cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive Characterization of Damaged Bonds

This paper presents a new technique to characterize the damage of a bonded component. The theoretical analysis models a damaged bond as a random distribution of small interphase cracks and cavities. Interaction of ultrasonic waves with these interfacial cracks are studied by a differential self-consistent scheme (DSS) in conjunction with the backscattering signal strength formula [1]. Here the multiple scattering problem from a distribution of interphase cracks is reduced to finding the crack opening displacement of a single interphase crack. Transmission coefficients are obtained explicitly in terms of the characteristic length, density of the interfacial defects and incident wave frequency, from the solution of a first order, ordinary differential equation. Experimental verification of the theoretical solution is performed on aluminum blocks joined by an epoxy layer with varying densities of interfacial cracks. Transmission coefficients from the epoxy layer are measured with a heterodyne interferometer. The measured transmission signals are compared to predicted values and information such as defect distribution and size is extracted.
The Value of Permanency: State Implementation of Legal Guardianship Under the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997

This article focuses on the law surrounding cases where legal guardianship has been granted to a relative or other caregiver after a child has spent time in foster care. The article explores the differential value placed on the parent-child relationship in resolving custody disputes in the public and private law contexts.
Ocean acidification does not limit squid metabolism via blood oxygen supply

ABSTRACT Ocean acidification is hypothesized to limit the performance of squid owing to their exceptional oxygen demand and pH sensitivity of blood–oxygen binding, which may reduce oxygen supply in acidified waters. The critical oxygen partial pressure ( P crit ), the P O 2 below which oxygen supply cannot match basal demand, is a commonly reported index of hypoxia tolerance. Any CO 2 -induced reduction in oxygen supply should be apparent as an increase in P crit . In this study, we assessed the effects of CO 2 (46–143 Pa; 455–1410 μatm) on the metabolic rate and P crit of two squid species – Dosidicus gigas and Doryteuthis pealeii – through manipulative experiments. We also developed a model, with inputs for hemocyanin pH sensitivity, blood P CO 2 and buffering capacity, that simulates blood oxygen supply under varying seawater CO 2 partial pressures. We compare model outputs with measured P crit in squid. Using blood–O 2 parameters from the literature for model inputs, we estimated that, in the absence of blood acid–base regulation, an increase in seawater P CO 2 to 100 Pa (≈1000 μatm) would result in a maximum drop in arterial hemocyanin–O 2 saturation by 1.6% at normoxia and a P crit increase of ≈0.5 kPa. Our live-animal experiments support this supposition, as CO 2 had no effect on measured metabolic rate or P crit in either squid species.
Successful hospital readmission reduction initiatives: Top five strategies to consider implementing today

Only one quarter of U.S. hospitals demonstrated low enough levels of 30 day readmission rates to avoid penalties imposed by the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) in 2016. Previous work describes interventions for reducing hospital readmission rates; however, without a comprehensive analysis of these interventions, healthcare leaders cannot prioritize strategies for implementation within their healthcare environment. This comparative study identifies the most effective interventions to reduce unplanned 30-day readmissions. The MEDLINE-PubMed database was used to conduct a systematic review of existing literature about interventions for 30-day readmission reduction published from 2006 through 2017. Data were extracted on hospital type, setting, disease type, intervention type, study sample, and impact level. Of 4,886 citations, 508 articles were reviewed in full-text, and 90 articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on the three analytic methodologies of means, weighted means, and pooled estimated impact level, the most effective interventions to reduce unplanned 30-day admissions were identified as collaboration with clinical teams and/or community providers, post-discharge home visits, telephone follow-up calls, patient/family education, and discharge planning. Commonly, all five interventions identify patient level engagement for success. The findings reveal the need for shared accountability towards desired outcomes among health systems, providers, and patients while providing hospital leaders with actionable strategies that can effectively reduce 30-day readmission rates.
Interference and Blockage Prediction in mmWave-Enabled HetNets

mmWave bands have large chunks of spectrum and are promising for satisfying the unprecedented cellular traffic demands of future cellular networks. Unfortunately, the characteristic that mmWaves have high attenuation against physical objects and even atmosphere hinder its feasibility. High gain directional antennas are required to combat the attenuation. However, user mobility might change the signal direction, introduce physical objects in the line-of-sight of the signal and might block the directional signal. Additionally, user mobility might also make two directional signals to interfere with one another. The blockage and interference incidents must be handled with care. In this paper, the mmWave-enabled HetNet cells record the fingerprints of the incidents and the cells' transmission parameters. When a user is moving, and the serving cell's transmission parameters are approaching a fingerprint, the HetNet takes necessary actions to mitigate interference or avoid disconnection before it happens. Our results show that for typical indoor scenarios, most of the blockage and interference can be predicted so that countermeasures can be applied in advance.
Opioid prescribing practices and medication use following urogynecological surgery

