cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Herpes zoster sine herpete. A potential cause of iridoplegic granulomatous iridocyclitis.

Objective: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a recurrence of varicella zoster virus involving cranial nerve V-1, but does not always have skin manifestations. The objective of this work is to study iridoplegic granulomatous iridocyclitis as an acute, fulminant iridocyclitis that probably is caused by the recurrence of varicella zoster virus without skin eruptions. Participants: The author reports 15 cases of iridoplegia granulomatous iridocyclitis with involvement of the anterior uveal tract without known skin eruptions. Results: All patients have had a clinical course of iridocyclitis closely resembling those cases of herpes zoster with skin eruptions. Nine of the 15 are documented to have had a recurrence of varicella zoster virus with an appropriate rise and fall of systemic titers. The remaining six patients had clinical findings, including loss of accommodation, iridoplegia, and sectoral iris atrophy that were more typical for HZO than other infectious agents. Conclusions: Iridoplegic granulomatous iridocyclitis is a newly described, acute, fulminant uveitis probably caused by a herpes virus and most probably by varicella zoster virus. Herpes zoster sine herpete (erupticum) should be suspected as a potential diagnosis in patients with appropriate anterior segment manifestations. Further study is necessary to discern if any of such cases could be caused by herpes simplex.
Epistemology, the Mind and the Computer

The three great traditions in the philosophy of mind are: Cartesian, LaMettriean, Kantian. These three traditions have been continued in the twentieth century in a variety of forms, and often under a range of disguises.
Fundamental thermodynamics of actinide-bearing mineral waste forms. 1998 annual progress report

'The end of the Cold War raised the need for the technical community to be concerned with the disposition of excess nuclear weapon material. The plutonium will either be converted into mixed-oxide fuel for use in nuclear reactors or immobilized in glass or ceramic waste forms and placed in a repository. The stability and behavior of plutonium in the ceramic materials as well as the phase behavior and stability of the ceramic material in the environment is not well established. In order to provide technically sound solutions to these issues, thermodynamic data are essential in developing an understanding of the chemistry and phase equilibria of the actinide-bearing mineral waste form materials proposed as immobilization matrices. Mineral materials of interest include zircon, zirconolite, and pyrochlore. High temperature solution calorimetry is one of the most powerful techniques, sometimes the only technique, for providing the fundamental thermodynamic data needed to establish optimum material fabrication parameters, and more importantly, understand and predict the behavior of the mineral materials in the environment. The purpose of this project is to experimentally determine the enthalpy of formation of actinide orthosilicates, the enthalpy of formation of actinide substituted zircon, zirconolite and pyrochlore, and develop an understanding of the bonding characteristics and stability of these materials. This report summarizes work after eight months of a three year project.'
Supranational Networks: States and Firms

The nation-state systems that seem to dominate the global landscape are not necessarily the pinnacle of evolution. A conglomeration of interacting factors spelled doom for the traditional colonialism of previous centuries while providing an ideal environment for multinational firms operating above the level of nation-states to play an important role in the generation of a new politico-socio-economic system better described by network models than by ordinary political models. Previously existing units and subunits, in the course of adjustment and adaptation to changing circumstances, change their relations with one another and are, sometimes, newly integrated in a novel manner such that new units or subunits are recognizable. It is puzzling that most scholars still see these changes as merely quantitative growth rather than as a qualitatively new system at a supranational level of integration. Because human beings start from concepts we already know, one really has to be strongly motivated to try to go beyond the cognitive concepts one uses regularly to attempt to conceive of something different. In the perspective of millions of years of evolution both states and business firms are relatively recent emergents out of the processes of adaptation that generate all social formations. Both business firms and nation states are kinds of corporations, and it is a mistake to deal separately with the international network of states when it seems perfectly obvious that the supranational system includes interacting states and corporations in a single complex network. Most countries are not "natural" nation-states, but are corporations whose control over some territory is recognized by some other states. States and companies should be treated similarly in analysis of the supranational system and the best model for studying the supranational system is a network model that begins with defining units and their relationships. In that mode, applying various mathematical algorithms, one can find clusters and equivalence sets representing different levels of organization in the network. At the same time as states are influencing firms, firms are busily influencing states.
Use and success of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies for sleep problems

