to provide reference scene characteristics to the image processing component, the visible image processor in the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) utilizes pristine hyper-spectral data cubes. Using these pristine spectral scenes, the model is able to generate accurate representations of a scene for a given camera system. In this paper we discuss the development of the reflective band image simulation component and various methodologies for collecting or simulating the hyperspectral reference scenes.
Common problems and status on drug registration application dossier(5):bioavailability study

The dossier completeness and data traceableness of drug registration application are important preconditions for conducting technical review.Through check and analysis on 1450 applications for dosage form change and generic of Traditional Chinese Medicines and chemical drugs,common problems and status on these applications are discussed in aspects of administrative information,CMC,pharmacology and toxicology,and bioequivalence sections.We expect drug registration applicants will attach great importance at application dossier preparing.This paper focuses on bioavailability study.
Optimization of operating and planning load dispatching scheme considering the risk of electrical safety incidents based on TOPSIS method

After analyzing the demand of de-lamination and sub-area power supply in power system, an index system to evaluate load dispatching in operating and planning of power grid is established by considering the power system economy, security, reliability and especially the risk of electrical safety incidents. The index first considers the risk of electrical safety incidents, and can reflect the real demand of load dispatching in operating and planning of power grid comprehensively. The indexes values of different load dispatching schemes can be obtained through calculation, and then the method of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS) is used to solve the multi-objective optimization problem. It is proved that this index system can meet the needs of load dispatching in actual power grid by simulation. And the index system and the optimization method can provide dicision support for power system operating and planning.
The utility and accuracy of four equations in predicting sodium levels in dysnatremic patients

Background Improper correction of hyponatremia can cause severe complications, including osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS). The Adrogue-Madias equation (AM), the Barsoum-Levine (BL) equation, the Electrolyte Free Water Clearance (EFWC) equation and the Nguyen-Kurtz (NK) equation are four derived equations based on the empirically derived Edelman equation for predicting sodium at a later time (Na2) from a known starting sodium (Na1), fluid/electrolyte composition and input and output volumes. Methods Our retrospective study included 43 data points from 31 mostly hyponatremic patients. We calculated Na2 based on five sets of rules that were progressively more precisely calculated. Sets A-D included all 31 patients and 43 data points and set E was based on 15 patients and 27 data points. Results The root mean square error was calculated and found to be between 4.79 and 6.37 mmol/L (mEq/L) for all sets. Bland-Altman analysis showed high variability and discrepancies between the predicted and actual Na2. Conclusions Like similar studies in hypernatremic patients, the data suggest that hyponatremic modeling equations are not reliably accurate in predicting Na2 from Na1 and available clinical data regarding sodium, potassium and fluid balance over longer time frames (12-30 h). Our study was retrospective and was done in an inpatient setting and thus was subject to limitations and laboratory measurement variability, but showed that all four equations are not able to reliably predict Na2 from Na1 and inputs across a 12-30 h period.
Analysis of a Bayonet-Type Counterflow Heat Exchanger with Axial Conduction and Radiative Heat Loss

A counterflow heat exchanger model, based on a bayonet-type configuration, has been developed for predicting the performance of small-scale thermal systems. The purpose of the model is to predict how well a counterflow heat exchanger works for isolating high temperatures for devices that might act as miniature combustors, fuel reformers, or micro-reactors. Three thermal loss mechanisms are considered: (1) flow loss due to nonunity effectiveness, (2) thermal conduction along the axial direction, and (3) radiation surface loss to the surroundings. A set of three coupled differential equations were developed for modeling the heat exchanger: one for each of two fluid streams and one for the wall temperature, all as a function of axial position. The wall equation contains a highly nonlinear term linked to radiation surface loss. This study differs from past investigations in several ways. First, the boundary conditions model is a heat exchanger attached to a substrate at ambient temperature and with a hot end ...