cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet based audiovisual communication tools used in a joint engineering design class at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Ecole Superieure et de Construction Automobile (ESTACA) in Paris, France

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Engineering, in collaboration with the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Administrative Sciences, has for the last several years offered an annual senior level student design class using the Integrated Product Team approach. This year the participation in the class was expanded to include Engineering students from ESTACA in Paris, France. A small, but highly regarded, high school computer class in Linden, Alabama also participated in portions of the design effort as an experiment. Several new Internet based audiovisual communication tools were used in innovative approaches to successfully complete the class goals. The class has a dedicated Website which contains all pertinent class information, including lectures. This Web site and all of its material was prepared by UAH students as part of the class. Dr. Frederick initiated the IPT class concept earlier at UAH and was the lead instructor for this class. Mr. Middleton coordinated all Website and Internet efforts and Dr. Rose Norman taught the editing class and led the editing team. The information in this paper primarily addresses the Internet Communication Tools used in the class, and information on the educational aspects of the class is being prepared for presentation in a different forum.
Short-Term Discontinuation of HAART Regimens More Common in Vulnerable Patient Populations

The durability of HAART regimens is often limited by antiretroviral toxicity and nonadherence, which lead to virologic failure. We sought to determine sociodemographic and psychosocial patient factors predictive of short-term discontinuation of HAART regimens overall and stratified by the reason for discontinuation. A retrospective cohort study of the UAB 1917 Clinic Cohort evaluated short-term HAART regimen discontinuation (within 12 months of regimen initiation) between 1/1995 and 8/2004 classified as (1) gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, (2) non-GI toxicity, (3) virologic failure or nonadherence (VF/NA), (4) loss to follow-up, and (5) other. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models accounting for dependent observations were fit to assess the relationship between patient factors and type-specific regimen discontinuation. Among the 738 study participants, 1026 of 1852 HAART regimens (55%) were discontinued within 12 months of initiation. In multivariable analysis, discontinuation for GI toxicity was more common in patients lacking private health insurance and those with a history of intravenous (IV) drug use, whereas non-GI toxicity was more common in younger patients and females. African-American patients and those with a history of IV drug use were more likely to stop a regimen due to VF/NA. Loss to follow-up was more common in younger patients, individuals who were uninsured, and those with a history of IV drug use. Short-term discontinuation of HAART regimens is more common in vulnerable populations that bear a disproportionate burden of the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic. More vigilant monitoring of patient populations at higher risk of toxicity and virologic failure may allow for improved HAART regimen durability.
Precise indoor localization using PHY information

This poster shows the viability of precise indoor localization using physical layer information in WiFi systems. We find that channel frequency responses across multiple OFDM subcarriers can be suitably aggregated into a location signature. While these signatures vary over time and environmental mobility, we notice that their core structure preserves certain properties that are amenable to localization. We demonstrate these ideas through a functional system, implemented on off-the-shelf Intel 5300 cards (that are designed to export per-subcarrier information to the driver). We evaluate the system in a busy engineering building, a cafeteria, and the university museum, and demonstrate localization accuracies in the granularity of 1m x 1m boxes, called spots. Results show that our system, PinLoc, is able to localize users to a spot with 90% mean accuracy, while incurring less than 6% false positives. We believe this is an important step forward, compared to the best indoor localization schemes of today.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus simulans UMC-CNS-990, Isolated from a Case of Chronic Bovine Mastitis.

ABSTRACT Coagulase-negative staphylococci are frequently isolated from cases of subclinical bovine mastitis. Reported here is a draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus simulans UMC-CNS-990, an isolate recovered from a chronic intramammary infection of a Holstein cow. Unexpectedly, a cluster of genes encoding gas vesicle proteins was found within the 2,755-kb genome.
Quantitative PCR methods for RNA and DNA in marine sediments: maximizing yield while overcoming inhibition

For accurate quantification of DNA and RNA from environmental samples, yield loss during nucleic acid purification has to be minimized. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR require a trade-off between maximizing yield and removing inhibitors. We compared DNA and RNA yield and suitability for quantitative SYBR Green PCR and RT-PCR using the UltraClean and PowerSoil extraction kits and a bead-beating protocol with phenol/chloroform extraction steps. Purification methods included silica-column-based procedures from the MoBio kits, RNeasy MinElute, WizardPlus miniprep columns, and an acrylamide gel extraction. DNA and RNA purification with WizardPlus and RNeasy, respectively, led to significant losses of nucleic acids and archaeal 16S rRNA or 16S rRNA gene, as measured with RiboGreen or PicoGreen, and RT-qPCR or qPCR. Extraction and purification of DNA with the MoBio DNA UltraClean and DNA PowerSoil kits also decreased the yields slightly, relative to gel purification, in all sediments, except those from the deep sea in the Gulf of Mexico. Organic matter in humic-rich sediments may bind to these silica columns, reducing their nucleic acid-loading capacity. Purification with gel extraction cleans up organic-rich sediment samples sufficiently for quantitative analysis while avoiding the yield loss associated with commonly used silica columns.
Dust particle dynamics in low-pressure plasma reactor