Background Opioid abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States, with opioid overdose becoming a leading cause of death. There is wide variation in prescription practices for post-operative opioids due to absence of guidelines. The purpose of this study is to examine postoperative opioid prescribing patterns after urogynecologic surgery and determine usage and management of opioid pills by patients. Materials and methods This is an observational, prospective study of female patients (N = 143) who underwent urogynecologic (prolapse or incontinence) surgery from June to December 2017 at a single academic center. Patients were surveyed regarding their pain medication use 30 days postoperatively. Survey questions included preoperative pain medication use, quantity of opioid pills consumed, need for additional opioid prescription, and management of remaining pills. T-test and one-way Anova were used for comparison of continuous variables and chi-squared test used for comparison of categorical variables. Results Of 143 eligible patients, 99 (69%) responded; 62% of respondent patients underwent vaginal surgery, 22% abdominal surgery with or without vaginal surgery, and 15% underwent other procedures. Postoperatively, 81.8% of patients were prescribed opioids. The average number of tablets prescribed ranged from 12.4 to 17.4 depending on the procedure. 54.3% of patients reported using less than half of their prescribed opioid prescription. Of the patients who had excess opioid tablets, only 8.6% reported discarding their opioids. Conclusion To date, no guidelines exist on prescribing opioids postoperatively. Opioids are overprescribed post-operatively with over half of patients using less than half of the opioids prescribed to them.
Introducing POSVAR: a dataset on refugee-related violence

While scholars have for some time debated the role of refugee flows in the international spread of conflict, most evidence has been indirect due to the scarcity of systematic data on refugee-relate...
Selectively activated PRP exerts differential effects on tendon stem/progenitor cells and tendon healing

To understand the variable efficacy with platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments for tendon injury, we determined the differential effects of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)1- or PAR4-activated PRP (PAR1-PRP, PAR4-PRP) from humans on human patellar tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs) and tendon healing. We show that PAR1-PRP released VEGF, whereas PAR4-PRP released endostatin. Treatment of TSCs with PAR1-PRP increased collagen I expression and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), but cells treated with PAR4-PRP increased less collagen I and higher MMP-2 expression. The wound area treated with PAR4-PRP formed tendon-like tissues with well-organized collagen fibers and fewer blood vessels, while PAR1-PRP treatment resulted in the formation of blood vessels and unhealed tissues. These findings indicate that differential activation of PRP leads to different effects on TSCs and tendon healing. We suggest that based on acute or chronic type of tendon injury, selective activation of PRP should be applied in clinics in order to treat injured tendons successfully.
Simple ohmic contact formation in HEMT structures: application to AlGaN/GaN

Low-resistance ohmic contacts on AlGaN/GaN HEMT devices presently require annealing at temperatures up to 850°C, which can adversely affect material properties. Here we investigate contacts with the metal directly contacting the 2DEG in the GaN, about 20 nm below the top surface. For convenience, we employed a 10-mm × 10-mm sample composed of 3-nm-GaN/16-nm-Al0.27Ga0.73N/1-nm-AlN/1.8-μm-GaN (Fe-doped). Four, 2-mm-long, 2-μm deep lines were scribed near the corners of the sample and filled with indium metal from a soldering iron. Hall measurements were then performed from 10 to 320 K at a current of 1 mA and with a magnetic field strength of 10 kG. At 10K (300K) the mobility was 1.96 × 104 (1.88 × 103) cm2·V-1·s-1; the sheet concentration, 9.39 × 1012 (9.35 × 1012) cm-2, and the sheet resistance, 33.9 (353) Ω/sq = rs. The contact resistance Rc was calculated from the average total resistance Rtot across each pair of contacts: Rtot = 2Rc + rs. At 10 K (300 K), Rc ≈ 1 (2) kΩ. Also, Rc has a much smaller temperature dependence than rs, implying tunneling, rather than thermionic current. From a Schrodinger-Poisson calculation, the peak volume carrier concentration in the 2DEG is n ≈ 3.7 × 1019 cm-3. The tunneling probability is P = exp[e(V – Vbi)/e00] and for e = 9.9evac and m* = 0.22m0, e00 = 0.077 eV = 894 K; thus, e00 < kT, further suggesting the dominance of tunneling current. This technique is immediately applicable to any HEMT-type structure, including AlScN/GaN.
How To Prepare Competitive NSF Engineering Education Proposals

The goal of this workshop is to provide guidance to participants on engineering education funding opportunities at the National Science Foundation (NSF). This will be accomplished through a combination of activities including (i) interactive and dynamic mini-presentations by NSF program directors; (ii) a mock proposal review session by participants working in small groups and (iii) an interactive question and answer session in which participants have the opportunity to cross-examine a panel of current NSF grantees. In describing the various funding opportunities relevant to engineering education, the workshop will place emphasis on fostering innovation through diversity (consistent with the FIE 2018 conference theme) and give guidance on how to write persuasive and competitive proposals. Participants will experience rich peer interactions and also have the opportunity to connect directly with NSF program directors.
Effects of children's hearing loss on the synchrony between parents' object naming and children's attention.