Purpose: The purpose of this web-based, quantitative, descriptive, correlational study was to identify frequency of use and success of strategies to alleviate sleep problems, to determine whether there is any relationship between use and success (perceived effectiveness) of strategies, on the one hand, and adults’ gender, age, income, or education, on the other. Data sources: Data were collected from a web-based survey that examined strategy use and success to alleviate insomnia. Conclusions: The most frequently used strategies and those perceived as successful in alleviating sleep problems included medications and sleep hygiene strategies. Users of some strategies differed from nonusers on gender, age, income, and education. Implications for practice: Results from this study can be used to advise patients with sleep problems about choosing strategies to help alleviate those problems to reduce insomnia and to lower the risks of comorbid illness and healthcare costs. This study contributes to the current available findings that focus on determining which strategies are being used to alleviate sleep problems, those perceived as the most successful, and identifying strategy use and success based on demographics.
REGIONAL COOPERATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: Nine Councils of Government in Northeastern Illinois

Nine councils of government in the Chicago region exemplify a new institutional arrangement in regional governance. Formed partially from the need of mayors and managers to consult on issues specif...
Striking Effects of Hydrodynamic Interactions on the Simulated Diffusion and Folding of Proteins.

Successful modeling of the processes of protein folding and aggregation may ultimately require accurate descriptions of proteins’ diffusive characteristics, which are expected to be influenced by hydrodynamic effects; a comprehensive study of the diffusion and folding of 11 model proteins with an established simulation model extended to include hydrodynamic interactions between residues has therefore been carried out. Molecular simulations that neglect hydrodynamic interactions are incapable of simultaneously reproducing the expected experimental translational and rotational diffusion coefficients of folded proteins, drastically underestimating both when reasonable hydrodynamic radii are employed. In contrast, simulations that include hydrodynamic interactions produce diffusion coefficients that match very well with the expected experimental values for translation and rotation and also correctly capture the significant decrease in translational diffusion coefficient that accompanies protein unfolding. The...
An examination of the relative stabilities of MgxNi1−xO and NiO on spherical carbon particles

The H2 reductions of MgxNi1−xO and NiO dispersed on spherical carbon molecular sieve particles were studied using a combined magnetic-thermogravimetric technique. It was found that the NiO was greatly stabilized by solid solution formation with MgO, but the carbon support did not stabilize the NiO towards H2 reduction.
Beyond Lot's Wife: The Immigration Poems of Marilyn Chin, Garrett Hongo, Li-Young Lee, and David Mura

When God tells Lot to flee Soddam and Gomorrah, he cautions him not to look back. Lot's wife cannot resist the temptation and, as they rush from the great fire storm erupting behind them, she does look back and is immediately turned into a pillar of salt. The fear of looking back and yet the compulsion to look back at the country that one has left behind infuses much cross-cultural writing in the United States today. The experience of immigration is a central fact in the lives of Asian, Hispanic, Mid-Eastern, Slavic, Irish, and Italian families in America. Even when the immigration is several generations removed, cross-cultural writers searching for their roots must in one way or another grapple with the event itself. For many families, immigration is a traumatic experience. Expelled out of their homelands, immigrants must suffer the treacherous journey to America and then survive in a different and frequently hostile host culture. Families do not easily talk about these experiences. Migrations are frequently shrouded in silence and an unspoken prohibition not to look back. For Asian immigrants in America, the subject of this paper, silence about origins in Japan or China has been a necessary course as they have attempted to assimilate into a dangerous, frequently racist environment. During the era of the Exclusion Acts and the internment camps of World War II, having Asian origins and cultural identity incurred enormous penalties: job and home loss, deportation, even imprisonment and death. The writers whom I am discussing in this paper, however, suggest that there are even more painful and damaging silences than those required by survival in a hostile environment. There are the
Novel solid protein solder designs for laser-assisted tissue repair

