cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning styles vary among general surgery residents: analysis of 12 years of data.

Purpose Understanding the learning styles of individuals may assist in the tailoring of an educational program to optimize learning. General surgery faculty and residents have been characterized previously as having a tendency toward particular learning styles. We seek to understand better the learning styles of general surgery residents and differences that may exist within the population. Methods The Kolb Learning Style Inventory was administered yearly to general surgery residents at the University of Cincinnati from 1994 to 2006. This tool allows characterization of learning styles into 4 groups: converging, accommodating, assimilating, and diverging. The converging learning style involves education by actively solving problems. The accommodating learning style uses emotion and interpersonal relationships. The assimilating learning style learns by abstract logic. The diverging learning style learns best by observation. Chi-square analysis and analysis of variance were performed to determine significance. Results Surveys from 1994 to 2006 (91 residents, 325 responses) were analyzed. The prevalent learning style was converging (185, 57%), followed by assimilating (58, 18%), accommodating (44, 14%), and diverging (38, 12%). At the PGY 1 and 2 levels, male and female residents differed in learning style, with the accommodating learning style being relatively more frequent in women and assimilating learning style more frequent in men ( Table 1 , p ≤ 0.001, chi-square test). Interestingly, learning style did not seem to change with advancing PGY level within the program, which suggests that individual learning styles may be constant throughout residency training. If a resident’s learning style changed, it tended to be to converging. In addition, no relation exists between learning style and participation in dedicated basic science training or performance on the ABSIT/SBSE. Conclusions Our data suggests that learning style differs between male and female general surgery residents but not with PGY level or ABSIT/SBSE performance. A greater understanding of individual learning styles may allow more refinement and tailoring of surgical programs.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

A once daily pill reduces risk in some groups but implementation will be challenging On 16 July 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a fixed dose combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF-FTC; Truvada) as a once daily pill for prevention of HIV infection in at risk adults.1 Approval of this combination for pre-exposure prophylaxis is one of several reasons why some HIV experts believe “the end of AIDS” is in sight.2 But is such optimism justified? The excitement about this treatment is understandable given that the HIV epidemic in the United States persists,1 mainly among men who have sex with men and African-Americans. Condoms are effective at preventing HIV,3 but their use is inconsistent.1 Identifying and treating every infected person to achieve viral suppression could reduce transmission (so called treatment as prevention),4 but such treatment expansion is still a long way off. Therefore, pre-exposure prophylaxis could, in theory, produce population level reductions in HIV transmission. The efficacy of TDF-FTC for pre-exposure prophylaxis was demonstrated in two large randomised double blind placebo controlled trials, which were the basis for its approval by the FDA. The multinational Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Initiative trial, which looked at 2499 HIV negative men or transgender women who have sex with men who reported high risk behaviour, found a 44% reduction in incidence (95% confidence interval 15% to 63%; P=0.005).5 A pre-exposure prophylaxis trial in Kenya and Uganda of 4758 HIV serodiscordant heterosexual couples found …
Microscopic emission and reflectance thermal infrared spectroscopy: instrumentation for quantitative in situ mineralogy of complex planetary surfaces

The diversity of investigations of planetary surfaces, especially Mars, using in situ instrumentation over the last decade is unprecedented in the exploration history of our solar system. The style of instrumentation that landed spacecraft can support is dependent on several parameters, including mass, power consumption, instrument complexity, cost, and desired measurement type (e.g., chemistry, mineralogy, petrology, morphology, etc.), all of which must be evaluated when deciding an appropriate spacecraft payload. We present a laboratory technique for a microscopic emission and reflectance spectrometer for the analysis of martian analog materials as a strong candidate for the next generation of in situ instruments designed to definitively assess sample mineralogy and petrology while preserving geologic context. We discuss the instrument capabilities, signal and noise, and overall system performance. We evaluate the ability of this instrument to quantitatively determine sample mineralogy, including bulk mineral abundances. This capability is greatly enhanced. Whereas the number of mineral components observed from existing emission spectrometers is high (often >5 to 10 depending on the number of accessory and alteration phases present), the number of mineral components at any microscopic measurement spot is low (typically <2 to 3). Since this style of instrument is based on a long heritage of thermal infrared emission spectrometers sent to orbit (the thermal emission spectrometer), sent to planetary surfaces [the mini-thermal emission spectrometers (mini-TES)], and evaluated in laboratory environments (e.g., the Arizona State University emission spectrometer laboratory), direct comparisons to existing data are uniquely possible with this style of instrument. The ability to obtain bulk mineralogy and atmospheric data, much in the same manner as the mini-TESs, is of significant additional value and maintains the long history of atmospheric monitoring for Mars. Miniaturization of this instrument has also been demonstrated, as the same microscope objective has been mounted to a flight-spare mini-TES. Further miniaturization of this instrument is straightforward with modern electronics, and the development of this instrument as an arm-mounted device is the end goal.
Quality of life of older patients undergoing renal transplantation: finding the right immunosuppressive treatment