Abstract Children’s attentional state during parent-child interactions is important for word learning. The current study examines the real-time attentional patterns of toddlers with and without hearing loss (N = 15, age range: 12–37 months) in parent-child interactions. High-density gaze data recorded from head-mounted eye-trackers were used to investigate the synchrony between parents’ naming of novel objects and children’s sustained attention on the named objects in joint play. Results show that the sheer quantities of parents’ naming and children’s sustained attention episodes were comparable in children with hearing loss and their peers with normal hearing. However, parents’ naming and children’s sustained attention episodes were less synchronized in the hearing loss group compared to children with normal hearing. Possible implications are discussed.
Deep learning approach to scalable imaging through scattering media

We propose a deep learning technique to exploit “deep speckle correlations”. Our work paves the way to a highly scalable deep learning approach for imaging through scattering media.
Comparison of PREDICTS atherosclerosis biomarker changes after initiation of new treatments in patients with SLE.

Objective Patients with SLE have an increased risk of atherosclerosis (ATH) that is not adequately explained by traditional risk factors. We previously described the Predictors of Risk for Elevated Flares, Damage Progression, and Increased Cardiovascular disease in PaTients with SLE (PREDICTS) atherosclerosis-risk panel, which includes proinflammatory HDL (piHDL), leptin, soluble tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and homocysteine, as well as age and diabetes. A high PREDICTS score confers 28-fold increased odds for future atherosclerosis in SLE. The aim of this study is to determine whether PREDICTS biomarkers are modifiable by common lupus therapies. Methods This prospective observational study included SLE subjects started on new lupus treatments. Leptin, sTWEAK, homocysteine and antioxidant function of HDL were measured at baseline (prior to drug initiation), 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Results 16 subjects started mycophenolate (MMF), 18 azathioprine (AZA) and 25 hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). In MMF-treated subjects, HDL function progressively improved from 2.23 ± 1.32 at baseline to 1.37±0.81 at 6 weeks (p=0.02) and 0.93±0.54 at 12 weeks (p=0.009). sTWEAK levels also improved in MMF-treated subjects from 477.5±447.1 to 290.3±204.6 pg/mL after 12 weeks (p=0.04), but leptin and homocysteine levels were not significantly changed. In HCQ-treated subjects, only HDL function improved from 1.80±1.29 at baseline to 1.03±0.74 after 12 weeks (p=0.05). There were no changes in the AZA group. MMF treatment was still associated with significant improvements in HDL function after accounting for potential confounders such as total prednisone dose and changes in disease activity. Overall, the mean number of high-risk PREDICTS biomarkers at week 12 significantly decreased in the entire group of patients started on a new lupus therapy (2.1±0.9 to 1.8±0.9, p=0.02) and in the MMF-treated group (2.4±0.8 vs 1.8±0.9, p=0.003), but not in the AZA or HCQ groups. In multivariate analysis, the odds of having a high PREDICTS atherosclerosis risk score at 12 weeks were lower with MMF treatment (OR 0.002, 95% CI 0.000 to 0.55, p=0.03). Conclusions 12 weeks of MMF therapy improves the overall PREDICTS atherosclerosis biomarker profile. Further studies will determine whether biomarker changes reflect decreases in future cardiovascular events.
N15 tracer studies on the utilization of fertilizer nitrogen by rice in relation to time of application

A study of the utilization of nitrogen from (N15H4)2SO4 by the rice plant in relation to time of application was made in pot culture. Results show that fractional application of nitrogen with two-third at planting followed by one-third top-dressed at the boot stage results in the highest recovery of fertilizer nitrogen as compared to full application at planting or split application with top-dressing at the tillering stage. The former treatment also gives significantly higher grain yield, which is due to the increase in the number of filled grains per panicle. Nitrogen absorbed from top-dressing is found to be translocated to the growing parts.
Planar Position and Orientation Estimation Using a 5.8 GHz RFID System

Precise object position and orientation estimation using RF tags is an emerging application of RFID technology. In this work, we present a novel wireless two-dimensional position and orientation estimation and tracking technique that illustrates the concept of sensor fusion – using multiple, disparate sensor measurements to synthesize a single, superior estimation of position and orientation. The technique is implemented using 5.8 GHz RFID system that consists of three RFID readers and a customized motion capture tag equipped with 9- axis inertial and compass sensors. The microwave reader extracts 9- axis inertial and compass data: 3-axis accelerometry, 3-axis gyrometry, and 3-axis magnetometry from the backscattered packet. The HIMR algorithm then fuses inertial, compass data and the RF signature of the backscattered signal to produce a motion-capture grade estimate of position and orientation. A positional estimation accuracy of 1–2 cm was achieved in the narrowband experiments conducted using 5.8 GHz RFID system operating on multiple frequencies.
Investigation of astrovirus and bornavirus in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs clinically diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology

Background Non-suppurative encephalitides in a variety of species, including humans and dogs, have been linked to infection by astroviruses and bornaviruses. Hypothesis/objectives To determine whether or not ribonucleic acid of astroviruses or bornaviruses was present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with clinically diagnosed meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Animals Twenty-five client-owned dogs evaluated by CSF analysis at a single university referral hospital. Methods Prospective case-control study. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from clinically diagnosed MUE and control cases and evaluated by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the presence of astrovirus and bornavirus. Results Neither astrovirus nor bornavirus nucleic acids were identified in CSF collected from 20 clinically diagnosed MUE and 5 control cases. Conclusions and clinical importance The negative results of this investigation suggest that astrovirus and bornavirus are not commonly detectable in CSF of dogs with MUE.
Consequences of Discount Rate Selection for Financial and Ecological Expectation and Risk in Forest Management

Consequences of Discount Rate Selection for Financial and Ecological Expectation and Risk in Forest Management
Effectiveness of dermoscopy in skin cancer diagnosis.

Does dermoscopy improve the effectiveness of skin cancer diagnosis when used for skin cancer screening? Dermoscopy added to visual inspection is more accurate than visual inspection alone in the diagnosis of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, there is insufficient evidence to draw
Global Systemic Anthropology and the Analysis of Globalization

This chapter outlines the basic arguments for a global systemic anthropology as it has developed since the late 1970s. These include the fundamental notions that social process can best be understood in terms of the larger context of reproduction within which they occur, that world history does not consist of an evolution from primitive to civilized to modern, nor from more local to more global orders. The development of the first so-called civilizations is very much about the emergence of large-scale imperial systems in which accumulation of wealth has been a central dynamic. The dynamics of such systems, which can be called “global systems” has been more or less stable throughout the past three thousand years. The cultural correlates of such systems include the formation and disintegration of cultural hierarchies and evolutionary representations, assimilation of minorities in periods of expansion, and an inverse process of cultural and political separation and autonomization in periods of decline.
Auricular Point Acupressure Smartphone Application to Manage Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Longitudinal, One-Group, Open Pilot Trial.

BackgroundChronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is the most common self-reported chronic pain condition. Current treatment for CMP is limited.MethodsThis was a two-phase study. In Phase 1, three auric...
UnMICST: Deep learning with real augmentation for robust segmentation of highly multiplexed images of human tissues

Newly developed technologies have made it feasible to routinely collect highly multiplexed (20-60 channel) images at subcellular resolution from human tissues for research and diagnostic purposes. Extracting single cell data from such images requires efficient and accurate image segmentation. This starts with identification of nuclei, a challenging problem in tissue imaging that has recently benefited from deep learning. In this paper we demonstrate two generally applicable approaches to improving segmentation accuracy as scored using new human-labelled segmentation masks spanning multiple human tissues. The first approach involves the use of "real augmentations" during training. These comprise defocused and saturated image data and improve model accuracy when computational augmentation (Gaussian blurring) does not. The second involves collection of nuclear envelope data. The two approaches cumulatively and substantially improve segmentation with three different deep learning frameworks, yielding a set of high accuracy segmentation models. Moreover, the use of real augmentation may have applications outside of microscopy.
Networks of linked radial muscles could influence dynamic skin patterning of squid chromatophores

The visibility of cephalopod chromatophore organs is regulated dynamically by rosettes of obliquely striated radial muscles that dilate or relax the diameter of a central pigmented sacculus in 100-300 ms. Each of the several dozen muscles has a flared proximal end that adheres tightly to its pigmented sacculus and an extremely elongated distal end which branches into single fibrils that anchor into the dermis. This geometry provides ample opportunity for overlap of the many muscles from neighboring chromatophores. The temporal activity of these muscles has been believed to be patterned exclusively by monosynaptic projections from sets of efferent motor axons originating in the chromatophore lobes of the suboesophageal brain. Based on historical observations that distal radial muscles from some chromatophores appear to extend closely to muscles from other chromatophores, we asked whether radial muscles actually make specialized contacts. Using 3D electron microscopy of Doryteuthis pealeii mantle skin, we discovered tight putatively functional muscle-to-muscle contacts between radial muscles from different chromatophores, including elaborate sets of axonal processes located adjacent to those myo-myo junctions. These detailed ultrastructural findings demonstrate auxiliary anatomical routes for radial muscle activation and suggest plausible mechanisms whereby local physical synchronization and axo-axonic processing in the periphery can contribute to chromatophore pattern dynamics such as "passing cloud."
Incidental Polyp on Colectomy Specimen is Linked with Higher Odds of Polyp on Interval Colonoscopy.