Background and Objectives Previous studies have shown that the application of chromophore-enhanced albumin protein solders to augment laser tissue repairs significantly improves repair strength, enhances edge co-optation, and reduces thermal tissue injury. These investigations are furthered with this in vitro study conducted to assess a new range of specially designed chromophore-enhanced solid protein solders manufactured and tested for application during laser-assisted tissue repair. Study Design/Materials and Methods The experimental study was divided into three parts. In the first part of the study, the creation of a chromophore concentration gradient across the thickness of the solid protein solder was investigated as a means to improve control of the heat source gradient through the solder during laser irradiation. In the second part of the study, predenaturation of the solid protein solder was investigated as a means for enhancing the stability of the solder in physiological fluids before irradiation. Finally, in the third part of the study, the feasibility of using synthetic polymers as a scaffold for traditional albumin protein solder mixes was investigated as a means of improving the flexibility of the solder. Results Uniform denaturation across the thickness of the solder was achieved by controlling the chromophore concentration gradient, thus ensuring stable solder-tissue fusion when the specimen was submerged in a hydrated environment. Predenaturation of the solid protein solder significantly reduced the solubility of the solder, and consequently, improved the handling characteristics of the solder. The solder-doped polymer membranes were flexible enough to be wrapped around tissue, whereas their solid nature avoided problems associated with “runaway” of the less viscous liquid solders currently used by researchers. In addition, the solder-doped polymer membranes could be easily tailored to a wide range of geometries suitable to many clinical applications. Conclusion The novel solid protein solder designs presented here add a new dimension to tissue repair as their flexible, moldable, and absorption controllable nature, greatly improves the clinical applicability of laser-assisted tissue repair. Lasers Surg. Med. 27:147–157, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development of anti-HER2 conjugated ICG-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for targeted optical imaging of ovarian cancer

Targeted delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents using surface modified nanovectors has been explored immensely in recent years. The growing demand for site-specific and efficient delivery of nanovectors entails stable surface conjugation of targeting moieties. We have developed a polymeric nanocapsule doped with Indocyanine green (ICG) with potential for targeted and deep tissue optical imaging and phototherapy. Our ICG-loaded nanocapsules (ICG-NCs) have potential for covalent coupling of various targeting moieties and materials due to presence of amine groups on the surface. Here, we covalently bioconjugate polyethylene glycol(PEG)-coated ICG-NCs with monoclonal antibody against HER2 through reductive amination-mediated procedures. The irreversible and stable bonds are formed between anti- EGFR and aldehyde termini of PEG chains on the surface of ICG-NCs. We confirm the uptake of conjugated ICG-NCs by ovarian cancer cells over-expressing HER2 using fluorescent confocal microscopy. The proposed process for covalent attachment of anti-HER2 to PEGylated ICG-NCs can be used as a methodology for bioconjugation of various antibodies to such nano-constrcuts, and provides the capability to use these optically active nano-probes for targeted optical imaging of ovarian and other cancer types.
Naloxone and morphine effects on sensory evoked responses

Abstract Averaged acoustic-evoked responses were recorded simultaneously in the caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, hypothalamus and pineal body of unanaesthetized rats. Administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg) to opiate-naive animals caused time-dependent changes (increases or decreases) in amplitudes of the averaged evoked responses. The changes in response amplitudes were opposite in direction to those induced by large doses of morphine (50 mg/kg). The effects of naloxone in opiate-naive rats are possibly due to blockade of an endogenous morphine-like substance (endorphin).
Slow reversible inhibition of rabbit muscle aldolase by D-erythrulose 1-phosphate.

