cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Siblings or foes: what now in spiritual care research?

SUMMARY This article uses a sibling metaphor to outline the relationship between science and spirituality. This metaphor forms the backdrop for exploring several directions in spiritual care research. It argues that science and functional spirituality were born as siblings and need to dance now without either estrangement or incest, intent on measuring the material effects of excellent pastoral care.
Fact Retrieval and Deductive Question-Answering Information Retrieval Systems

Information Retrieval systems may be classified either as Document Retrieval systems or Fact Retrieval systems. It is contended that at least some of the latter will require the capability for performing logical deductions among natural language sentences. The problem of developing systems of logical inference for natural languages is discussed, and an example of such an analysis of a sublanguage of English is presented. An experimental Fact Retrieval system which incorporates this analysis has been programmed for the IBM 7090 computer, and its main algorithms are stated.
A Communication Theory Bibliography Speaks Out—Softly

A bibliography of communication theory books and articles was constructed by the Center for Communication Research at the University of Texas at Austin. As the compilation consisted of comprehensive suggestions from many sources, a study was prompted which sought to examine the bibliographic entries in order to determine the existence of overall patterns. The entries exhibited an interesting time-line pattern, but other observations were less productive. Further study with re-grouped terms, utilizing synonymy tables is suggested.
A framework for estimation of motion parameters from range image

Abstract A framework for inferring motion parameters of a moving object from its range image frames is presented. This framework is based on a correspondence approach where correspondences of view-invariant patches on the object surface are sought. From each range image, a relational graph is set up such that a node represents a view-invariant patch and an edge the adjacency of two such patches. Then, the largest subgraph common to two relational graphs is detected. This subgraph represents the same region visible in the corresponding range images. Finally, the motion parameters are estimated by minimizing the sum of squares error between the centers of mass of the common nodes in the largest matched subgraph. Examples of real range images show the merit of this framework.
A convenient one-pot synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles

Abstract 2-Substituted benzimidazoles have been synthesized in excellent yields in a single pot under solvent-free conditions from o -phenylenediamine and aldehydes in the presence of a catalytic amount of In(OTf) 3 at room temperature.
The contribution of landmines to land degradation

Landmines are one of the most environmentally destructive aftermaths of war facing the world today. The barely chronicled global landmine problem has transcended both humanitarian and sociological concerns to bring about environmental damage. Disruption of land's stability, pollution and loss of biodiversity constitute major ecological repercussions of landmine crisis. This review qualitatively integrates ecological, social, economic and political variables that play a role in creating and perpetuating a serious land degradation problem in landmine-affected regions. Through a mail survey and interview with professionals working in areas related to landmines, peace research, environmental management and law and extensive archival research this review tries to unravel the many facets and causal links in the ecological and socio-politico-economic problems. This paper highlights the complexity of the landmine problem and interrelationships between the issues surrounding the degradation and management of landmine-affected environments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seed selection by dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis): optimal foraging with nutrient constraints?

Observations of the foraging behavior of six captive dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) are used to test the assumptions and predictions of optimal diet choice models (Pyke et al. 1977) that include nutrients (Pulliam 1975). The birds sequentially encountered single seeds of niger thistle (Guizotia abyssinica) and of canary grass (Phalaris canariensis) on an artificial substrate in the laboratory. Niger thistle seeds were preferred by all birds although their profitability in terms of energy intake (J/s) was less than the profitability of canary grass seeds. Of four nutritional components used to calculate profitabilities (mg/s) lipid content was the only characteristic that could explain the junco's seed preference. As predicted by optimal diet theory the probability of consuming niger thistle seeds was independent of seed abundance. However, the consumption of 71–84% rather than 100% of the seeds encountered is not consistent with the prediction of all-or-nothing selection. Canary grass seeds were consumed at a constant rate (no./s) independent of the number of seeds encountered. This consumption pattern invalidates a model that assumes strict maximization. However, it is consistent with the assumption that canary grass seeds contain a nutrient which is required in minimum amounts to meet physiological demands (Pulliam 1975). These experiments emphasize the importance of incorporating nutrients into optimal foraging models and of combining seed preference studies with studies of the metabolic requirements of consumers.
Wave-packet solution to the time-dependent arrangement-channel quantum-mechanics equations.