ABSTRACT Background Incidentally found polyps on surgical pathology after colectomy is an underreported phenomenon, and management guidelines are lacking. Elucidation of the significance of incidental polyps is needed to determine if post-operative endoscopic surveillance modification is warranted. We sought to determine the relationship between incidental polyp on colectomy specimen and findings on post-operative colonoscopy. Materials and Methods A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed on patients that underwent colorectal resection from 2018-2019. Surgical pathology was reviewed for polyps and assigned as expected or incidental based on pre-operative colonoscopy. If performed, post-operative colonoscopy was reviewed for new lesion identification. The odds of detecting new lesion on post-operative colonoscopy was compared between cases with incidental polyp on surgical specimen and patients without incidental findings. Results In 243 colorectal resections, incidental polyps were identified in 55 cases(22.6%). Post-operative colonoscopy was completed in 65 cases(26.7%) with new polyp detected in 24 cases(9.88%). Of those, 10 had an incidental polyp previously identified on surgical specimen while 14 did not. The presence of incidental surgical specimen polyp was associated with a greater than two-fold higher odds of detecting new polyp on post-operative colonoscopy(odds-ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 1.15-6.63;P = 0.023). Conclusion This analysis revealed a high frequency of incidental polyps on surgical specimens with an increased rate of newly found lesions on post-operative colonoscopy. Incidental polyps may be a risk factor for other missed lesions still within the patient. Therefore, providers should consider surveillance interval modification on an individual basis in the setting of incidental surgical specimen polyps.
Natural hyperbolicity in bulk calcite

Naturally occurring materials with hyperbolic optical properties are attracting considerable interest due to their ability to confine light in small volumes and their resulting potential for applications in photonics. This paper uses a first-principles theoretical approach without adjustable parameters to investigate the hyperbolic optical properties of bulk calcite (CaCO3). This material exhibits natural hyperbolic behavior within its Reststrahlen bands at 1403–1552 and 864–887 cm−1. The calculated results are shown to be in good agreement with our reflectance data obtained from frequency- and polarization-dependent measurements. These results show that calcite is an attractive natural hyperbolic material; in addition, it has the advantage of low losses and is available commercially in a variety of crystal orientations.
Mild cold stress resulting from standard housing conditions for laboratory mice masks the severity of graft vs. host disease in mouse models of bone marrow transplantation (TRAN3P.887)

Clinical bone marrow transplants (BMT) yield lethal graft vs. host disease (GVHD) after transplant of un-manipulated bone marrow (BM). This differs from murine GVHD models that typically require addition of spleen or lymph node derived T cells. Recent work has shown that mice housed at mandated sub-thermoneutral ambient temperatures (22°C) are cold stressed, resulting in heat generation activated by the sympathetic nervous system. Since cold stressed mice exhibit weakened immune responses, we hypothesize that baseline GVHD is reduced compared to that seen in mice at thermoneutral temperatures (30°C). We compared GVHD in mice receiving MHC-mismatched un-manipulated BM while housed at 22 vs. 30°C at which cold stress is alleviated. In this BMT model, mice housed at 22°C show no signs of GVHD, however, we found weight loss and lethal GVHD in mice housed at 30°C. The same trend was observed with MHC-matched allogeneic BMT. As housing at 22°C activates the sympathetic nervous system, we blocked its activation by administering propranolol, a commonly prescribed β-blocker. Following BMT, mice at 22°C treated with β-blocker displayed lethal GVHD similar to untreated mice at 30°C. This suggests that T cell responses are dampened by cold stress through a β-adrenergic pathway which is circumvented by thermoneutral housing. This study provides insight into translational discrepancies of clinical and murine BMT and demonstrates lethal GVHD in a mouse model generated by un-manipulated BM.
Language Learning, Computational Models of

Computational models of language acquisition range from symbolic approaches based on linguistic theory and relying on built-in (innate) constraints to statistical and connectionist approaches relying only on general-purpose learning mechanisms. Keywords: grammatical induction; morphology; speech; connectionism; hidden Markov models
Elastic servers in CORDS

The traditional client server paradigm for distributed computing, fixes the functionality and interfaces provided by server processes at compile time. While this scheme is powerful enough for many distributed applications, it is too inflexible for many others, such as those envisioned by the CORDS research project. In many applications, there is a need to dynamically add to (and sometimes restrict) the functionality of a server while it is executing. Lacking this ability, servers are often designed with narrow interfaces. This forces applications to engage in abnormally fine grained and complex process interactions, resulting in inefficient use of both computational cycles and communication bandwidth. This paper describes a more flexible paradigm, elastic servers, whose functionality can be extended at execution time by delegating new functional procedures to them.
Dramatic effects of truncation and sub-cellular targeting on the accumulation of recombinant microbial cellulase in tobacco.