Rabbit muscle aldolase was found to be inactivated in a slow, reversible manner by D-erythrulose 1-phosphate. This compound combined rapidly and reversibly with the enzyme to form an initial complex, which then only slowly (ki = 0.28 min−1) converted to a kinetically more stable form. This stable enzyme-ligand form was inactive toward the normal substrate of aldolase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. The inactive enzyme-ligand complex, however, could be decomposed (kr = 0.0041 min−1) to yield active enzyme once again by incubation in a solution devoid of D-erythrulose 1-phosphate.
The NCEP Climate Forecast System

Abstract The Climate Forecast System (CFS), the fully coupled ocean–land–atmosphere dynamical seasonal prediction system, which became operational at NCEP in August 2004, is described and evaluated in this paper. The CFS provides important advances in operational seasonal prediction on a number of fronts. For the first time in the history of U.S. operational seasonal prediction, a dynamical modeling system has demonstrated a level of skill in forecasting U.S. surface temperature and precipitation that is comparable to the skill of the statistical methods used by the NCEP Climate Prediction Center (CPC). This represents a significant improvement over the previous dynamical modeling system used at NCEP. Furthermore, the skill provided by the CFS spatially and temporally complements the skill provided by the statistical tools. The availability of a dynamical modeling tool with demonstrated skill should result in overall improvement in the operational seasonal forecasts produced by CPC. The atmospheric compon...
Comparison of rates and risk factors for development of osteoporosis and fractures after radical or partial nephrectomy.

Objective To examine incidence of and risk factors for development of osteoporosis and fractures in patients who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (NSS), as osteoporosis is an important cause of morbidity in chronic kidney disease. Methods This was a retrospective review of 905 patients (mean age 57.5 years, mean follow-up 6.4 years) who underwent RN or NSS for renal tumors at 2 institutions from July 1987 to June 2007. Demographics, renal function, metabolic parameters, and history of preoperative and postoperative osteoporosis and fractures were recorded. Data were analyzed within subgroups based on treatment (RN vs NSS). Multivariate analysis was conducted to elucidate risk factors for developing osteoporosis following surgery. Results A total of 610 patients underwent RN and 295 underwent NSS. Tumor size (cm) was significantly larger for RN (RN 7.0 vs NSS 3.7, P P = .785) and fractures (RN 1.7% vs NSS 0.7%, P = .382). Postoperatively, significantly less osteoporosis (NSS 12.5% vs RN 22.6%, P P = .007) developed in the NSS cohort. MVA demonstrated female (OR 1.85, P = .001), Caucasian (OR 2.33, P 2 , (OR = 3.02, P P = .0006), and RN (OR 2.59, P Conclusions Patients undergoing RN had a significantly higher incidence of osteoporosis and fractures compared with a well-matched cohort of patients who underwent NSS. In addition to RN, female gender, Caucasian background, preoperative eGFR
Volatile polydimethylcyclosiloxanes in the ambient laboratory air identified as source of extreme background signals in nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry.

Polydimethylcyclosiloxanes, an almost ubiquitous air contaminant, can interfere with nanoelectrospray analysis. The sensitivity of nanoelectrospray to these volatile air contaminants was demonstrated in this study. The intensity of the interfering ion signals caused by these compounds can be decreased by changing the position of the nanoESI needle and almost completely suppressed by applying a flow of pure nitrogen around the needle and the sample cone. The nitrogen flow causes a slight shift in charge distribution, but does not influence the sensitivity for peptide detection.
Addressing the Problem of Switched Class Labels in Latent Variable Mixture Model Simulation Studies

The discrimination between alternative models and the detection of latent classes in the context of latent variable mixture modeling depends on sample size, class separation, and other aspects that are related to power. Prior to a mixture analysis it is useful to investigate model performance in a simulation study that reflects the research settings. Multiple data sets are generated under 1 or more models, and alternative models are fitted to the data. The aggregation of results over multiple data sets is complicated by the fact that mixture models are only identified up to a permutation of the class labels. Estimated class labels are arbitrary, with the effect that the estimated parameters for Class 1 could be incorrectly labeled as Class 2, Class 3, and so forth, relative to their data generating labels. In a simulation study, the detection of switched labels needs to be automated. Switched class labels are not necessarily simple to detect. This article describes different possible scenarios of switched...
Resisting Gendered Smoking Pressures: Critical Consciousness as a Correlate of Women's Smoking Status