The time-dependent arrangement-channel quantum-mechanics (ACQM) equations are numerically solved for the collinear exchange reaction H+${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. The method employs the fast-Fourier-transform scheme of Kosloff and Kosloff and an efficient time propagator involving a Chebyshev polynomial expansion due to Tal-Ezer and Kosloff. The time-dependent ACQM formalism, which is based on the use of the time-dependent arrangement-channel-component states as introduced by Kouri, Kruger, and Levin, involves a non-Hermitian matrix Hamiltonian in arrangement-channel space. We employ the channel-permuting array-coupling sequence of Baer, Kouri, Levin, and Tobocman. The remarkable property of the channel-component states that, below the dissociation threshold, only the component in channel j gives rise to outgoing waves in that arrangement channel, is explicitly seen in this time-dependent calculation. The calculated reaction probability is in reasonable agreement with the time-independent calculation result. The question of whether the numerically generated time-dependent solutions contain spurious solutions (which can arise in principle, due to the matrix nature of the Hamiltonian in arrangement-channel space) is discussed. It is found computationally that such spurious solutions do not create any difficulties in the calculation of reactive probabilities within the time-dependent ACQM formalism.
Mechanisms for cessation of magmatic resurfacing on Venus

[1] Proposed mechanisms of resurfacing on Venus about 0.3–1 Gyr ago usually involve either some form of tectonic resurfacing in which Venusian lithosphere is recycled mechanically or magmatic resurfacing where essentially immobile lithosphere is covered by lava. The focus of this study is mechanisms of magmatic resurfacing in the stagnant lid regime of mantle convection. Parameterized convection models suggest that cessation of magmatic resurfacing can occur in several ways. (1) The mantle temperature drops sufficiently such that mantle rising adiabatically does not cross the solidus. (2) The molten layer migrates below the solid/melt density inversion at 250–500 km so that no melt can escape. (3) Sublithospheric small-scale convection stops and conductive thickening of the lid suppresses melting. In each case, inability of magma to penetrate thickened Venusian lithosphere may play a role. The timing of melt cessation and duration of late stage resurfacing depend on various factors such as mantle rheology, degree of mantle depletion, and depth of resurfacing. The models indicate that the waning stages of resurfacing which result in surface age variations can last ∼0.1–1 Gyr. A general trend of recent lithospheric thickening is also predicted. Some cases exhibit a rapid transition from relatively thin to thick lid as suggested by previous authors.
Area-IO DRAM/logic integration with system-in-a-package (SiP)

This paper presents a cost-effective area-IO DRAM (aDRAM)/logic integration implemented with CLC (chip-laminate-chip)-based system-in-a-package (SiP) technology. By inserting 512 area-IOs into the area-IO DRAM, the bandwidth of the area-IO DRAM can achieve 10GB/s when working under 166MHz. An interface module with configurable IO width was also developed to make this implementation platform able to be adapted by various applications. A performance analysis, including bandwidth and power is also presented in this paper. It is demonstrated that area-IO DRAM/logic integration with SiP technology provides significant cost-effective implementation methodology compared with embedded DRAM and off-chip DRAM.
Gender Differences in STEM Disciplines: From the Aspects of Informal Professional Networking and Faculty Career Development

This study examines informal professional networks (IPNs) and their role in the underrepresentation of women faculty in traditionally male-dominated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. A mixed-methods design was taken in which interviews were conducted during the qualitative phase to gather information of faculty networking experiences and the importance of IPNs in their career development. An online survey was developed based on the findings from the interviews and used to gather data during the quantitative phase to further probe the patterns and functions of IPNs. Major findings are reported, including the meaningful impact of IPNs on the career development of faculty in STEM disciplines and some significant gender differences in networking patterns.
Case-Control Study of Arsenic in Drinking Water and Lung Cancer in California and Nevada

Millions of people are exposed to arsenic in drinking water, which at high concentrations is known to cause lung cancer in humans. At lower concentrations, the risks are unknown. We enrolled 196 lung cancer cases and 359 controls matched on age and gender from western Nevada and Kings County, California in 2002–2005. After adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking and occupational exposures, odds ratios for arsenic concentrations ≥85 µg/L (median = 110 µg/L, mean = 173 µg/L, maximum = 1,460 µg/L) more than 40 years before enrollment were 1.39 (95% CI = 0.55–3.53) in all subjects and 1.61 (95% CI = 0.59–4.38) in smokers. Although odds ratios were greater than 1.0, these increases may have been due to chance given the small number of subjects exposed more than 40 years before enrollment. This study, designed before research in Chile suggested arsenic-related cancer latencies of 40 years or more, illustrates the enormous sample sizes needed to identify arsenic-related health effects in low-exposure countries with mobile populations like the U.S. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that concentrations near 100 µg/L are not associated with markedly high relative risks.
Chapmannia floridana Torrey & Gray (Fabaceae).