In this paper, the structure of a rf plasma glow discharge in a parallel-plate geometry is revisited through a numerical solution of the well-known local field approximation model equations. The dynamics of a dust particle injected into the plasma is elaborated in a Lagrangian framework by solving the particle equations for its motion and charge. Different ion drag expressions are considered. For particles of three different sizes, magnitudes of various forces such as gravity, electricity, and ion drag acting on a stationary particle are compared to each other. Particle potential energy, together with its possible wells, is demonstrated for each case. Taking into account the neutral drag force, damping oscillations and final locations of the particles, depending on their initial injection position (top or bottom), are captured. The transient characteristic of the charging process of smaller particles with respect to their motion time scale is discussed. The effect of inclusion of ion thermal energy in the calculation of drag force on the motion of the particle is illustrated.
A discussion on potential in vitro applications for agronomic crops

Abstract The round-table discussion on in vitro manipulations with agronomic crops was directed toward potential applications of importance in the improvement of agronomic crops. Emphasis was centered on species in the Gramineae and Leguminosae families. Topics for discussion included: (1) clonal propagation, (2) meristem tip culture, (3) induction and selection of mutants, (4) generation and use of haploids and (5) wide hybridization and protoplast culture. Potential applications and problem areas under each of these areas were identified and discussed. A major problem remains one of inability or low efficiency of plantlet regeneration from cells and tissues of economically important species in both of the above families. This topic received much discussion and possible research areas were suggested. The potential problems and uses of genetic and cytogenetic instabilities arising from in vitro cultures were also discussed extensively. Although in vitro culture techniques of important agronomic crops lag behind that of certain other species, optimism was expressed for future progress in this area.
Problems and Possible Solutions Concerning Radiocarbon Dating of Surface Marine Sediments, Ross Sea, Antarctica

Radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometric (AMS) dates on the acid-insoluble fraction from 38 core tops from the western Ross Sea, Antarctica, are used to address these questions: (1) What are the apparent ages of sediments at or close to the present sediment/water interface? (2) Is there a statistically significant pattern to the spatial distribution of core top ages? and (3) Is there a “correction factor” that can be applied to these age determinations to obtain the best possible Holocene (downcore) chronologies? Ages of core top sediments range from 2000 to 21,000 14C yr B.P. Some “old” core top dates are from piston cores and probably represent the loss of sediment during the coring process, but some core top samples >6000 14C yr B.P. may represent little or no Holocene deposition. Four possible sources of variability in dates ≤6000 14C yr B.P. (n = 28) are associated with (1) different sample preparation methods, (2) different sediment recovery systems, (3) different geographic regions, and (4) within-sample lateral age variability. Statistical analysis on an a posteriori design indicates that geographic area is the major cause of variability; there is a difference in mean surface sediment age of nearly 2000 yr between sites in the western Ross Sea and sites east of Ross Bank in south-central Ross Sea. The systematic variability in surface age between areas may be attributed to: (a) variable sediment accumulation rates (SAR) (surface age is inversely related to SAR), (b) differences in the percentage of reworked (dead) carbon between each area, and/or (c) differences in the CO2 exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere.
Determinants of polydipsia: V. Effect of amphetamine and pentobarbital

Two rats on free-reinforcement schedules were injected with doses of d,1-amphetamine or pentobarbital sodium just before sessions. Pentobarbital did not much affect frequency of drinks; amphetamine did. Pentobarbital somewhat limited the maximum length of drinks; amphetamine did noto Both drugs increased somewhat the incidence of very short drinks, relative to longer drinks.
Magnetic exchange splitting and band dispersion of surface states on Fe(100)

We have determined the band dispersion and magnetic exchange splitting of odd-symmetry Shockley surface states along the $\overline{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ and $\overline{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$ lines in the surface Brillouin zone of Fe(100) using angle-resolved photoemission. The average surface exchange splitting along the $\overline{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ and $\overline{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$ lines is larger than the average bulk value. Surface-state band dispersion and binding energies along $\overline{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$ are in good agreement with recent slab calculations.
Condensed-matter physics: Microscopy of the macroscopic

The presence of magnetic moments in materials known as Kondo lattices can lead to an exotic transformation in their properties. The first successful endeavour into imaging such a transformation has now been made. See Letter p.362 Certain metallic alloys that have a combination of localized magnetic moments and mobile conduction electrons can form an exotic state of matter known as a Kondo lattice. At low temperatures, quantum interactions between these localized and extended states give rise to charge carriers that behave as if they are unusually massive — known as heavy fermions. Stefan Ernst and colleagues use scanning tunnelling microscopy to probe these quantum interactions and observe the emergence of heavy fermions in a generic Kondo lattice system.
Immunohistochemistry of COUP-TFI: an adjuvant diagnostic tool for the identification of corticotroph microadenomas.