Gender is one of the social structures, along with social class and ethnicity, that shapes women's smoking behaviors. We examined how different responses to gender pressures (internalization and resistance) relate to smoking. We analyzed data from a national random digit dial survey of 945 women and found that never smokers scored high on resistance to gender pressure (indicated by high scores on feminist consciousness) and on education and Body Mass Index; current smokers had the reverse pattern. Ex-smokers scored high on one measure of resistance (advertising skepticism) and on two measures of internalization (embodied femininity and weight concern); they were also likely to have high household income and to be European American. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for smoking cessation programs and antismoking campaigns.
Ranges in Air and Mass Identification of Plutonium Fission Fragments

Determinations were made of the mean and extrapolated ranges in air of plutonium fission fragments for twenty individual masses between 83 and 157. Collimated fission fragments passing through air at 120 or 140 mm pressure were deposited, after being stopped by the air, on a series of fourteen thin lacquer films. These were analyzed radio-chemically for individual fission products. The corrected activities were plotted against distance traversed by the fragments, yielding differential range curves whose widths at half-maximum were 11.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.3 percent, independent of fragment mass. The activities found beyond each distance were plotted against distance giving integral range curves. Mean and extrapolated ranges were derived from these. In the light group the extrapolated ranges decrease from 2.90 cm (15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 760 mm) for mass 83, to 2.25 cm for mass 117; in the heavy group they decrease from 2.25 cm for mass 127, to 1.95 cm for mass 157. From the range-mass curve drawn for well-known masses, definite assignments of 92, 93, and 132 were given to 3.5-hr. Y, 10-hr. Y, and 77-hr. Te, respectively. Highly probable assignments of 94 and 134 were given to 20-min. Y and 54-min. I, respectively.
Early computation of shape and reflectance in the visual system.

A COMPELLING sense of three-dimensional shape may be conveyed by the photograph of an object. Cues such as contour, shading, perspective and occlusion, to name a few, contribute to this percept. Psychophysical experiments suggest that certain aspects of three-dimensional shape are computed rapidly and in parallel by the visual system. Here we report that reflectance is also computed rapidly; moreover, it is the apparent reflectance, rather than brightness or perceptual three-dimensional shape, that is the primary basis for discrimination during the early stages of visual processing.
The determination of the electromagnetic field and SAR pattern of an interstitial applicator in a dissipative dielectric medium

The spatial distribution of microwave energy absorbed per unit mass (the specific absorption rate or SAR) in biological tissue is calculated for a class of interstitial antennas. The insulated interstitial applicator is simulated as an asymmetrically drive antenna. An expression for the electric field intensity near the antenna is derived and calculated by direct numerical evaluation of a surface integral over the insulation. The predicted SAR patterns obtained using the calculated electric field intensity and the tissue conductivity agree very well with the measured SAR distributions around three different applicators in muscle-equivalent phantoms. >
The magneto-quantum-electric effect

Abstract We report the results of an investigation of the magneto-quantum-electric effect associated with the absorption of phonons or photons by charge carriers (electrons or holes) in solid state plasmas in the presence of a static magnetic field H 0 . The effect is based on the lateral displacement (in a direction perpendicular to both q and H 0 ) of the centers of the cyclotron orbits of the charge carriers upon absorption of quanta with a component of wave vector q in the plane of the real-space orbits. Simple theoretical arguments are used to show that: (a) for spherical energy surfaces, this displacement occurs for q H o when quanta are absorbed in cyclotron (Δ n =±1) transitions, and (b) for ellipsoidal energy surfaces, the absorption of quanta leads to a displacement which is perpendicular to q and to the normal to the plane of the orbit in either cyclotron (Δ n =±1) or Landau (Δ n =0) transitions. In both cases, the lateral translation due to continuous quanta absorption constitutes a ‘d.c.’ current. This current sets up a surface charge density on the lateral boundaries of the sample, and thus, a d.c. electric field appears across the sample. A comparison is made of the MQE effect with several similar and/or related effects. The MQE fields associated with the giant-quantum-absorption of longitudinal phonons in bismuth are observed and are shown to be in excellent agreement with the predictions of the theory.
Distonic Biradical Anions. Synthesis and Characterization of the 3,5-Dehydrophenyl and 1,3,5-Trimethylenebenzene Negative Ions