Chapmannia Torrey & Gray, a monotypic legume genus of Florida, is shown to have perfect flowers, rather than sterile and fertile flowers incorrectly attributed to the genus by authors for the past one hundred years. The species is described and illustrated with accompanying notes on its habitat, distribution, reproductive biology, phylogeny and cytology.
Morphophonemic rule learning in normal and articulation-disordered children

This study investigated the phonological learning abilities of articulation-disordered children. Eight normally speaking and eight articulation-disordered kindergarten children were taught an artif...
919 FETAL & NEONATAL DISORDERS RELATED TO MATERNAL SMOKINING

Data from a large prospective study of pregnancy was used to analyze the interaction of maternal smoking with other environmental and genetic variables on the frequency of specific disorders fatal to fetuses and neonates. Cigarette smoking was found to have an independent association with increased perinatal mortality due to several disorders. In the first half of gestation, perinatal mortality due to abruptio placentae was 211% more frequent in smokers than in nonsmokers (P<.02). After midgestation perinatal mortality rates due to abruptio placentae were 53% greater (P<.01), Rh erythroblastosis fetalis 81% greater (P<.01), and congenital anomalies 43% greater (P<.02) in offspring of smokers than of nonsmokers. 46,865 placentas were available in which maternal smoking histories had been recorded. Abnormalities in these placentas provide plausible explanations for most of the excess fetal and neonatal mortality associated with cigarette smoking. The placentas of the cigarette smokers had a number of structural abnormalities characteristic of reduced maternal perfusion, including obliterative endarteritis and cytotrophoblastic hyperplasia in villi and necrosis of the decidua basalis at the margin of the placenta. Structural abnormalities were absent in the arteries of the decidua. Nicotine temporarily reduces uterine blood flow and thus provides a plausible explanation for the underperfusion. Increased carboxyhemoglobin in maternal blood may also play a role in the fetal and neonatal deaths.
Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health: United States–Based Research

In the United States, research directed specifically at improving our understanding of the psychiatric assessment and treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) has grown, yet lags far behind efforts for typically developing children and adults. In the United States, a lack of a national approach to the mental health problems of people with ID has likely contributed to a lack of a clear and cohesive national research agenda for “dual diagnosis” of intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders. Despite these concerns, much has been learned and important progress has been made. This article provides an overview of the latest developments in research and social policy on behalf of persons with ID and mental health needs in the United States.
Quantum noise limit of the white-light-cavity assisted LIGO interferometer sensitivity

We present the quantum noise limited sensitivity curves for the LIGO interferometer incorporating the white light cavity, which shows broadening effect and dips of opto-mechanical resonances for different values of reflectivities of the auxiliary mirror.
Getting close from far away

Attachment is a meaningful construct for understanding blogging behavior.Attachment anxiety is positively related to blogging intensity.Attachment anxiety predicts being motivated to blog by personal and interpersonal needs.Avoidant attachment is negatively related to blogging intensity.Attachment avoidance is related to the tendency to maintain an anonymous blog. Since their inception in the 1990s, blogs continue to play a major role in online culture, having increased fivefold in the last six years. Blogs may serve unique functions for individuals with higher levels of attachment avoidance and anxiety. The study tests a theoretically grounded mediational model of the associations between attachment anxiety and avoidance with the outcome variable of blogging intensity. Desired anonymity and motivations for blogging are proposed to mediate that relationship. One hundred and forty-three adult bloggers completed online questionnaires that contained standard measures of attachment anxiety and avoidance (ECR; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998) and measures of blogging behavior developed for the study. Path analysis was used to test the meditational model. The meditational hypotheses were partially supported. Attachment anxiety was related to greater blogging intensity, and personal and interpersonal motivational factors mediated this relationship. Attachment avoidance was associated with lower levels of blogging intensity and higher levels of anonymity, but anonymity did not mediate the relationship between attachment avoidance and blogging intensity. The findings suggest that attachment offers a useful lens for understanding online behavior and how it meets interpersonal needs.
Behavioral variables affecting the development of amphetamine tolerance

The behavioral effects of chronic administration of d-amphetamine in rats at a dosage of 1 mg/kg were studied with baselines involving either food or shock reinforcement. Food reinforcement was assigned according to a fixed interval or on the basis of differential reinforcement of low rate in a multiple schedule of reinforcement. Behavioral tolerance was observed in response to chronic administration of d-amphetamine when the action of drug led to a decrease in frequency of food reinforcement regardless of the schedule of reinforcement. In the second experiment, a shock avoidance situation was employed in which each avoidance response postponed the onset of grid shock. An escape contingency was provided for occasions on which an avoidance response did not occur. The chronic administration of d-amphetamine led to a uniform increase in response rate throughout the drug regimen with the consequence of decreasing rate of shock reinforcement. An hypothesis was put forward on the basis of these results which considers the development of behavioral tolerance to amphetamine administration to be a function of the drug's action in relation to its effects on the organism's behaviour in meeting reinforcement requirements.
Alkylation of cysteine with acrylamide for protein sequence analysis.