Cushing’s disease is caused by an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor, and accounts for 10–15% of pituitary tumors. The majority of corticotroph tumors are microadenomas ( 90%) expression of COUP-TFI, and three adenomas (5, 11, and 18 mm) showed heterogenous (20–80%) expression of COUP-TFI. Immunohistochemistry of COUP-TFI may be a useful adjuvant diagnostic tool in distinguishing corticotroph microadenomas from nests of normal corticotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. Furthermore, this study identifies two unique corticotroph tumor populations which differ in their expression of COUP-TFI, the presence of which occurs more frequently in macroadenomas.
Past infection by Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis

Abstract purpose: To determine whether past infection by Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR is associated with asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Previous studies have linked this organism with symptomatic coronary heart disease. subjects and methods: Between 1986 and 1989, 15,800 men and women aged 45 to 64 years were examined as part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, a prospective cohort study of atherosclerosis being conducted in 4 United States communities. The examination included B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries and an assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Carotid wall thickening (blood-intima to medial-adventitial interface) in the absence of clinical cardiovascular disease was considered evidence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis. In 1991, IgG antibody titers to TWAR were assayed by microimmunofluorescence in stored sera from 326 case-control pairs matched by age group, race, sex, examination period, and field center. A titer of 1:8 or higher was considered a positive TWAR antibody response. results: Seventy-three percent of atherosclerosis cases had serologic evidence of past TWAR infection versus 63% of controls (matched odds ratio 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 2.57). After adjustment for age, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and education, the odds ratio for atherosclerosis was essentially unchanged at 2.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 3.35). The association was stronger for individuals aged 45 to 54 years than for those aged 55 to 64 years. conclusion: There was a significant cross-sectional association between past TWAR infection and asymptomatic atherosclerosis. This organism may be a contributor to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Little patents and big secrets: managing intellectual property

Exploitation of an innovation commonly requires some disclosure of enabling knowledge (e.g., to obtain a patent or induce complementary investment). When property rights offer only limited protection, the value of the disclosure is offset by the increased threat of imitation. Our model incorporates three features critical to this setting: innovation creates asymmetric information, innovation often has only limited legal protection, and disclosure facilitates imitation. Imitation depends on inferences the imitator makes about the innovator’s advance. We find an equilibrium in which small inventions are not imitated, medium inventions involve a form of “implicit licensing,” and large inventions are protected primarily through secrecy when property rights are weak.
Angle-resolved photoemission determination of Λ -line valence bands in Pt and Au using synchrotron radiation

Angle-resolved photoemission spectra are reported for Au (111) and Pt (111) in the photon-energy range $6\ensuremath{\le}h\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\le}33$ eV. Experimental dispersion relations along $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ were derived for both crystals; comparison with relativistic augmented-plane-wave calculations showed generally good qualitative agreement, but quantitative disagreement of the order of a few tenths of an eV. Band energies are tabulated; values at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ are ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}=3.55, 5.90$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}=4.45$ eV for Au; ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}=1.40, 4.07$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}=2.80$ eV for Pt. The $s$ band is found to be ca. 1 eV (Pt) and 0.5 eV (Au) less bound than the theoretical prediction. Ligand field parameters at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ are presented for both samples: $\ensuremath{\xi}(5d)=0.71\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ eV, $10Dq=1.22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ eV for Au; $\ensuremath{\xi}(5d)=0.66\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ eV, $10Dq=1.78\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ eV for Pt. The systematics of $10Dq$ in the noble metals is discussed. The polarization dependence of the spectra was used to assign initial-state symmetries empirically: bands 3, 5 show ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{6}$ symmetry, bands 2, 4, 6, ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{4}+{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{5}$. Cooling of the Au crystal showed that the "$s\ensuremath{-}p$ plateau" is due to a thermally insensitive indirect process, and that both thermal diffuse scattering and phonon-assisted inelastic processes contribute to the loss of spectral contrast at room temperature. Resonances in intensity with photon energy were investigated and assigned in terms of the final-state band structure.
Intergenerational transfers in US county-level CO2 emissions, 2007

Research has shown that increases in carbon emissions and resulting climate change are not driven by population size alone, but also associated with industrialization, urbanization, and economic development. Further, industrialization and development may, in part, be driven by changing demographic structure, and in particular the process of population aging. Fluctuations in age composition shape aggregate production and consumption. Viewed through this lens, the carbon dioxide emissions of an analytical unit (county, province, state, nation) can be considered a product of its age composition. This analysis tests several demographic theories of age-specific production and consumption on US county-level carbon dioxide emissions. Using a modified STIRPAT framework, econometric estimates identify a positive correlation between county-level labor force participation and total carbon dioxide emissions. These effects are a result of general economic activity as opposed to growth only in energy intensive industrial sectors, a relationship that is widely hypothesized but under-developed in carbon emission estimates. In addition, results show larger households are associated with lower aggregate emissions, confirming the hypothesis that areas of declining household size will experience higher future emissions. In general, this research demonstrates the importance of adding nuance to emission estimates by integrating demographic dimensions beyond population size and growth.
Phase I trial of high-dose infusional hydroxyurea, high-dose infusional 5-fluorouracil and recombinant interferon-alpha-2a in patients with advanced malignancies.