We recently described a new method for producing intense beams of structurally-defined biradical negative ions (`distonic radical anions`) in the gas phase based on reactions between trimethylsilyl-substituted carbanions and molecular fluorine. We now wish to report the extension of this procedure to the rational synthesis of negative ions of triradicals, i.e., `distonic biradical anions.` The significance of these species is manifold. Polyradicals and their associated ions are the central focus of current efforts to produce synthetic organic ferromagnets. In this report, we describe the gas-phase synthesis and characterization of 3,5-dehydrophenyl anion, 1, and 1,3,5-trimethylenebenzene negative ion, 2. Ion 1 corresponds to the negative ion of the ({sigma},{sigma},{sigma}) triradical 1,3,5-benzenetriyl, and it can also be viewed as a deprotonated m-benzyne. 29 refs.
PROTEIN COMPOSITION OF MYELIN OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Abstract— Myelin was purified from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of several species. The protein composition of these preparations was examined by discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in buffers containing sodium lauryl sulphate. Proteins characteristic of all samples include, in order of increasing mobility: a series of high molecular weight proteins, the major peripheral nerve protein (P0), two uncharacterized proteins, and two basic proteins (P1 and P2). Quantitative results, obtained by densitometry of gels stained with Fast Green showed differences in protein distribution, both between species, and from different types of nerves obtained from the same animal. The relative amounts of P1 and P2 proteins were the most variable; e.g. myelin from guinea-pig sciatic nerve had little or no P2 protein, whereas 15 per cent of the myelin protein of beef posterior intradural root was Pz protein. P0, P1 and P2 proteins from rabbit sciatic nerve and P0 and P2 proteins from beef dorsal and ventral intradural roots were purified and their amino acid compositions were determined. Our results indicated that the P1 protein is very similar in size and amino acid composition to the basic protein of central nervous system myelin, whereas the P0 and P2 proteins are unique to the PNS.
A pointwise quasi-Newton method for integral equations

For fully nonlinear integral equations, conventional quasi-Newton methods, such as Broyden’s method, may not possess good convergence properties. In this paper we present a new method that gives superlinear convergence for such integral equations and provides for savings over Newton’s method in the cost of solution of the linear equation for the quasi-Newton step.
Home economics education in Canadian schools

In the current climate of educational reform two central questions for educators are what is and what should be home economics? This article explores the first question through examining home economics curricula documents from each province in Canada and comparing the general title, the dominant view of home economics and the conceptual areas of study in the programmes offered. Considerable conceptual confusion and disagreement are evident in each of these three dimensions of programmes. Suggestions for developing clarity and integration in curricula are outlined.
Nutritional frailty, sarcopenia and falls in the elderly.

Purpose of reviewThere is currently intense interest in understanding why certain elderly individuals become frail and disabled with age whereas others do not. Is frailty the result of an acceleration of normal aging processes or is it the result of chronic medical conditions that are superimposed o
A study of agentic self‐efficacy and agentic competence across Britain and the USA

The reality of working in multicultural environments, in multinational companies and in a global marketplace have made an understanding of potential cultural and country differences imperative. Focuses on two constructs relevant to the study of work‐related behaviour, agentic self‐efficacy and agentic competence. Self‐efficacy may be defined as an individual’s judgement of his/her capability to organize and execute a course of action required to attain a designated type of performance. Agentic behaviour includes creating and/or taking advantage of opportunities, risk‐taking behaviour, assertiveness in the protection of one’s rights and in the pursuit of one’s goals, persistence in goal pursuits, and willingness to change one’s situation to achieve a better fit with interests, aspirations and expectations. Examines differences in agentic competence and agentic self‐efficacy across two countries: Britain and the USA. No significant differences emerged from the results, indicating the cross‐country applicability of the two concepts examined. Suggests that further research of this nature, across a broader range of constructs and countries, is needed.
30 Gbit/s, 850 nm, VCSEL-based optical link