Abstract Alkylation of cysteine in proteins with acrylamide under mildly alkaline conditions yields a thioether derivative, Cys- S -β-propionamide (Cys- S -Pam), which is stable during automated Edman degradation. Its phenylthiohydantoin derivative, PTH-Cys- S -Pam, is easily separated from other PTH-amino acids by HPLC and is thus useful for cysteine identification during protein sequencing. PTH-Cys- S -Pam was first noticed during sequencing polypeptides blotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes from polyacrylamide gels, in which cysteine had reacted with residual unpolymerized acrylamide. Cysteine in proteins is easily alkylated by reaction of proteins in aqueous solution with acrylamide. Methods are also presented for alkylation of cysteine in proteins adsorbed on fiberglass disks in the reaction cartridge of a protein sequencer. Finally, PTH-Cys- S -Pam was synthesized chemically. The synthetic compound is unstable in neutral solution, but can be stabilized by acidification. It has the same HPLC retention time as the product formed from cysteine when sequencing proteins alkylated with acrylamide.
Morphology of motoneurons in a mixed motor pool of the cat facial nucleus that innervate orbicularis oculis and quadratus labii superioris, stained intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase.

Abstract Retrograde tracing with horseradish peroxidase showed that motoneurons to two distinct muscles, the orbicularis oculis and quadratus labii superioris, are intermixed within the dorsolateral subnucleus of the cat facial nucleus. Intracellular electrodes were used to identify and fill the motoneurons of the dorsolateral subnucleus with horseradish peroxidase. Soma diameters averaged 55 μm. The average number of primary dendrites was 11.6. The area covered by the dendritic trees varied in shape according to the position of the soma within the subnucleus. Axon hillocks were seen arising in many orientations, bearing no apparent relation to subsequent axonal path, cell position within the nucleus or somatic geometry. Motoneurons to the two muscles appeared to be indistinguishable on the basis of morphology, even though they appear to be functionally independent. Their functional differences are not reflected in any measure of somadendritic shape studied here. Of further interest is the variability in shape associated with the neurons's position within the subnucleus. We conclude that many details of dendritic shape do not reflect specific physiological function.
The inhibitory effect of substance P on gastric motor function in the nucleus raphe obscurus is mediated via nitric oxide in the dorsal vagal complex.

Abstract We have previously shown that substance P (SP), microinjected into the caudal nucleus raphe obscurus (nROb) of the rat decreases intragastric pressure via a vagally mediated pathway. Recent studies from this laboratory demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) synthase is present in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) and NO synthase blockade in the DVC of the rat with N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) evokes increases in intragastric pressure. Since the nROb controls gastric vagal outflow through the DVC, we tested the hypothesis that NO in the DVC is a mediator of inhibitory effects of SP on gastric motor function in the nROb. Substance P (135 pmol) was microinjected into the nROb 3–6 min after bilateral microinjections of l -NAME (45 nmol per site) into the DVC of chloraloseanesthetized rats were started. Changes in the area of the response for intragastric pressure on microinjection of SP after l -NAME did not differ from the effect of vehicle microinjected after l -NAME and were significantly lower when compared with the effect of SP microinjected after vehicle. We conclude that SP in the nROb releases NO in the DVC to mediate the inhibitory effect on intragastric pressure.
Distinct cortical locations for integration of audiovisual speech and the McGurk effect

Audiovisual (AV) speech integration is often studied using the McGurk effect, where the combination of specific incongruent auditory and visual speech cues produces the perception of a third illusory speech percept. Recently, several studies have implicated the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in the McGurk effect; however, the exact roles of the pSTS and other brain areas in “correcting” differing AV sensory inputs remain unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in ten participants, we aimed to isolate brain areas specifically involved in processing congruent AV speech and the McGurk effect. Speech stimuli were composed of sounds and/or videos of consonant-vowel tokens resulting in four stimulus classes: congruent AV speech (AVCong), incongruent AV speech resulting in the McGurk effect (AVMcGurk), acoustic-only speech (AO), and visual-only speech (VO). In group- and single-subject-analyses, left pSTS exhibited significantly greater fMRI signal for congruent AV speech (i.e., AVCong trials) than for both AO and VO trials. Right superior temporal gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum were also identified. For McGurk speech (i.e., AVMcGurk trials), two clusters in the left posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG), just posterior to Heschl’s gyrus or on its border, exhibited greater fMRI signal than both AO and VO trials. We propose that while some brain areas, such as left pSTS, may be more critical for the integration of AV speech, other areas, such as left pSTG, may generate the “corrected” or merged percept arising from conflicting auditory and visual cues (i.e., as in the McGurk effect). These findings are consistent with the concept that posterior superior temporal areas represent part of a “dorsal auditory stream”, which is involved in multisensory integration, sensorimotor control, and optimal state estimation (Rauschecker and Scott, 2009).
Comparison of a Novel Nonlinear Viscoelastic Finite Ramp Time Correction Method to a Heaviside Step Assumption