The economical bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol is dependent on the availability of large quantities of inexpensive cellulase enzymes. One way to reduce the cost of such enzymes is to produce them in crop plants at high levels. In order to assess factors that limit recombinant cellulase expression in plants, we have introduced the gene encoding E1 endo-1,4-β-glucanase (cellulase) of Acidothermus cellulolyticus into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. Both the holoenzyme (E1) and catalytic domain (E1cd) were targeted to three sub-cellular compartments; the cytosol, chloroplast and apoplast. Accumulation of both E1 and E1cd was greatest in the apoplast, with levels more than 100-fold higher than observed for cytosolic accumulation. In all three compartments, E1cd accumulated to higher levels than the full-length enzyme. By combining truncation and apoplastic localization, an increase in expression of more than 500-fold was achieved, compared to cytosolic full-length E1. This effect is primarily post-transcriptional, since E1cd mRNA levels are very similar despite the range of E1cd accumulation observed. Recombinant E1cd, expressed at up to 1.6% total soluble protein, is extremely stable in both crude leaf extracts and dried leaf material.
Isotropy of auroral electrons: Comments on “pitch angle variation of auroral electrons slowing down in the upper atmosphere” by F. A. Hanser and bach sellers

Abstract Recomputations of a previous calculation of auroral excitation have been made using different forms of geomagnetic dependence of electron trajectories. The results indicate that auroral profiles and luminosity ratios are insensitive to such forms, and that their variation depends to a greater degree on the isotropy of the particle flux. It is suggested that the inclusion of multiple scattering in a theoretical treatment of an isotropic beam would have similarly small effects.
On-line control of a nonlinear system using radial basis function neural networks

A control architecture that incorporates a radial basis function (RBF) neural network is proposed for the control of a particular nonlinear system, in this case the continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The RBF network consists of Gaussian activation functions and is trained online to learn the inverse dynamics of the CSTR plant with and without parameter variation. Using Lyapunov stability theory, it is shown that the control architecture is globally stable for a sector-bounded nonlinearity in the error dynamics. Thus, the control architecture is capable of reducing the tracking error to a small region about zero. The size of this region is dependent on the approximation capabilities of the RBF network. Also, various input signals are investigated for their applicability to on-line function approximation. The simulation results validate the analytical results for stability and convergence in tracking error for a network with a set of fixed basis functions and suggest that stability and reduction in tracking error can be extended to a network with variable basis functions. In addition, the simulation results indicate that neural network consisting of local activation functions can approximate a function on-line provided the input signal sufficiently and frequently covers the input space of interest.
Distribution of Echovirus Antibody in Serum, Nasopharynx, Rectum, and Spinal Fluid After Natural Infection with Echovirus Type 6

By employing the techniques of radioimmunodiffusion and autoradiography and by using 32P-labeled echovirus 6 as the antigen, the distribution of echovirus 6 antibody in serum, nasopharynx, rectum, and spinal fluid was studied in a group of children with naturally acquired echovirus type 6 infection, with or without meningeal involvement. The response in serum was characterized by sequential appearance of γM, γG, and rarely of γA antibody. The secretory response in the nasopharynx and rectum was limited to secretory γA immunoglobulin. The response in spinal fluid was limited to γG immunoglobulin. γG echovirus antibody appeared in the spinal fluid with or without demonstrable replication of virus in the spinal fluid. It is suggested that, after short-term acute infection with enteroviruses, the appearance of γG antibody in spinal fluid may largely be a reflection of increased transport of serum antibody, particularly of γG immunoglobulin class.
Asthma outcomes: Exacerbations

Background The goals of asthma treatment include preventing recurrent exacerbations. Yet there is no consensus about the terminology for describing or defining "exacerbation" or about how to characterize an episode's severity. Objective National Institutes of Health institutes and other federal agencies convened an expert group to propose how asthma exacerbation should be assessed as a standardized asthma outcome in future asthma clinical research studies. Methods We used comprehensive literature reviews and expert opinion to compile a list of asthma exacerbation outcomes and classified them as either core (required in future studies), supplemental (used according to study aims and standardized), or emerging (requiring validation and standardization). This work was discussed at a National Institutes of Health–organized workshop in March 2010 and finalized in September 2011. Results No dominant definition of "exacerbation" was found. The most widely used definitions included 3 components, all related to treatment, rather than symptoms: (1) systemic use of corticosteroids, (2) asthma-specific emergency department visits or hospitalizations, and (3) use of short-acting β-agonists as quick-relief (sometimes referred to as "rescue" or "reliever") medications. Conclusions The working group participants propose that the definition of "asthma exacerbation" be "a worsening of asthma requiring the use of systemic corticosteroids to prevent a serious outcome." As core outcomes, they propose inclusion and separate reporting of several essential variables of an exacerbation. Furthermore, they propose the development of a standardized, component-based definition of "exacerbation" with clear thresholds of severity for each component.
Parental Perceptions of their Children's Involvement with Household Pets: A Test of a Specificity Model of Nurturance

ABSTRACTTo test hypotheses derived from a specificity model of the development of children's nurturance, parents of preschool, second-grade and fifth-grade children (n=707) reported the frequency of their children's play with and care of pets as well as play and care directed to younger siblings, non-family babies, and elderly persons. Parents also reported on their children's frequency of expressed interest in animals, babies, and nurture in general. As predicted, gender differences were found for frequency of time spent with babies but not with pets. Frequency of time with pets was related to expressed interest in animals but not in babies. Children who had pets but no younger siblings were reported to spend more time with pets than were children with both pets and younger siblings. Children without pets were reported to express interest in babies more often than did pet owning children.
Using a social justice approach to prevent the mental health consequences of heterosexism.