The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, hydroxyurea (HU), augments the cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5FU)in vitro; both drugs are synergistic with interferon-α (IFN)in vitro. The aim of this phase I study was to determine the maximal duration of HU, 4.3 g/m2, administered as a parenteral infusion in combination with 5FU, 2.6 g/m2 administered over 24 hrs each week, + IFN, 9 MU, subcutaneously three times per week. There were 26 patients enrolled and evaluable. This included 14 patients with colorectal cancer of whom 13 had been previously treated, and 12 patients with other refractory malignancies (pancreas, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and others), of whom 10 were previously untreated. The dose-limiting toxicity of this regimen was myelosuppression. This prohibited dose escalation of HU above the starting dose (24 hrs) on a 6-weeks-on, 2-weeks-off therapy schedule. When filgrastim, 480 μg, was administered subcutaneously on days 3–6, the duration of HU could be extended to 48 hrs on a 2-weeks-on, 1 -week-off therapy schedule. There were two instances of fatal infection, one in a patient with a rectovaginal fistula with neutropenic sepsis and the second in a patient with non-neutropenicClostridium septicum sepsis. All therapy was administered in the ambulatory setting. There were three responders, all among previously untreated patients. High-dose parenteral hydroxyurea, 4.3 g/m2 administered over 24 hrs, can be safely combined with high-dose weekly 5FU, 2.6 g/m2 over 24 hrs + IFN, 9 MU subcutaneously three times per week, without filgrastim in the ambulatory setting. Parenteral hydroxyurea, 4.3 g/m2 over 24 hrs daily × 2 can also be combined with high-dose 5FU + IFN, but requires the addition of filgrastim to avoid severe myelosuppression.
Use of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for simultaneous determination of glutamine synthetase and glutamic acid decarboxylase in crude extracts.

Abstract Glutamine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), formed from glutamic acid in crude tissue extracts by glutamine synthetase and glutamic acid decarboxylase respectively, were separated by derivatization with dansyl chloride followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on an Altex Ultrasphere ODS-5 column. The mobile phase was a gradient of 100 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 2.1) with 0–40% acetonitrile. The amounts of glutamine and GABA formed from glutamic acid were determined under different reaction conditions.
Use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes in burn patients

Alimentation and decompression are imperative to the successful management of the severely burned patient. Utilization of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes for these purposes has become a proven effective procedure in nonburned patients with few major complications. We retrospectively reviewed placement of PEG tubes in 31 burn patients, some of whom had been admitted with additional diagnoses such as inhalation injury and/or dysphagia. In 90% of our burn patients, the use of PEG tubes was without complication. The placement of PEG tubes through burn wound areas or donor sites added no increase in wound complications. In summary, there was no mortality referable to the use of PEG tubes, there were no major operative or wound complications, and feedings were tolerated well. This study reports on the use of PEG tubes in a regional Burn Treatment Cente. It shows that PEG tubes offer safe and effective alimentation and decompression in the management of burned patients.
THYROXINE-DEPENDENT REGULATION OF INTEGRIN-LAMININ INTERACTIONS IN ASTROCYTES

Adhesive interactions among the extracellular matrix protein laminin, cell surface receptors known as integrins, and the microfilament network play a fundamental role in the regulation of neural cell migration during brain development. The disturbed neuronal migration that occurs when thyroid hormone is lacking during early neonatal life contributes to the profound morphological alterations characteristic of the cretinous brain. We have previously shown that thyroid hormone determines the organization of the microfilament network in astrocytes by regulating the polymerization of F-actin fibers. In this paper, we examined whether T4-dependent alterations in microfilament organization affected astrocyte-laminin interactions. We show that T4-treated astrocytes readily attached to laminin, whereas attachment of thyroid hormone-deficient cells to laminin was delayed. T4-dependent cell attachment to laminin was completely abolished by blocking integrin recognition sites with site-specific peptides or by depolym...
Glycoprotein in the Capsid of Plant Viruses as a Possible Determinant of Seed Transmissibility