Connective soft tissues exhibit time-dependent, or viscoelastic, behavior. In order to characterize this behavior, stress relaxation experiments can be performed to determine the tissue’s relaxation modulus. Theoretically, the relaxation modulus describes the stress relaxation behavior of the tissue in response to an instantaneous (step) application of strain. However, a step increase in strain is experimentally impossible and a pure ramp load is intractable due to the inertial limitations of the testing device. Even small deviations from an instantaneous strain application may cause significant errors in the determination of the tissue’s relaxation modulus.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Global Money Laundering

ABSTRACT As the process of globalization marches on, so does the problem of global money laundering. Classified as a crime for less than 30 years in the United States, money laundering is a common denominator for the likes of gangsters, drug dealers, corrupt officials, and terrorists. As more and more money is generated from illegal means, the stakes increase in an international game of hide and seek being perpetrated by those attempting to introduce ill-gotten money into legitimate international financial systems undetected and those trying to detect it and stop the underlying activity.
Burnup simulations and spent fuel characteristics of ZrO2 based inert matrix fuels

Abstract Reducing the inventory of long lived isotopes that are contained in spent nuclear fuel is essential for maximizing repository capacity and extending the lifetime of related storage. Because of their non-fertile matrices, inert matrix fuels (IMF’s) could be an ideal vehicle for using light-water reactors to help decrease the inventory of plutonium and other transuranics (neptunium, americium, curium) that are contained within spent uranium oxide fuel (UOX). Quantifying the characteristics of spent IMF is therefore of fundamental importance to determining its effect on repository design and capacity. We consider six ZrO2 based IMF formulations with different transuranic loadings in a 1–8 IMF to UOX pin-cell arrangement. Burnup calculations are performed using a collision probability model where transport of neutrons through space is modeled using fuel to moderator transport and escape probabilities. The lethargy dependent neutron flux is treated with a high resolution multigroup thermalization method. The results of the reactor physics model are compared to a benchmark case performed with Montebruns and indicate that the approach yields reliable results applicable to high-level analyses of spent fuel isotopics. The data generated show that a fourfold reduction in the radiological and integrated thermal output is achievable in single recycle using IMF, as compared to direct disposal of an energy equivalent spent UOX.
Seminal lead concentrations negatively affect outcomes of artificial insemination

Abstract Objective To determine the relationships among seminal lead levels, acrosome status, and artificial insemination cycle fecundity (AI f ) in semen donors. Design Longitudinal analysis of seminal lead levels, sperm function testing, and fecundity. Setting University medical center andrology and research laboratories. Patient(s) Semen donors (n = 15) participating in a therapeutic donor insemination program. Intervention(s) None Main outcome measure(s) Seminal plasma lead levels, acrosome sensitivity to progesterone (P) and voltage-gated potassium channel inhibitors (e.g., charybdotoxin [CBTx]), and AI f . Result(s) Seminal plasma lead levels and AI f were strongly negatively correlated. Semen donors were divided into three groups by acrosome response to P: normal (CBTx sensitive [Rs] or CBTx resistant [Rr]: responders ) and reduced ( nonresponders [NR]) (Rs > Rr >> NR). Seminal lead differed among the three groups (NR > Rr > Rs). Comparison of 330 artificial insemination cycles from four Rs, four Rr, and two NR demonstrated that cycle AI f also differed significantly between groups (Rs >Rr >>NR). Conclusion(s) Measurements of seminal plasma lead, P-stimulated acrosome loss, and sensitivity to CBTx may provide prognostic information on the fertility status of potential donors as well as male infertility patients. Such evaluations may assist in donor acceptance, or in the case of patients, in selection of the appropriate treatment regimen.
Simulation of dispersionless injections and drift echoes of energetic electrons associated with substorms

The term “dispersionless injection” refers to a class of events which show simultaneous enhancement (injection) of electrons and ions with different energies usually seen at or near geosynchronous orbit. We show that dispersionless injections can be understood as a consequence of changes in the electric and magnetic fields by modeling an electron injection event observed early on January 10, 1997 by means of a test-particle simulation. The model background magnetic field is a basic dipole field made asymmetrical by a compressed dayside and a weakened nightside. The transient fields are modeled with only one component of the electric field which is westward and a consistent magnetic field. These fields are used to model the major features of a dipolarization process during a substorm onset. We follow the electrons using a relativistic guiding center code. Our simulation results, with an initial kappa electron energy flux spectrum, reproduce the observed electron injection and subsequent drift echoes and show that the energization of injected electrons is mainly due to betatron acceleration of the preexisting electron population at larger radial distances in the magnetotail by transient fields.
Gaussian process-based algorithmic trading strategy identification

Many market participants now employ algorithmic trading, commonly defined as the use of computer algorithms, to automatically make certain trading decisions, submit orders and manage those orders after submission. Identifying and understanding the impact of algorithmic trading on financial markets has become a critical issue for market operators and regulators. Advanced data feeds and audit trail information from market operators now allow for the full observation of market participants’ actions. A key question is the extent to which it is possible to understand and characterize the behaviour of individual participants from observations of trading actions. In this paper, we consider the basic problems of categorizing and recognizing traders (or, equivalently, trading algorithms) on the basis of observed limit orders. These problems are of interest to regulators engaged in strategy identification for the purposes of fraud detection and policy development. Methods have been suggested in the literature for d...
Primary ovarian insufficiency in the adolescent.