Kidney transplantation is currently the best treatment for end-stage renal disease, both in terms of mortality benefit and quality of life (QOL). Elderly patients are a rapidly growing subset of the kidney transplant waiting list. While it is clear that elderly individuals have a mortality benefit from kidney transplant, it is less clear how to make sure these individuals benefit from optimal QOL following transplant. Several studies demonstrate superiority of some immunosuppressive regimens over others in the QOL domain. Tacrolimus has been shown to be associated with better QOL than cyclosporine (ciclosporin), as has corticosteroid-free immunosuppressive regimens. Similarly, patients on drug regimens, which tend to lessen the side effects, report better QOL. However, these studies are observational or cross-sectional and not focused exclusively on the elderly patient. More studies are needed to determine optimal immunosuppression regimens for elderly individuals. Additionally, further studies on determinants of QOL in elderly kidney transplant recipients are also needed.
The dilemma of transvenous cardiac rhythm devices in hemodialysis patients: time to consider the epicardial approach?

A great majority of cardiac rhythm devices (pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy) are placed percutaneously through the central veins, across the tricuspid valve, and inserted into the endocardium. Recent data have emphasized that central venous stenosis and infection associated with transvenous leads can be observed in hemodialysis patients dialyzing with an arteriovenous access or a tunneled hemodialysis catheter.1 The development of stenosis not only produces symptoms but can also have a direct impact, decreasing dialysis dose by restricting blood flow. Because the leads of a transvenous cardiac rhythm device are directly exposed to blood, they are vulnerable to contamination during episodes of bacteremia, often necessitating the removal of a life-supporting device.1 Finally, transvenous leads can injure the valve and produce severe tricuspid regurgitation.2
Administrative Risk and Sexual Harassment: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities on Campus

Institute for Contemporary Studies. The Fairmont Papers: Black Alternative Conference. California: Institute for Contemporary Studies, 1981. Jack, Hulan. 50 Years a Democrat. New York: New Benjamin Franklin House, 1982. Jones, Augustus, Jr. Law, Bureaucracy and Policy. Washington, D.C.: University Press of America, 1982. Levinsohn, Florence. Harold Washington. Chicago: Chicago Review Press, 1983. Mitchell, W. J. T. "Introduction." in W. J. T. Mitchell (Ed.), The Politics of Interpretation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1982.
Intersection of the Multivesicular Body Pathway and Lipid Homeostasis in RNA Replication by a Positive-Strand RNA Virus

Like many positive-strand RNA viruses, brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA replication occurs in membrane-invaginated vesicular compartments. BMV RNA replication compartments show parallels with membrane-enveloped, budding retrovirus virions, whose release depends on the cellular multivesicular body (MVB) sorting pathway. BMV RNA replication compartments are not released from their parent membranes, but might depend on MVB functions for membrane invagination. Prior results show that BMV RNA replication is severely inhibited by deletion of the crucial MVB gene DOA4 or BRO1. We report here that involvement of DOA4 and BRO1 in BMV RNA replication is not dependent on the MVB pathway's membrane-shaping functions but rather is due to their roles in recycling ubiquitin from MVB cargos. We show that deleting DOA4 or BRO1 inhibits the ubiquitination- and proteasome-dependent activation of homologous transcription factors Mga2p and Spt23p, which regulate many lipid metabolism genes, including the fatty acid desaturase gene OLE1, which is essential for BMV RNA replication. However, Mga2p processing and BMV RNA replication are restored by supplementing free ubiquitin, which is depleted in doa4Δ and bro1Δ cells. The results identify Mga2p and Spt23p processing and lipid regulation as sensitive targets of ubiquitin depletion and correctly predict multiple effects of modulating additional host genes RFU1, UBP6, and UFD3. Our results also show that BMV RNA replication depends on additional Mga2p-regulated genes likely involved in lipid metabolism beyond OLE1. Among other points, these findings show the potential for blocking viral RNA replication by modulating lipid synthesis at multiple levels.
Supply Response and Marketing Strategies for Deciduous Crops

Recent surveys show large increases in Washington apple tree plantings. When these plantings come into production, prices received by growers are expected to be below production costs. A simulation model combining supply, demand, and random weather variables was used to compare future returns and production variables of present fresh-processing allocation policies with alternative policies. The discriminating monopolist policies produced higher discounted revenues, more stable prices, and greater production and tree numbers during the 1972-1981 period than present policies. Thus, the monopolist short-run increase in returns over the present policy was prevalent after accounting for supply response.
Some elementary but surprising facts about the Sun’s path at sunset