IT is well established that only certain plant viruses are transmitted by the seed, but little is known about how a virus invades the embryo and is subsequently transmitted to progeny1,2. Since viral coat proteins are determinants of host3 and vector4 specificity, we reasoned that they could also determine transmissibility. Accordingly, coat proteins of two seed-transmitted viruses, barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) and cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), and three non-seed-transmitted viruses, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), bromegrass mosaic virus (BMV) and bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)1,2, were analysed.
Osteochondral Defects of the Lateral Trochlear Ridge of the Distal Femur of the Horse Clinical, Radiographic, and Pathological Examination and Results of Surgical Treatment

Osteochondral defects of the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur were identified in 15 joints of 10 horses. Lesions were bilateral in five horses and unilateral in five horses. Thirteen of these 15 defects were treated by curettage through a craniolateral femoropatellar arthrotomy. Subcutaneous seroma formation and partial skin dehiscence occurred in nine stifles. Lameness attributable to the stifle joint was no longer apparent at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The normal subchondral bony contour of the lateral trochlear ridge was altered in all joints after surgery. The subchondral bone was uniformly increased in density in all joints, and six lateral trochlear ridges had small focal radiolucent regions within the subchondral bone, which suggested that complete removal of the original lesion had not been achieved. Healing of the surgical site between 2 weeks and 14 months was evaluated in four joints. Granulation tissue from mesenchymal elements in subchondral marrow spaces gradually filled the defects with fibrocartilage.
Electrical rectification by monolayers of three molecules

Rectification, i.e. asymmetrical electrical conduction by a Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer of dicyano{4-[1-cyano-2-(1-hexadecylquinolin-1-ium-4-yl)vinyl]phenyl} methanide (1), occurs between both Al and Au electrodes: this rectification arises from the asymmetry of the molecule, and the interplay between the zwitterionic ground state D + -π-A - and the less dissociated first electronic excited state D 0 -π-A 0 . Two more monolayer rectifiers have been found: 1-butyl-2,6-bis{2-[4-(dibutylamino)phenyl] vinyl}pyridin-1-ium iodide (2) is an interionic rectifier with back charge transfer between the iodide ion and the pyridinium ring. 1a-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1aH-1a-aza-1(2)a-homo(C 60 -I h )[5,6]fullerene (3) is a moderate rectifier, with a rectification ratio of 2.
Dynamic characterization of partially saturated engineered porous media and gas diffusion layers using hydraulic admittance

Abstract Simple laboratory methods for determining liquid water distribution in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are needed to engineer better GDL materials. Capillary pressure vs. liquid saturation measurements are attractive, but lack the ability to probe the hydraulic interconnectivity and distribution within the pore structure. Hydraulic admittance measurements of simple capillary bundles have recently been shown to nicely measure characteristics of the free-interfaces and hydraulic path. Here we examine the use of hydraulic admittance with a succession of increasingly complex porous media, starting with a laser-drilled sample with 154 asymmetric pores and progress to the behavior of Toray TGP-H090 carbon papers. The asymmetric laser-drilled sample clearly shows hydraulic admittance measurements are sensitive to sample orientation, especially when examined as a function of saturation state. Finite element modeling of the hydraulic admittance is consistent with experimental measurements. The hydraulic admittance spectra from GDL samples are complex, so we examine trends in the spectra as a function of wet proofing (0% and 40% Teflon loadings) as well as saturation state of the GDL. The presence of clear peaks in the admittance spectra for both GDL samples suggests a few pore types are largely responsible for transporting liquid water.
Parental diet and risk of retinoblastoma resulting from new germline RB1 mutation

We conducted a case-control study of sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma, which results from a new germline RB1 mutation, to investigate the role of parents' diet before their child's conception. Parents of 206 cases from nine North American institutions and 269 controls participated; of these, fathers of 184 cases and 223 controls and mothers of 204 cases and 260 controls answered a food frequency questionnaire administered by phone about their diet in the year before the child's conception. Cases provided DNA for RB1 mutation testing. We assessed parents' diet by examining 19 food groups. Father's intake of dairy products and fruit was associated with decreased risk and cured meats and sweets with increased risk. Mother's intake was not associated with disease for any food group. Considering analyses adjusted for the other food groups significantly associated with disease, energy intake, and demographic characteristics as well as more fully adjusted models, the associations with father's dairy products and cured meat intake were the most robust. In the fully adjusted, matched analysis, the odds ratios per daily serving were 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-1.00, P = 0.047) for dairy products and 5.05 (CI 1.46-17.51, P = 0.01) for cured meat. The pattern of associations with paternal but not maternal diet is consistent with the fact that 85% of new germline RB1 mutations occur on the father's allele. As few human data exist on the role of diet in any condition resulting from new germ-cell mutation, additional studies will be needed to replicate or refute our findings.
Update on the role of probiotics in the therapy of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Probiotics have had many applications in the past few years, and inflammatory conditions of the GI tract – including chronic disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – have received the most attention by investigators. In fact, the experimental basis to expect clinical efficacy of probiotics in IBD is quite robust. In spite of this however, only minimal evidence of benefit by any probiotic is currently available in Crohn’s disease, either in adult or in pediatric populations. In ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, several probiotic formulations and especially the proprietary preparation VSL#3 (a high-concentration mixture) have been found effective as adjuvant therapy, both in inducing and maintaining remission.
Black Church Sponsorship of Economic Programs: A Test of Survival and Liberation Strategies