Purpose of reviewTo raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in the adolescent.Recent findingsMenstrual cycle irregularity or amenorrhea in the adolescent has historically been treated with oral contraceptives or ignored, with no evaluation done
Vibrational-rotational structure in the resonance Raman effect of iodine vapor

Abstract The overtone progression in the resonance Raman effect of iodine vapor shows a remarkably fine structure. The observed resonance Raman lines can be explained in terms of Q branches, S bandheads and vibrational “hot” band structure. Comparing the observed Raman spectra with calculated Q , S and O branches, using spectroscopic constants derived from the high resolution fluorescence measurements of Rank and Rao, we have been able to assign all observed Raman lines. The spectroscopic constants ω e and ω e x e for the ground state of iodine have been determined, whereas the constants ω e y e and α e could only be estimated.
Protein kinase C α, βI, and βII isozymes regulate cytokine production in mast cells through MEKK2/ERK5-dependent and -independent pathways

Regulation of MAPK pathways by PKC isoforms was examined in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). The PKCalpha, betaI, and betaII isoforms showed the most robust activation after FcepsilonR1-mediated stimulation by anti-ovalbumin specific IgE and ovalbumin (IgE-ova). PKCalpha, betaI, and betaII were all involved in activation of JNK, MEKK2, and ERK5, with differential relative contributions of each isoform to specific MAPK pathway components. BMMCs from mice lacking MEKK2 showed reduced production (50-60%) of IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-alpha after stimulation, demonstrating MEKK2-dependent and -independent pathways for cytokine production. Cytokine production was stimulated by over-expression of PKC in cells from MEKK2-deficient and wild-type mice. Activation of ERK5 did not occur in BMMCs lacking MEKK2, indicating that MEKK2-independent cytokine production was also ERK5-independent. Since MAPK modules differentially regulate mast cell functions, including degranulation and cytokine production, it is suggested that specific functions could be targeted by inhibiting specific PKC isoforms.
Janus kinases in interleukin-2-mediated signaling: JAK1 and JAK3 are differentially regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation.

Abstract Background: Cytokines mediate a variety of effector cell functions, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and modulation of the immune response. Many cytokines activate receptor-associated Janus kinases (JAKs) that promote tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) factors. Although JAK activation has been correlated with phosphorylation, the role of this tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of JAK1 and JAK3 remains unclear. Furthermore, the relative roles of JAK1 and JAK3 in the activation of STAT5 by interleukin-2 (IL-2) remain poorly understood. Results: We targeted two conserved tyrosine residues within the activation loop of the JAK1 and JAK3 kinase domains for substitution with phenylalanines. In an overexpression system, the catalytic function of JAK1 strictly required the presence of the first of these tyrosines, Y1033. In contrast, JAK3 retained catalytic activity when either or both of these activation-loop tyrosines were mutated. Analysis of JAK1/3 chimeras demonstrated that JAK activity was also controlled by intramolecular interactions involving the amino-terminal domain of the JAK as well as by the inherent signaling properties of the kinase domain. Finally, we have reconstituted IL-2-dependent STAT5 induction in a cell line that lacks detectable expression of JAK1 and JAK3. Catalytically active versions of both JAK1 and JAK3 must be present for effective induction of STAT5. Conclusions: JAK1 and JAK3 are differentially regulated by specific tyrosines within their respective activation loops. Additionally, the amino-terminal domain of JAK3 appears to contain regulatory sequences that modify the function of the kinase domain. Finally, both JAK1 and JAK3 must retain catalytic function for IL-2-induced STAT5 activation.
Fibril Angle of Loblolly Pine Wood as Related to Specific Gravity, Growth Rate, and Distance from Pith

Fibril angles were greater for earlywood (avg. 33.4°) than for latewood tracheids (avg. 26.9°). For earlywood, fibril angle did not differ between growth rates when the specific gravity was low (avg. 33.3°). When the specific gravity was high, wood of fast growth had a higher fibril angle (avg. 35.1°) than wood of slow growth (avg. 32.0°). No differences were detected between core, middle, and outer wood. In latewood tracheids, fibril angles were greater in corewood (avg. 28.0°) than in middle or outer wood (avg. 26.3°). For whole wood (a weighted average of earlywood and latewood), fibril angle averaged 30.7° and was greater in corewood (avg. 32.2°) than in middle or outer wood (avg. 29.9°).
Evaluation of Immuno-1 toxoplasma IgG assay in the prenatal screening of toxoplasmosis