For temperate latitudes, the assumed path of the Sun across the sky would suggest that the angle between the horizon and the Sun’s path at sunset would be much greater on the first day of summer when the Sun is high in the sky at noon than on the first day of winter when the Sun’s noon elevation is 47° lower. The angle that the Sun’s path makes with the horizon at sunset is, however, exactly the same on the first day of summer and the first day of winter—for any latitude. For 43° north latitude, although the range of angles over a year for the Sun’s noon elevation is 47°, the range of angles between the horizon and the Sun’s path at sunset is only 5°.
Comparison study of AR models on the Canadian lynx data: a close look at BDS statistic

In this paper, several linear and nonlinear autoregressive models on the classic Canadian lynx data are compared through analyzing their residuals by some conventional nonparametric test statistics as well as by a new test statistic, called BDS statistic. The BDS statistic is originated from chaos theory and has been shown very effective in identifying nonlinear structure in dynamic systems from their observations.
Sexual-erotic emotions in the U.S. in cross-cultural comparison

Using semantic differential ratings of evaluation, potency and activity of American and German undergraduates, I will test the general hypothesis that if both cultures agree on the sexual‐ erotic denotation of sentiments, sentiments will differ disproportional in their affective representations. It will be demonstrated that there is an interconnection of role‐identities and emotions. Affective representation between sexual role‐ identities differs in German and American culture. Emotions associated with sexual‐erotic role‐identities have a deviant and violent quality for Americans. The same role‐identities associate with emotions of impression and passion for German subjects.
A facile preparation of methyl enol ethers from acetals and ketals using trimethylsilyl iodide

Abstract Acetals and ketals are converted in high yields to the corresponding methyl vinyl ethers by treatment with trimethylsilyl iodide in the presence of hexamethyldisilazane at room temperature or below.
Gaining insight into the nanoscale properties of sol-gel-derived silicate thin films by single-molecule spectroscopy.

The application of single-molecule spectroscopic methods in studies of individual nanoscale environments within sol−gel-derived silicate thin films is reviewed. Representative examples of the experiments performed and results obtained in several studies from the authors' laboratories are given. Included are investigations of the static and dynamic polarity properties of organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL) films. The results of these studies point to nonrandom variations in the film properties, providing strong evidence for the formation of phase-separated organic- and inorganic-rich domains. Studies of single-molecule diffusion through the same films yield important evidence for the formation of liquidlike silicate oligomers that facilitate probe molecule diffusion. Finally, single-molecule studies of the local pH within individual film environments are discussed. Valuable information on the contributions of local materials' acidity variations to overall sample heterogeneity is obtained. The results o...
Between Cinema and Social Work: Diasporic Turkish Women and the (Dis)Pleasures of Hybridity

"The purity of the woman is the honor of the man," states a Turkish proverb. The family of the 18-year-old Turkish girl Aylin (pseudonym) was prepared to use all legal means to maintain this purity, although the girl was the third generation living in Germany: Until she was 14, she was only allowed to leave the house in the company of her brother or her mother, with the exception of school. Then she was raped by her uncle, but out of shame she kept silent about the incident. Her uncle became her tormenter and made her life a living hell. He repeatedly told her mother that he had seen her spending time with boys, and the mother believed him. She threatened her daughter that if she did not stop this disgraceful behavior, the mother would get "five men to rape you, and I will hold your hands myself."
Morphological and wavelet filtering for shear-beam image restoration

Shear beam imaging is a coherent reflective imaging technique which inherently contains signal dependent speckle noise, and removal of the speckle using a minimal number of frames is the major concern of this paper. In the past, several methods have been used to eliminate this noise. The complexity of the algorithms ranged from a simple nonlinear median filter to complex linear and nonlinear models. Here, fast morphological and wavelet filters are proposed and are shown to remove speckle better than the previous methods. The morphological filters are non-linear in nature and computationally efficient, thus making them quite attractive. This paper describes the morphological and wavelet techniques used and demonstrates the superior performance of these filters as compared to the previously used ones.
Electron spin dynamics as a probe of molecular dynamics: temperature-dependent magnetic field effects on charge recombination within a covalent radical ion pair.

The electron spin−spin exchange interaction, 2J, in radical pairs (RPs) is exquisitely sensitive to the details of molecular structure and can thus serve as an important probe of structural dynamics in RPs of potential interest to photonic and electronic devices. Photoinitiated ultrafast two-step charge separation produces 1(MeOAn+•−6ANI−NI-•), where MeOAn = p-methoxyaniline, 6ANI = 4-(N-piperidinyl)naphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide, and NI = naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide). Radical pair intersystem crossing subsequently produces 3(MeOAn+•−6ANI−NI-•), and the total RP population decays with ∼10 ns lifetime at 140 K, which increases to nearly 30 ns at 300 K in toluene. The activation energy observed for this process is negative and can be explained by a mechanism involving a conformational preequilibrium of the RP followed by charge recombination. Over the same temperature range, the magnetic field effect (MFE) on yield of the triplet recombination product, MeOAn−6ANI−3*NI, yields the magnitude of 2J, w...
Characterization of the 5′-flanking region of the human and rat Na,K-ATPase α3 gene