The Black Church has a long history of sponsoring programs in response to economic challenges in the African American community. Yet current double digit poverty and unemployment rates among African Americans suggest the need to examine their current efforts to combat economic problems. This study, informed by the “survival versus liberation” thesis, examines sponsorship of cash programs, employment programs, and credit unions for a national sample of 1,863 Black churches across seven denominations. Results show the tendency for Black churches to sponsor economic programs to meet more short-term needs rather than address systemic issues. Moreover, findings from logistic regression modeling suggest limited denominational effects, but a positive relationship between churches that espouse a more liberative stance and economic program sponsorship—particularly programs associated with more long-term benefits. Furthermore, Black churches that offer more educational and contemplative religious programs and that have the requisite human resources and organizational structure appear best positioned to offer these economic programs. Results provide important insights into the Black Church economic ethic.
Reduced-Order Investigation of Synthetic Jet Cooling for Electronic Applications

Synthetic jets are meso-scale devices operating at zero-net-mass-flux principle. These devices produce periodic jet-like streams, which have local velocities 10–20 times greater than the average fan velocities. As a result, positioning one or more of these jets close to a heat sink causes high-velocity air currents in tightly spaced fin gaps and enhances the surface heat transfer. A reduced-order modeling (ROM) approach was followed in simulating the heat transfer analysis of commercial heat sink with synthetic jet. Unsteady state results are matched with steady state results as part of the ROM approach. The methodology is implemented on two problems (i.e canonical problem of jet impinging perpendicularly on a flat plate and jet blowing on a commercial heat sink). Results from ROM for two cases are validated against experimental results. It is found that, this approach provides 90% time saving within ±5% accuracy. Modeling via ROM is much faster and cheaper computationally; hence this approach can be used for studying the system-level convective heat transfer enhancement of heat sinks using synthetic jets.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Thickness and polarization dependence of the magnetooptic signal from ultrathin ferromagnetic films.

Longitudinal Kerr-effect measurements using both s- and p-polarized light are presented as a function of thickness for bcc Fe films grown epitaxially on Au(100) in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). The motivation is to explore the origins of the magnetooptic response at Fe thicknesses comparable to the depth penetration of light. Special efforts were taken to optically compensate for the birefringence of the UHV window. The compensated measurements yield the magnitude of the complex rotation phi/sub m/ = (phi'/sup 2/+phi''/sup 2/)/sup 1/2/, where phi' and phi'' are the real magnetooptic rotation and the ellipticity, respectively. The results show linear initial increase of phi/sub m/ with thickness (up to the optical penetration depth) followed by a shallow peak and leveling off to a saturation value of the thick-film Kerr rotation. A review of the relevant theory includes the Faraday and Kerr contributions to the magnetooptic response. The Faraday contribution arises from metallic reflection from the substrate and passage back through the iron overlayer. We argue that the Faraday effect dominates the response in the ultrathin limit, while the Kerr effect controls the thick-film regime.
Automatic Auditory Processing Deficits in Schizophrenia and Clinical High-Risk Patients: Forecasting Psychosis Risk with Mismatch Negativity

Background Only about one third of patients at high risk for psychosis based on current clinical criteria convert to a psychotic disorder within a 2.5-year follow-up period. Targeting clinical high-risk (CHR) individuals for preventive interventions could expose many to unnecessary treatments, underscoring the need to enhance predictive accuracy with nonclinical measures. Candidate measures include event-related potential components with established sensitivity to schizophrenia. Here, we examined the mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the event-related potential elicited automatically by auditory deviance in CHR and early illness schizophrenia (ESZ) patients. We also examined whether MMN predicted subsequent conversion to psychosis in CHR patients. Methods Mismatch negativity to auditory deviants (duration, frequency, and duration + frequency double deviant) was assessed in 44 healthy control subjects, 19 ESZ, and 38 CHR patients. Within CHR patients, 15 converters to psychosis were compared with 16 nonconverters with at least 12 months of clinical follow-up. Hierarchical Cox regression examined the ability of MMN to predict time to psychosis onset in CHR patients. Results Irrespective of deviant type, MMN was significantly reduced in ESZ and CHR patients relative to healthy control subjects and in CHR converters relative to nonconverters. Mismatch negativity did not significantly differentiate ESZ and CHR patients. The duration + frequency double deviant MMN, but not the single deviant MMNs, significantly predicted the time to psychosis onset in CHR patients. Conclusions Neurophysiological mechanisms underlying automatic processing of auditory deviance, as reflected by the duration + frequency double deviant MMN, are compromised before psychosis onset and can enhance the prediction of psychosis risk among CHR patients.
Feminist studies in religion and a radical democratic ethos 1