We evaluated the Immuno-1 (Bayer Diagnostics, Tarrytown, New York, USA) and IMx (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois, USA) toxoplasma IgG assays in 298 (223 fresh in-house prenatal + 75 supplied by Bayer) specimens over 15 days. Discordant results were resolved by indirect fluorescence assay (Gull Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA). The performance of Immuno-1 assay was found to be comparable to the IMx assay. Immuno-1, being a random access analyzer with minimum hands-on time requirements may have an advantage in the overall laboratory efficiency.
Inferior vena cava guided fluid resuscitation – Fact or fiction?

Summary Bedside ultrasound assessment of critically ill patients is gaining popularity and importance. Ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava has been suggested to be helpful in guiding fluid resuscitation. Although numerous studies have been performed a consensus has not been reached and expert opinions are divided. This review aims to further the reader's understanding and ability to navigate the controversies surrounding this modality in the care of the critically ill.
Relating TRMM Precipitation Radar backscatter to water stage in wetlands

Summary Information on water stage over an extended area is important for hydrological and ecological studies. Microwave remote sensing provides an opportunity to measure changes in water stage from space because of its sensitivity to land surface characteristics; it reduces the need to monitor water stage at multiple locations. In this research, a linear model is developed which relates variation in water stage measurements ( w s ) to Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar backscatter ( σ °). The estimated water stage from the model is compared with the observed water stage in the wetlands of South Florida. The model performance is assessed by comparing the correlation coefficient ( R ), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the non-exceedance probability of mean absolute error between observed and modeled water stage measurements for various landcovers. The model works reasonably well in the regions with tree heights greater than 5 m. For example, over woodlands R ranges between 0.59–0.93 and the average RMSE = 19.8 cm. Similarly, for wooded grassland, R ranges between 0.54–0.93 and the average RMSE = 19.8 cm. For other relatively shorter height vegetation landcovers such as grassland ( R = 0.57–0.85, RMSE = 20.1 cm) and cropland ( R = 0.69–0.79, RMSE = 18.2 cm), the model also performs reasonably well. The research presents a novel use of TRMMPR data and gives an insight into the effect of water level in partially inundated vegetation on radar backscatter.
A behavioral model for the delivery of technical assistance in the home

The present paper examines issues in providing effective technical assistance to parents experiencing severe management problems with their children. A four-phase model is delineated that involves sequential activities of collecting assessment data, determining program objectives and evaluation strategies, designing and testing the intervention program, and designing and testing the parent skill-training program. Subactivities within each phase that facilitate accomplishment of the major activities are delineated. A “hands-on” professional approach is advocated.
Grafting Using Rootstocks with Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum Against Meloidogyne incognita in Tomato Production

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) and Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, are major soilborne pathogens in U.S. tomato production. Methyl bromide has been used for decades to effectively manage RKN but its phase-out and the high cost of other effective fumigants such as 1,3-dichloropropene has resulted in a need to develop sustainable alternatives. Many of the commercially popular varieties used by the tomato industry do not have resistance to RKNs and R. solanacearum. Recent studies worldwide have shown the potential for grafting using resistant rootstocks as a sustainable and ecofriendly practice for R. solanacearum management. However, the effectiveness of R. solanacearum-resistant rootstocks on RKN management is not known. In this study, three commercially available R. solanacearum-resistant tomato rootstocks ('RST-04-106-T', 'BHN 998', and 'BHN 1054') were evaluated for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in field tomato production in four field trials conducted for two consecutive years in two geographical locations: Florida and Virginia. Grafting rootstocks onto 'BHN 602' a tomato scion susceptible to bacterial wilt and RKNs, significantly reduced root galling caused by RKNs in all four field trials and increased yield in two of the trials compared with the nongrafted treatment. This study demonstrates the potential of grafting for managing multiple soilborne pathogens using the same rootstocks.
Quality improvement strategies for diabetes management decrease HbA1c, cholesterol and blood pressure and increase screening for disease complications

Commentary on: Tricco AC, Ivers NM, Grimshaw JM, et al. Effectiveness of quality improvement strategies on the management of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2012; 379: 225–2 61.[OpenUrl][1] Evidence indicates that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may achieve improved physiological outcome with preventative and therapeutic interventions. Given the complexities of DM management, such interventions often require coordinated services of primary care physicians, allied health professionals and subspecialists to effectively assist patients with achievement of improved outcomes. Yet, many patients with DM fail to receive such interventions. … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.volume%253D379%26rft.spage%253D225%2B2%26rft.atitle%253DEFFECTIVENESS%2BOF%2BQUALITY%2BIMPROVEMENT%2BSTRATEGIES%2BON%2BTHE%2BMANAGEMENT%2BOF%2BDIABETES%253A%2BA%2BSYSTEMATIC%2BREVIEW%2BAND%2BMETA-ANALYSIS.%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Using drugs to discriminate--adverse selection in the insurance marketplace.