Albee’s social justice approach to prevention offers a framework for understanding the detrimental effect of heterosexism on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Minority stress models likewise address the role of discrimination and other social injustices in contributing to psychological distress in minority populations. This article describes Albee’s framework in the context of minority stress theory as it applies to LGB people and suggests activities mental health professionals can engage in to help prevent the psychological consequences of heterosexism.
ON THE FORMATION OF SHEAR LINES IN THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE

Abstract The vertical circulation and the changes of atmospheric structure during the formation of a shear line in the upper atmosphere are studied. The vertical distribution of divergence and convergence at the trough line is determined, assuming adiabatic processes. A scheme for the process of formation of an upper shear-line is proposed. A comparison of this process with that involved in the formation of upper cut-off cold lows is presented.
Rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (ress ): fundamentals and applications

Abstract The rapid expansion of supercritical solutions is a promising new technology for particle formation. The absence of liquid organic solvents, the mild processing temperatures, and the purity of the final product make this process particularly attractive for biomedical applications. In our laboratory, the technique has been used to produce bioerodible polymeric microspheres loaded with a therapeutic drug, a composite suitable for controlled delivery applications. The mathematical modelling of nucleation and growth during the expansion process is useful both in the interpretation of experimental observations, and as a guide for the identification of process conditions leading to unimodal particle size distributions.
The release of microparticles by Jurkat leukemia T cells treated with staurosporine and related kinase inhibitors to induce apoptosis

Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane-bound vesicles released from cells undergoing activation or cell death. These particles display potent biological activities that can impact on physiologic and pathologic processes. Previous studies with the Jurkat T leukemia cell line demonstrated that staurosporine (STS) induces the release of MPs as cells undergo apoptosis. To investigate further this process, we tested the effects of STS, its analogue, 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01), and other protein kinase C (PKC) and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors. FACS analysis was used to assess MP release. Results of these studies indicate that STS and UCN-01 induce MP release by Jurkat cells; in contrast, other PKC and CDK inhibitors failed to induce comparable release, suggesting that release does not result from simple inhibition of either kinase alone. Time course experiments indicated that STS-induced particle release occurred as early as 2 h after treatment, with the early release MPs displaying low levels of binding of annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). Early-release MPs, however, matured in culture to an annexin V- and PI-positive phenotype. Together, these results indicate that STS and UCN-01 induce MPs that are phenotypically distinct and reflect specific patterns of kinase inhibition during apoptosis.
Exogenous nitric oxide causes collapse of retinal ganglion cell axonal growth cones in vitro

We show that nitric oxide (NO) from applied NO-donating chemicals induces collapse of ganglion cell axonal growth cones extending from explants of tadpole retina in culture. Peroxynitrite, a neurotoxic product of NO and superoxide reaction, did not induce collapse, and oxyhemoglobin, which binds NO, blocked the highly effective collapsing activity of the NO donor S-nitrosocysteine. Membrane-permeable analogs of cyclic guanosine monophosphate had no collapsing activity. Inhibitors of NO synthase did not induce collapse. NO is a potential retrograde messenger through which postsynaptic neurons signal to their inputs to modify synaptic efficacy following NMDA receptor activation. Our results suggest a role for NO as such a messenger during development of the retinotectal projection.
Potassium-Argon Dates of Some Cenozoic Volcanic Rocks of the Sierra Nevada, California

A date of 19.9 m. y. (early Hemingfordian) from a welded rhyolite tuff at the top of the type section of the Valley Springs Formation, and one of 25.7 m. y. (early Arikareean) from the basal welded rhyolite tuff in the Sonora Pass area, indicate that the Valley Springs Formation was deposited before late Miocene, and that rhyolitic volcanism in the Sierra Nevada began by earliest Miocene time. Three dates of 8.8–9.0 m. y. (early Hemphillian) on biotite-augite latite, which stratigraphically overlies the Table Mountain latite in the Stanislaus drainage, show that the Table Mountain latite is a member of the Mehrten Formation, which contains the late Hemphillian Oakdale fauna and the early Clarendonian Two Mile Bar fauna. A 3.5-million year date on basalt filling a canyon cut in the Chagoopa surface at Little Kern River, a 9.5-million year date on basalt from Jose Basin in Fresno County, and dates of 3.5–3.6 m. y. from basalts in the Upper San Joaquin drainage indicate that the Chagoopa surface and the Mountain Valley stage are at least as old as early Pliocene, and that the Sierra Nevada had a minimum relief of 4000 feet at that time. Basalt beneath McGee Till on McGee Mountain gives a date of 2.6 m. y., and basalt on Coyote Flat gives a date of 9.6 m. y. Basalt beneath Sherwin Till in Owens Gorge has an age of 3.2 m. y. A rhyolite tuff and an overlying basalt in Deep Springs Valley, White Mountains, give ages of 10.9 and 10.8 m. y., respectively.
The effect of ethics on labor market success: Evidence from MBAs