Feminist studies in religion contribute to the fashioning of a radical democratic political culture and the creation of an egalitarian politics of meaning. In the South African context feminist studies are important elements in the emergence of a democratic and just society since they provide a theoretical framework and intellectual space for transforming kyriarchal knowledges and deeply inculcated values of oppression. Several issues are addressed, namely the nature of feminist religious studies, feminist religious studies as a knowledge producing discourse, and the institutional location of feminist studies in religion.
Multiple evolutionary origins of prochlorophytes, the chlorophyll b-containing prokaryotes.

PROCHLOROPHYTES are prokaryotes that carry out oxygenic photosynthesis using chlorophylls a and b, but lack phycobili-proteins as light-harvesting pigments1. These characteristics distinguish them from cyanobacteria, which contain phycobiliproteins, but no chlorophyll b. Three prochlorophyte genera have been described: Prochloron1–3,Prochlorothrix4andProchlorococcus5,6. The prochlorophytes share their pigment characteristics with green plant and euglenoid chloroplasts, which has led to a debate on whether these chloroplasts may have arisen from an endosymbiotic prochlorophyte rather than a cyanobacterium2,7. Molecular sequence data, including those presented here based on a fragment of the rpoCl gene encoding a subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, indicate that the known prochlorophyte lineages do not include the direct ancestor of chloroplasts8–11. We also show that the prochlorophytes are a highly diverged polyphyletic group. Thus the use of chlorophyll b as a light-harvesting pigment has developed independently several times in evolution. Similar conclusions have been reached in parallel studies using 16S ribosomal RNA sequences12.
Ethnic Identity, Family Cohesion, and Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Maltreated Youth

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent among maltreated youth, but little empirical work exists regarding the role of ethnic identity and family cohesion as influential factors among different ethnic groups. This study included an ethnically diverse sample of adolescents affiliated with a state-administered residential facility for maltreated youth. Variables included ethnic identity and family cohesion, as well as symptoms of PTSD, depression, dissociation, and post-traumatic cognitions. The most prominent finding was that low family cohesion predicted greater PTSD symptoms, depression, dissociation, and post-traumatic cognitions. This finding was especially pronounced for multiracial youth. Results are discussed within the context of developmental pathways regarding ethnic identity development in multiracial youth.
Push–pull extrusion: A new approach for the solid‐state deformation illustrated with high density polyethylene

The crystalline state deformation of high density polyethylene has been examined at an extrusion draw ratio of 30 over a range of temperatures and pressures. The experiments involve combined pushing (extrusion) and pulling through a conical die. The pressure dependence of the extrusion rate through conical dies is given by a logarithmic relation and the temperature dependence by an activation energy of ∼95 kcal/mole. An equation established for the total applied force linearly relates the pulling and extrusion pressure components and represents a force balance at the die entrance and exit. Steady-state extrusion, with or without pulling, was feasible in a pressure range beyond which fractures occurred owing to strain rate and shear or tensile failure. Under some circumstances the extrusion rate was increased by ten times. The mechanical properties and mode of deformation were not affected by pull load and fibers with a tensile modulus of 55 GPa were produced at T < 110°C.
ESTIMATING SPECIES RICHNESS: SENSITIVITY TO SAMPLE COVERAGE AND INSENSITIVITY TO SPATIAL PATTERNS

The number of species in an area is critical to the development of evolu- tionary and ecological theory from mass extinctions to island biogeography. Still, the factors influencing the accuracy of estimators of species richness are poorly understood. We ex- plored these factors by simulating landscapes that varied in species richness, relative abun- dances, and the spatial distribution. We compared the extrapolations of nine nonparametric estimators and two species accumulation curves under three sampling intensities. Com- munity evenness of species' abundances, sampling intensity, and the level of true species richness significantly influenced bias, precision, and accuracy of the estimations. Perhaps most surprisingly, the effects of gradient strength and spatial autocorrelation type were generally insignificant. The nonparametric estimators were substantially less biased and more precise than the species accumulation curves. Observed species richness was most biased. Community evenness, sampling intensity, and the level of true species richness influenced the performance of the nonparametric estimators indirectly via the fraction of all species found in a sample or ''sample coverage.'' For each particular level of sample coverage, a single estimator was most accurate. Choice of estimator is confounded by a priori uncertainty about the sample coverage. Accordingly, researchers can extrapolate species richness by various estimators and base the estimator choice on the mean estimated sample coverage. Alternatively, the most reliable estimator with respect to community evenness can be chosen. These predictions from our simulations are confirmed in two field studies. Key words: biodiversity; estimations; extrapolations; gradients; jacknife estimators; nonpara- metric estimators; relative abundance distribution; sample coverage; spatial autocorrelation; species accumulation curves.
Fourier information optics for the ultrafast time domain