Genomic clones containing the 5'-flanking region and exon 1 of the human and rat Na,K-ATPase alpha 3 isoform gene have been isolated and characterized. The nucleotide sequences of 1.6 kb of the rat gene and 2.8 kb of the human gene in the 5'-flanking region were determined. Mapping of transcription initiation sites by primer extension and S1 nuclease protection analyses indicates that transcription is initiated in the same region in both genes although the rat gene has a greater number of initiation sites. Neither gene has a canonical TATA box, having instead a ATAT sequence preceding the transcription initiation sites. There is a perfect CCAAT sequence, in the reverse orientation, approximately 30 bp upstream of the potential TATA box in both genes. We have identified potential binding sites for transcription factors Sp-1, AP-1, AP-2, and AP-4, as well as for glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors in the 5'-flanking regions. These are conserved in both human and rat alpha 3 isoform genes.
Earth science: time of reversal.

At intervals, the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field reverses. The timescale for this reversal is unclear — in fact, it seems to depend on the latitude of the site from which the geological data are extracted.
Effective Hamiltonians in the large-N limit

Lattice gauge theories are considered in the large-$N$ limit. Two different approaches for obtaining an effective Hamiltonian are studied and compared. The gauge-volume approach is shown to differ from the collective-field one, and therefore the two may not yield the same large-$N$ limit. It is argued that the collective formalism is the correct one.
Implicit motor sequence learning is represented in response locations

Previous work (Willingham, 1999) has indicated that implicit motor sequence learning is not primarily perceptual; that is, what is learned is not a sequence of stimuli. Still other work has indicated that implicit motor sequence learning is not specific to particular muscle groups or effectors. In the present work, we tested whether implicit motor sequence learning would be represented as a sequence of response locations. In Experiment 1, learning showed very poor transfer when the response locations were changed, even though the stimulus positions were unchanged. In Experiment 2, participants switched their hand positions at transfer, so that one group of participants pushed the same sequence of keys but used a different sequence of finger movements to do so, whereas another group pushed a different sequence of keys but used the same sequence of finger movements used at training. Knowledge of the sequence was shown at transfer only if the sequence of response locations was maintained, not the sequence of finger movements.
Optical Properties of n-Type InP

Measurements of the intrinsic absorption edge of $n$-type InP at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are reported. Differences are found in the spectra of samples of differing origin. The effects are believed due to impurities. Reflection and absorption spectra in the vicinity of the reststrahlen peak are shown. The reststrahlen wavelength is 30.5 \ensuremath{\mu}, the static and high-frequency dielectric constants are ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{0}=15$ and ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}=10.6$. Freecarrier absorption and reflection spectra are shown. A brief discussion of the implications of the various optical and electrical measurements as regards the conduction band structure is given.
The negative directional aftereffect associated with adaptation to the prismatic effects of spectacle lenses.

Purpose To determine whether subjects would demonstrate a negative directional aftereffect in a sparse visual environment after being trained to point accurately through a spectacle lens. Methods Subjects were made myopic using a contact lens and then the myopia was corrected with a spectacle lens. Pointing behavior was used to assess directional localization. Training was carried out by showing subjects their pointing errors. Results Seven of 10 subjects demonstrated a negative directional aftereffect after spectacle lens adaptation. Conclusions The presence of a negative directional aftereffect indicates that some patients who switch between spectacles and contact lenses can accurately localize objects only in one condition. Patients who do not demonstrate a negative directional aftereffect may be able to correctly localize objects with both spectacles and contact lenses.
Studies on the interaction of NADPH with Rhodobacter sphaeroides biotin sulfoxide reductase.

Rhodobacter sphaeroides biotin sulfoxide reductase (BSOR) contains the bis(molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide)molybdenum cofactor and catalyzes the reduction of d-biotin-d-sulfoxide to biotin. This protein is the only member of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase family of molybdopterin enzymes that utilizes NADPH as the direct electron donor to the catalytic Mo center. Kinetic studies using stopped-flow spectrophotometry indicate that BSOR reduction by NADPH (>1000 s-1) is faster than steady-state turnover (440 s-1) and has shown that BSOR reduction occurs in concert with NADPH oxidation with no indication of a MoV intermediate species. Because no crystallographic structure is currently available for BSOR, a protein structure was modeled using the structures for R. sphaeroides dimethyl sulfoxide reductase, Rhodobacter capsulatus dimethyl sulfoxide reductase, and Shewanella massilia trimethylamine N-oxide reductase as the templates. A potential NADPH-binding site was identified and tested by site-directed mu...
Tradeoffs in retrofitting security: an experience report

In 1973, John Reynold's and James Morris' Gedanken language retrofit object-capability security into an Algol-like base. Today, there are active projects retrofitting Java, Javascript, Python, Mozart/Oz, OCaml, Perl, and Pict. These represent a variety of approaches, with different tradeoffs regarding legacy compatibility, safety, and expressivity. In this talk I propose a taxonomy of these approaches, and discuss some of the lessons learned to date.
Dynamics of “critical” trajectories