Abstract This paper empirically investigates the link between ethics, earnings and gender. Using a self-reported measure from a longitudinal survey of registrants for the Graduate Management Admission Test, we find that ethical character is negatively associated with males’ wages. For females, however, this relationship does not hold. In addition, using measures of the degree to which ethics is emphasized in business school curricula as an indicator for enhancement of individual ethical standards of graduates, we investigate variation in the returns to an MBA degree. We find that the larger the degree to which males report that business education enhanced their ethical character, the lower their wages, holding other aspects of their education constant. For females, however, enhanced ethics through business school is positively and significantly associated with returns to the MBA degree. More objective measures of ethics emphasis in business school curricula provide further support of these findings.
Design of packed columns for commercial oxygen addition and dissolved nitrogen removal based on effluent criteria

Abstract Successful application of the packed column in fish culture requires a design based not only on oxygen supplementation rates (kg/day), or other standard performance indicators such as oxygen absorption efficiency (kg absorbed/kg applied) or transfer efficiency (kg/kWh), bvt also on dissolved nitrogen and total dissolved gas pressure limits and predicted changes across the system. Such a design procedure was developed by applying a mass balance on the gas and liquid phases of the system along with Henry's law and previously published packing-specific mass-transfer correlations. The design approach is unique in that column pressure and oxygen feed rates are calculated for target changes in dissolved oxygen and nitrogen without the use of iterative numerical procedures. An alternative calculation sequence was developed to establish the sensitivity of column performance to changes in oxygen feed rates at a selected column pressure or packed bed depth.
Viscoelasticity Analysis and Experimental Validation of Anisotropic Composite Overwrap Cylinders

Stress relaxation and creep of composite cylinders are investigated based on anisotropic viscoelasticity. The analysis accounts for ply-by-ply variation of material properties, ply orientations, and temperature gradients through the thickness of cylinders subjected to mechanical and thermal loads. Experimental validation of the model is conducted using a high-tensioned composite overwrapped on a steel cylinder. The creep and stress relaxation response of composite is accelerated at elevated temperatures, then characterized and compared to the model simulation. Fiber reinforced composite materials generally illustrate extreme anisotropy in viscoelastic behavior. Viscoelastic effects of the composite can result in a drastic change of stress and strain profiles in the cylinders over a period of time, which is critical for structural durability of composite cylinders. The developed analysis can be applied to composite pressure vessels, gun barrels, and flywheels design of life prediction.
Fertility and suicide.

Lester and Yang (1992) found that fertility was negatively associated with suicide rates in both men and women in the US from 1933 to 1984. Recently Rallu and Touleman (1993) provided data on the fertility rate and the mean age of mothers in France so the present note describes associations between these two measures and mens and womens suicide rates in France from 1950 to 1980 using Doans (1990) statistical package for time-series regression and employing the Cochrane-Orcutt method to correct for the serial autocorrelation in the data. Neither fertility nor mothers age contributed significantly to the regression for the mens suicide rate (b coefficients 0.000052 p = .98 and 0.0323 p = .06 respectively; R2 = 0.91) or for the womens suicide rate (b coefficients 0.000068 p = .94 and 0.0075 p = .33 respectively; R2 = 0.93). When divorce rates were added to the predictor variables the regression coefficient for mothers age on the mens suicide rate reached statistical significance. Although the individual regression coefficients did not reach statistical significance the R2 coefficients were high and for both genders suicide rates were higher when the fertility rate was higher and when the mothers average age was higher i.e. they were older. (full text)
O VI, N V, and C IV in the Galactic Halo. I. Velocity-Dependent Ionization Models

We explore theoretical models of the ionization ratios of the Li-like absorbers N V, O VI, and C IV, in the Galactic halo. These ions are believed to form in nonequilibrium processes, such as shocks, evaporative interfaces, or rapidly cooling gas, all of which trace the dynamics of the interstellar medium. As a useful new diagnostic, we focus on velocity-resolved signatures of several common physical structures: (1) a cooling Galactic fountain flow that rises, cools, and recombines as it returns to the disk; (2) shocks moving toward the observer; and (3) a conductive interface with the observer located in the hotter gas. This last geometry occurs with the solar system inside a hot bubble, or when one looks out through the fragmenting top shell of our local bubble blown into the halo as part of the Galactic fountain. In our second paper, these models are compared to ionization ratio data from Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) and Hubble Space Telescope.
Predicting Change in Adolescent Adjustment from Change in Marital Problems.

The present prospective, longitudinal study of 451 adolescents and their parents extends earlier research by investigating whether change in marital problems predicts change in adolescent adjustment, after controlling for other marital problems and socioeconomic status. Latent growth curves over a period of 5 years were used, and the results revealed that in general, increases or decreases in marital distress and conflict predicted corresponding increases or decreases in adolescent adjustment problems over time. In addition, the analyses suggested that increases in marital distress are as harmful for adolescent adjustment as increases in marital conflict.