Ultrafast photonic signal processing based on Fourier optics principles offers exciting possibilities to go beyond the processing speeds of electronics technologies for applications in high-speed fiber communications and ultrawideband wireless. I review our recent work on processing of ultrafast optical signals via conversion between time, space, and optical frequency (Fourier) domains. Specific topics include optical arbitrary waveform generation, application of optical pulse shaping technologies for wavelength-parallel compensation of fiber transmission impairments and for experimental studies of optical code-division multiple-access communications, and application of photonic methods for precompensation of dispersion effects in wireless transmission of radio-frequency signals over ultrawideband antenna links.
LIFE SATISFACTION AND OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT BEYOND THE IMPACT YEAR

This article examines three theoretical perspectives relative to the prediction of life satisfaction following retirement. Hypotheses derived from crisis, continuity, and consistency theories were systematically examined with regard to the pre- and post-retirement satisfaction scores of 114 male respondents (mean age 69 years). The data confirm one of four crisis hypotheses. Specifically, individuals underwent a decline in satisfaction with retirement. Similarly, only one of three continuity hypotheses was partially confirmed. A positive association obtained between satisfaction and orientational change in the voluntary association area. Contrary to the theory, however, respondents underwent a significant decline in satisfaction. Finally, only one of the consistency hypotheses was substantiated. In general, expectational disconfirmations relative to retirement did not result in lowered satisfaction.
Family‐Friendly Policies for Doctoral Students

Doctoral students can face unique obstacles in terms of balancing the demands of a graduate program with personal obligations.
Structure of the Solar Chromosphere

THE suggestion of Biermann1 and Schwarzschild2, that the radially increasing temperature of the solar atmosphere is to be ascribed to propagation of non-thermal energy, such as acoustic waves, is now generally accepted. The effect of magnetic field, and the possibility that the energy-carrying waves are of a magnetohydrodynamic character rather than acoustic, has been considered seriously3. However, the fact that the density and temperature of the chromosphere are significantly affected by magnetic field only when the field attains the strength (∼ 50 gauss) which is found only in localized regions (plages) on the Sun's surface indicates that magnetic field is not of primary significance. Hence one may attempt to understand the energy propagation and its effects on the assumption that one can ignore the magnetic field and so consider only acoustic waves.
Transplantation of human fetal tissue from spontaneous abortions to a rodent model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract The use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions for cell transplantation therapies has been the subject of considerable controversy. Because of concerns regarding the use of tissue from elective abortions, tissue from spontaneous abortions has been suggested as an alternate donor source. In the present study we have evaluated human fetal tissue from spontaneous abortions to assess its viability, growth potential, and functional expression. Viable cells (Grade 1) from a donor (7 wk postconception) were transplanted as a suspension into the striatum of rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway. A second group of animals received solid grafts of tissue from a Grade I donor 14 wk postconception. Tissue from Grade II and III specimens were not sufficiently viable for transplantation. Locomotor responses were monitored over a period of 15 wk and revealed an amelioration of rotational asymmetry by animals that received tissue from the 7 wk donor. Animals receiving tissue from the 14 wk donor showed no functional improvement. We found numerous graft-derived tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunopositive neurons contained within the transplantation site, and a rich plexus of TH-immunopositive fibers extending into the striatum of animals receiving tissue from the 7 wk donor. Animals receiving tissue from the 14 wk donor exhibited tissue necrosis at the transplant site and were devoid of TH-immunopositive neurons. These results suggest that human fetal ventral mesencephalic cells from spontaneous abortions can survive and develop after transplantation, and rectify locomotor deficits associated with experimental parkinsonism if the donor tissue is of the appropriate gestational age at the time of implantation. Our study further suggests, however, that the availability of tissue from spontaneous abortions of sufficient viability is quite limited and may thus restrict its potential use in cell transplantation therapies for Parkinson's disease.
Aptamers as ligands in affinity probe capillary electrophoresis.

A DNA aptamer against IgE was labeled with fluorophore and used as a selective fluorescent tag for determining IgE by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF). CE-LIF separations of samples containing fluorescently labeled aptamer and IgE were complete in less than 60 s and revealed two zones, one corresponding to free aptamer and the other to aptamer bound to IgE. The free aptamer peak decreased and bound aptamer peak increased in proportion to the amount of IgE in the sample so that IgE could be detected with a linear dynamic range of 105 and a detection limit of 46 pM. The assay was highly selective as aptamer was unaffected by the presence of IgG and IgE did not bind other DNA sequences. IgE was determined in serum samples with similar analytical figures of merit. Similar conditions using a thrombin aptamer allowed detection of thrombin.