Abstract Two diagnostic dynamic models for flow in hyperbolic and elliptic regions of a geophysical fluid are developed and compared. As the main interest here is in local dynamical processes, these models are used to study trajectories near stagnation points in the flow field. The simplest model presumes a balance between the Coriolis and geopotential accelerations. This model is equivalent to the classic approach that characterizes these regimes by the quadratic equation for the eigenvalues of the velocity gradient. However, since that model imposes geostrophic dynamics, the eigenvalues of the velocity gradient can be replaced by the local curvature or Hessian of the geopotential scaled by Coriolis. The general model adds both local and inertial accelerations to the dynamical balance. In contrast to the classic result the consequent frequency equation is a quartic that involves both the Hessian of the geopotential field, the components of the velocity gradient, and Coriolis. Roots of this equation give two distinct time scales, which are interpreted as Lagrangian time scales. Motion of the geopotential field produces a third Eulerian time scale. Critical trajectories are those whose initial positions and velocities are such that they are independent of the Lagrangian time scales. These simple models establish that within hyperbolic and elliptic regions of the geopotential field there may be trajectories whose time scales differ radically from even their nearest neighbors. A characteristic of critical trajectories in the ocean is that they often are found near stagnation points. These may be hard to identify even in model simulations, but a similar quantity, the null in the geopotential gradient, might be easier to obtain. To analyze the relation between the critical trajectories, stagnation points, and gradient null, evolution models for the later two objects are proposed. For a steady geopotential all three coincide. However with a time varying geopotential, they are distinct even though all have the same time scale. The analysis provides a metric for the separation of all three objects.
Plasma corticosterone in the rat in response to nicotine and saline injections in a context previously paired or unpaired with nicotine

Rationale Following repeated injections with nicotine paired with a distinctive environment, some studies have reported that the distinctive context becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) capable of eliciting conditioned corticosterone (CORT) release. Conversely, other studies have found that exposure to the CS results in conditioned attenuation of nicotine-induced CORT release.
Non-Dimensional Analysis of an Idealized Thermoset Composites Manufacture

Modeling the cure of thermoset composites has been the subject of many investigations in the literature. However, the studies have focused on specific composite systems and product specifications. Consequently, extending the results based on one com bination of process and product parameters to another is not obvious, and the choice of cure cycles in practice remains predominantly heuristic-based. This work presents a gen eralized analysis of the cure, based on an idealized expression for the cure kinetics, in terms of four dimensionless groups formed of the process and product parameters— the Damkohler number (Ko), the dimensionless activation energy (Eo), the adiabatic reac tion temperature (Bo) and the Biot number (Bi). The non-dimensional approach reduces the large number of process and product variables involved, to the few dimensionless groups, and eliminates the need for a system-specific or product-specific modeling. Fur ther, the article addresses the problem of selecting the best cure cycles for...
Finding Your Niche: Identity and Emotional Support in Emerging Adults' Adjustment to the Transition to College

This mixed-method longitudinal study investigated the role of identity synthesis and emotional support from family, friends, and professors in emerging adults' mental health during the transition to college. A total of 167 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse emerging adults were surveyed and interviewed during the fall and the spring quarters of their first year in college. Cluster analysis revealed four mental health clusters: greatly improving mental health; maintaining positive mental health; poor mental health declining; and good mental health declining. Clusters that maintained or improved mental health over the first year of college had higher identity synthesis and emotional support from friends and family than clusters where mental health declined. Emotional support from friends was especially important for adjustment.
Sample spinning in x-ray spectrometry

Sample rotation during x-ray spectrometric analysis has been a point of some controversy. Traditionally, wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectrographs contain the capability of sample rotation as a standard feature. However, many energy-dispersive spectrometers are not so equipped. The argument for sample rotation has been based upon the averaging of inhomogeneities in the sample during the counting period. The argument against the need for a sample spinner feature has often been that the sample must be prepared to be homogeneous for proper x-ray analysis. It is important, however, to understand the nature of the inhomogeneity in question.
Quantization and Compensation in Sampled Interleaved Multichannel Systems

This paper considers interleaved, multichannel measurements as arise for example in time-interleaved analog-to-digital (A/D) converters and in distributed sensor networks. Such systems take the form of either uniform or recurrent nonuniform sampling, depending on the relative timing between the channels. Uniform (i.e., linear) quantization in each channel results in an effective overall signal-to-quantization-error ratio (SQNR) in the reconstructed output which is dependent on the quantizer step size in each channel, the relative timing between the channels, and the oversampling ratio. It is shown that in the multichannel sampling system when the quantization step size is not restricted to be the same in each channel and the channel timing is not constrained to correspond to uniform sampling, it is often possible to increase the SQNR relative to the uniform case. Appropriate choice of these parameters together with the design of appropriate compensation filtering is developed.
A program to compute nonparametric partial correlation coefficients