Eliminating discrimination on the basis of preexisting conditions is a key feature of the Affordable Care Act. But insurers may be resorting to other tactics to dissuade high-cost patients from enrolling, such as categorizing all HIV drugs in the highest-cost-sharing tier.
Early Entrant Protection in Approval Regulation: Theory and Evidence from FDA Drug Review

Early entrant protection in approval regulation exists when the first incumbents in an exclusive market niche receive more favorable regulatory treatment than later entrants. We show theoretically and empirically that this pattern can prevail for two reasons: regulatory capture and consumer co-optation. We consider a decision-theoretic model of dynamic product approval by an uncertain regulator. The model predicts early entrant protection even when later entrants offer quality improvements over market incumbents. We then test the model using duration analyses of NDA approval times for 1,629 new molecular entities submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1950 to 2000. FDA approval times are shown to be increasing in order of market entry for the entire period studied, and across numerous sub-samples. A standard-deviation rise in the log of order of entry is associated with a 3.5-month increase in expected FDA approval time. The entryorder gradient appears to be heavily influenced by disease-level variables but not by firmlevel effects, supporting a consumer cooptation explanation and disfavoring capture and producer rent-seeking accounts. In addition, we present modest evidence that the entryorder gradient is conditioned upon factors affecting the pipeline value of the regulatory problem, suggesting that FDA regulatory decisions may anticipate the pipeline of future drugs for any given disease.
Sex on the Shore: Wishful Identification and Parasocial Relationships as Mediators in the Relationship Between Jersey Shore Exposure and Emerging Adults' Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors

Exposure to highly sexualized television programs has been correlated with emerging adults' sexual attitudes and behaviors. However, little is known about the variables that may mediate these relationships. The studies presented here investigated wishful identification and parasocial relationships withJersey Shore cast members as mediators in the relationship between exposure to Jersey Shore and permissive sexual attitudes. In Study 1, a secondary examination of content analysis data suggested that sex was pervasive on Jersey Shore. Analyses revealed that, on average, one sexual instance occurred every minute on Jersey Shore. The frequency of sexual instances on Jersey Shore was significantly higher than the frequency of sexual instances in other popular primetime television programs. In Study 2, data collected from a sample of emerging adults revealed a positive relationship between Jersey Shore exposure and permissive sexual attitudes mediated by participants' wishful identification and parasocial relat...
Robust state feedback stabilization for some families of linear systems

Robust stabilization of some parametrized families of linear planar systems by means of linear state feedback is discussed. It is demonstrated that under the assumption of a polytope structure in the space of uncertain parameters, the problem reduces to a finite family of systems defined by the vertices of the polytope. It is found that if an unbounded set of solutions (feedback matrices) is required, the result is given as an explicit set of inequalities. For polytopes of pairs the problem is reducible to an equivalent one with finitely many pairs. >
Seasonal variation in the circadian rhythm of pulmonary function in stable asthmatic children who have nearly outgrown their asthma

To study whether nocturnal bronchial obstruction changes during the year, we assessed the circadian FEV1 variation during four consecutive seasons in 20 children (12 boys; aged 9–12 years) with episodic asthma who were outgrowing their asthma. FEV1 was determined every 4 h between 10:00 and 10:00 during two consecutive days. The last six FEV1 values were submitted to cosinor and coefficient of variation (CV) analyses. The seasonal means (SD) in the group 24 h percent predicted FEV1 was 85.5 (11.4), 81.2 (10.6), 86.0 (11.6), and 82.2 (14.0)% during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The difference between the summer and autumn FEV1 values was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean (SD) of the circadian amplitude values was 4.1 (4.3), 6.0 (3.8), 4.9 (3.4), and 7.2 (4.1)% during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The difference in amplitude between the spring and winter and between the autumn and winter values was statistically significant (p<0.05). CV values of 48 of th...
Burglary (Non)prevention: An Instance of Relinquishing Control

Two field experiments were conducted to assess the attributions people make for burglary and burglary prevention, and the degree to which these attributions relate to overt crime prevention measures. It was found that an overwhelming majority of our subjects believed that burglary prevention was the responsibility of others and as such, they did not take overt precautionary measures themselves. To our surprise, there were no differences on these measures between burglarized and nonburglarized subjects.