Measures of correlation and partial correlation provide crucial information about the interrelations among research variables and underlying factors. The techniques of causal modeling and causal path analysis, in which measures of partial association carry the critical information, provide a powerful quantitative framework within which to develop and test scientific theories (Asher, 1983; Cohen & Cohen, 1983; Kim & Mueller, 1978; Morris, 1990a, 1990b; Reynolds, 1974). The paper by Reynolds (1974) is provocative in that it demonstrates the efficacy of nonparametric (ordinal) partial correlation coefficients in t~st­ ing spurious correlation models. To support population inferences, parametric measures of association or partial association, such as the (partial) Pearson product moment correlation or the partial regression coefficient, require stringent structural assumptions (general linear model), distributional assumptions (bivariate normal distribution), and according to some (Nelson, 1984), scaling assumptions (interval or ratio scale). Measurement in the social sciences often fails to satisfy some or all of these assumptions, which renders parametric measures of association questionable (Nelson, 1984; Reynolds, 1974). To be sure, the debate about measurement scales and scale-dependent "permissible transformations" continues (Gaito, 1980; Townsend & Ashby, 1984), and sophisticated qualifications of earlier conclusions have recently emerged (Davison & Sharma, 1988; Michell, 1986). Nevertheless, nonparametric measures obviate paramet~c assumptio~s, yet nonparametric measures of correlatton and partIal correlation are almost completely absent from the experimentalliterature. The present scarcity of nonparametric measures of partial correlation in the literature may be due to their unfamiliarity and inaccessibility relative to the more popular parametric measures. . My goal in the present paper is to make nonparametnc measures of correlation and partial correlation more accessible to researchers by describing the statistical basis of three related nonparametric measures and presenting a computer program that computes all three. First, following Wilson (1974), I d~scribe a class of,three no~­ parametric bivariate correlations. Next, I de~nbe Quade s (1974) generalization of this class of corr~latlOns.to partial correlations and his formula for calculating their asymptotic standard error and thereby testing their statistical significance. Finally, I present a flexible PC-eompatible computer program (Turbo Pascal version 3.0) that computes
Participation in treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous: a 16-year follow-up of initially untreated individuals.

This study focused on the duration of participation in professional treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for previously untreated individuals with alcohol use disorders. These individuals were surveyed at baseline and 1 year, 3 years, 8 years, and 16 years later. Compared with individuals who remained untreated, individuals who obtained 27 weeks or more of treatment in the first year after seeking help had better 16-year alcohol-related outcomes. Similarly, individuals who participated in AA for 27 weeks or more had better 16-year outcomes. Subsequent AA involvement was also associated with better 16-year outcomes, but this was not true of subsequent treatment. Some of the association between treatment and long-term alcohol-related outcomes appears to be due to participation in AA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 735–750, 2006.
Design and simulations of an electrically tunable quantum dot cascade laser

We present here a novel design to form an artificial quantum dot with electrical confinement and apply it to a Quantum Cascade Laser structure to realize a Quantum Dot Cascade Laser. A two-dimensional finite element method has been used to numerically simulate the novel design of electrical formation of an artificial quantum dot. The size of the quantum dot is electrically tunable and can be applied to quantum cascade laser structure to reduce the non-radiative LO-phonon relaxation. Numerical modeling with cylindrical symmetry is custom developed using Comsol multiphysics to evaluate the electrical performance of the device and optimize it by varying design parameters, namely, the doping density of different layers and thickness of the cladding and active regions. The typical s-, p-, d- and f- wave functions have been calculated. Numerical simulations show that the energy level separation could be as large as 50 meV by electrical confinement. We also demonstrate the road map for the fabrication of such a device using a maskless super lens photolithography technique. We have achieved a uniform array of nano-contacts of size ~ 200nm, required for the device, using photolithographic technique with a UV source of λ ~ 400nm. The entire processing involves 7 photolithographic steps. This new device - "Quantum dot cascade laser", promises low threshold current density and high wall-plug efficiency.
A Novel Site in the Muscle Creatine Kinase Enhancer Is Required for Expression in Skeletal but Not Cardiac Muscle

Expression of the muscle creatine kinase (MCK) gene in skeletal and heart muscle is controlled in part by a 5′ tissue-specific enhancer. In order to identify new regulatory elements, we designed mutations in a previously untested conserved portion of this enhancer. Transfection analysis of these mutations delineated a new control element, named Trex (Transcriptional regulatory element x), which is required for full transcriptional activity of the MCK enhancer in skeletal but not cardiac muscle cells. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrate that myocyte, myoblast, and fibroblast nuclear extracts but not primary cardiomyocyte nuclear extracts contain a trans-acting factor that binds specifically to Trex. The Trex sequence is similar (7/8 bases) to the TEF-1 consensus DNA-binding site involved in regulating other muscle genes. To determine if TEF-1 interacts with Trex, selected TEF-1 binding sites such as GTIIc and M-CAT and two anti-TEF-1 antisera were used in gel shift assays. These experiments strongly suggest that a factor distinct from TEF-1 binds specifically to Trex. Thus it appears that MCK transcription is regulated in skeletal muscles through a Trex-dependent pathway while Trex is not required for MCK expression in heart. This distinction could account partially for the difference in levels of muscle creatine kinase in these tissues.
The temperature dependence of the components of the hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidases.

Abstract The activation energies of ethylmorphine N -demethylase (16.8 kcal/mole) and aniline hydroxylase (17.6 kcal/mole) did not greatly differ. The endogenous NADPH oxidase (16.8 kcal/mole) and the oxidase in the presence of ethylmorphine (15.7 kcal/mole) and aniline (14.7 kcal/mole) are only slightly different. On the other hand, the activation energy for NADPH-cytochrome c reductase is only 8.53 kcal/mole, suggesting that the reduction of the flavin in this enzyme does not significantly contribute to the rate of the overall reaction. The addition of ethylmorphine reduces the NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase activation energy from 12.5 kcal/mole to 10.8 kcal/mole. This energy is slightly increased by the presence of aniline (14.7 kcal/mole). Since NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in the presence of ethylmorphine is presumed to be the rate-limiting step in the N -demethylase, the large difference between the energy of activation of this reaction and the energy of activation of ethylmorphine N -demethylase would suggest the participation of two reactions of similar rate in the control of the overall rate of the oxygenase reaction.
A Per-ARNT-Sim-Like Sensor Domain Uniquely Regulates the Activity of the Homeodomain Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor REVOLUTA in Arabidopsis

Class III homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-ZIP III) transcription factors regulate critical developmental programs in plants; these include leaf polarity, polarity along the shoot-root axis, and stem cell specification and proliferation. One of the defining features of HD-ZIP III proteins is the presence of a Per-ARNT-Sim-like (PAS-like) MEKHLA domain at the C terminus. PAS-like domains are known to respond to a variety of chemical and physical stimuli. Here, we provide evidence that the MEKHLA domain acts as a negative regulator of Arabidopsis thaliana HD-ZIP III REVOLUTA activity. Based on experiments in yeast and plants, we propose a model in which the MEKHLA domain inhibits dimerization through a sequence-independent steric masking mechanism. This inhibition is relieved in response to a cellular signal that requires the C terminus of the MEKHLA domain for its perception. Overexpression experiments suggest that this signal is unequally distributed and/or sensed in the plant. Our data show that the function of the REVOLUTA MEKHLA domain differs among other HD-ZIP III family members; this difference may explain the genetic differences that have been observed among family members. This finding, combined with our phylogenetic analysis, suggests that REVOLUTA is the latest type of HD-ZIP III protein to have evolved in land plants.
Interaction corrections at intermediate temperatures: Longitudinal conductivity and kinetic equation

temperatures T τ > 1. We show that in this (ballistic) regime the temperature dependence of conductivity is still governed by the same physical processes as the Altshuler-Aronov corrections - electron scattering by Friedel oscillations. However, in this regime the correction is linear in temperature; the value and even the sign of the slope depends on the strength of electron-electron interaction. (This sign change may be relevant for the “metal-insulator” transition observed recently.) We show that the slope is directly related to the renormalization of the spin susceptibility and grows as the system approaches the ferromagnetic Stoner instability. Also, we obtain the temperature dependence of the conductivity in the cross-over region between the diffusive and ballistic regimes. Finally, we derive the quantum kinetic equation, which describes electron transport for arbitrary value of T τ.
Caregiving, dyadic quality of life and dyadic relationships in lupus.

AimsSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mostly affects young women, adversely affecting their quality of life (QOL). Caregivers may experience caregiver burden (CGB), and it may lower the quality of their relationship. Herein we studied caregiving and CGB and their effects on QOL and relationships in SLE.MethodsWe recruited 10 dyads from the Lupus Clinic. Data collected included demographics, CGB (CGB Scale, screen for CGB), QOL (SF-36) and the quality of the dyadic relationship (Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)). We calculated correlation coefficients for associations between (i) CGB and (ii) dyadic QOL or DAS.ResultsThe mean (± SD) age of SLE patients was 35.2 (± 9) years and of caregivers was 37.3 (± 9.64) years. The mean (± SD, min–max) total CGB score was 9.1 (± 5.8, 0–19). The caregiver's QOL correlated strongly with some of the domains of the patient's QOL. The SLE-related CGB was associated with the caregiver's own QOL and their SLE partner's QOL. The dyadic DAS was linked to the patient's QOL.Conclus...
Watershed Retrofit and Management Evaluation for Urban Stormwater Management Systems in North Carolina

: In response to water quality concerns in the Jordan Lake Reservoir and state and federal mandates, several cities in North Carolina are being required for the first time to reduce nutrient loads in stormwater from previously developed lands; that is, install retrofits. It is anticipated that similar requirements will become necessary for other urban areas in North Carolina. The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of alternative approaches to stormwater management for existing developments within North Carolina cities. Geographic coverage of the study included a portion of the New Hope Creek watershed, located within the City of Durham in central North Carolina. The watershed was analyzed to identify potential retrofit opportunities that could be implemented to reduce pollutant loadings entering New Hope Creek and, ultimately, Jordan Lake. Current pollutant loadings generated by the watershed, as well as reductions in annual loadings of total suspended solids, total nitrogen and total phosphorus that could be achieved by implementing the identified retrofits, were estimated. Trends and relationships between land use type and the quantity and type of retrofit opportunities were identified and conclusions were drawn as to the most appropriate types of retrofits for certain land uses.
R-568 reduces ectopic calcification in a rat model of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD)

Background Chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), a newly defined disorder in patients with CKD, describes the interacting triad of (1) biochemical abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH), (2) extraskeletal calcification and (3) abnormal bone. Methods We studied the effects of the calcimimetic R-568, R-568 with calcium (R-568 + Ca) or calcium (Ca) alone compared with control CKD rats on this triad in the Cy/+ male rat, a model of progressive CKD that spontaneously develops CKD-MBD on a normal phosphorus diet. Animals were treated for either 14 or 18 weeks beginning at 20 weeks of age (34-week and 38-week animals, respectively). Results The results demonstrated similar efficacy of R-568, R-568 + Ca and Ca in lowering PTH levels. R-568 alone lowered plasma calcium compared to control over time, but increased phosphorus compared to control early in the course of the disease, but not at 38 weeks. Animals treated with Ca alone or R-568 + Ca had lower phosphorus levels; the Ca alone group had elevated Ca levels. Bone volume improved in the calcium-treated groups. In contrast, arterial and cardiac calcification worsened by most assessments in the R-568 + Ca and Ca alone treated animals compared with R-568 alone whereas R-568 alone treatment showed beneficial effects on most sites of extraskeletal calcification. Conclusion Thus, R-568, with or without Ca, improved the biochemical abnormalities of hyperparathyroidism but with higher and lower calcium levels, respectively, compared with controls. However, R-568 + Ca had more dramatic improvement in bone volume, but more extraskeletal calcification than R-568 alone. This complexity demonstrates that treatment of one component of CKD-MBD may lead to undesirable effects on other components.
Ribonuclease activity and isoenzymes in raw and processed cows' milk and infant formulas.

Abstract Because of evidence of an immunologic role for ribonuclease II (E.C. 3.1.27.5) in mammals, its presence in milk was further characterized to provide a basis for study of possible contributions of its activity to the health of infants. Isoenzymes of ribonuclease II were quantitatively resolved from milk samples as small as 1ml or less by chromatography on phosphocellulose. Three isoenzymes detected in bovine milk were the previously reported ribonucleases A and B and a form termed ribonuclease II-1. These isoenzymes were in the ratio of 70:30:1. Form II-1 was unique in its inability to hydrolyze polycytidylate. Bovine colostrum contained 10 to 15 times more ribonuclease II-1 than does milk and three times more total ribonuclease II per unit volume. Human milk contains about 1% the concentration of ribonuclease II found in cows' milk. Ribonuclease II activity in milk was quite stable in the acidic conditions of whey production and during low heat treatments. However, most of its enzymatic activity was lost with high heat treatments. No commercially manufactured milk-based or soybean-based infant formula assayed contained nearly as much ribonuclease activity as either human or bovine milk.
The Embroidery Problem.

We consider the problem of embroidering a design pattern, given by a graph G, using a single minimum length thread. We give an exact polynomial-time algorithm for the case that G is connected. If G has multiple connected components, then we show that the problem is NP-hard and give a polynomial-time 2-approximation algorithm. We also present results for special cases of the problem with various objective functions.
Understanding variable moment arms for the index finger MCP joints through the ACT hand

Human levels of dexterity has not been duplicated in a robotic form to date. Dexterity is achieved in part due to the biomechanical structure, and in part due to the neural control of movement. An anatomically correct test-bed (ACT) hand has been constructed to investigate the importance and behavioral consequences of anatomical features and neural control strategies of the human hand. This paper focused on the role of the human handpsilas variable moment arm. System identification was conducted on the ACT index fingerpsilas two degrees of freedom at the metacarpal-phalange (MCP) joint to provide an understanding of, for the first time, how the moment arms vary with multiple joints moving simultaneously. The specific combination of nonlinear moment arms results in an increased ability to produce force at the fingertip for the same neural input when the fingerpsilas flexion and adduction angles increase (that is toward the middle of the hand). This preliminary work will lead to answering what biomechanical and neural functions are required to construct fully dexterous robotic and prosthetic hands in the future.