A complete 30 Gbit/s VCSEL link is reported. The driver and receiver amplifiers were fabricated in a 0.13 m SiGe BiCMOS process and the 850 nm VCSELs and photodetectors are commercial 10 Gbit/s-class components. Transmitter pre-emphasis applied through the feed-forward equaliser circuit enables the full link to operate at 30 Gbit/s at a bit error ratio less than 10 -12 with a 9 dB link budget.
Text and Context: the Passion of the Christ and Other Jesus Films

Abstract This article approaches the immense popularity of Mel Gibson's 2004 film, The Passion of the Christas a significant artifact in the contemporary public, cultural curriculum, and a unique opportunity for religious educators to build on its notoriety. Five interrelated contexts are identified and explored to assist religious educators more deeply understand and better interpret the significance of this film and all Jesus films. These five contexts are: (1) narrative theology, (2) scripture, (3) midrash, (4) the early film industry, and (5) the Jesus film canon.
On using Net Options Value as a value based design framework

We present our experiences using Net Options Value (NOV) as a framework for evaluating options in software design. We start with a brief introduction of the NOV model, provide summaries of analyses - where and how NOV has been applied, and list some of the open issues based on the early works in this area. In particular we present our approach to understand an important parameter of the NOV called the 'technical potential' of a module and outline our further research directions in using NOV.
A nudge in a healthy direction. The effect of nutrition labels on food purchasing behaviors in university dining facilities.

Abstract Background: Despite legislation that requires restaurants to post nutritional labels on their products or menu items, the scientific literature provides inconsistent support for the idea that adding labels to foods will change buying patterns. Lack of success of previous research may be that sample sizes have been too small and durations of studies too short. Objective: To assess the effect of nutrition labeling on pre-packaged food purchases in university dining facilities. Design: Weekly sales data for a sample of pre-packaged food items were obtained and analyzed, spanning three semesters before and three semesters after nutritional labels were introduced on to the sample of foods. The labels summarized caloric content and nutrient composition information. Mean nutrient composition purchased were calculated for the sample of foods. Labeled food items were categorized as high-calorie, low-calorie, high-fat, or low-fat foods and analyzed for change as a function of the introduction of the labels. Setting: Data were obtained from all retail dining units located at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY where the pre-packaged food items were sold. Results: Results indicated that the introduction of food labels resulted in a 7% reduction of the mean total kcals purchased per week (p Conclusions: The results suggest that nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods in a large university dining hall produces a small but significant reduction of labeled high calorie and high fat foods purchased and an increase in low calorie, low fat foods.
The Potential Influence of Short-term Environmental Variability on the Composition of Testate Amoeba Communities in Sphagnum Peatlands

Testate amoebae are a group of moisture-sensitive, shell-producing protozoa that have been widely used as indicators of changes in mean water-table depth within oligotrophic peatlands. However, short-term environmental variability (i.e., sub-annual) also probably influences community composition. The objective of this study was to assess the potential influence of short-term environmental variability on the composition of testate amoeba communities in Sphagnum-dominated peatlands. Testate amoebae and environmental conditions, including hourly measurements of relative humidity within the upper centimeter of the peatland surface, were examined throughout the 2008 growing season at 72 microsites within 11 peatlands of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, USA. Relationships among testate amoeba communities, vegetation, depth to water table, pH, and an index of short-term environmental variability (EVI), were examined using nonmetric multidimensional scaling and correlation analysis. Results suggest that EVI influences testate amoeba communities, with some taxa more abundant under highly variable conditions (e.g., Arcella discoides, Difflugia pulex, and Hyalosphenia subflava) and others more abundant when environmental conditions at the peatland surface were relatively stable (e.g., Archerella flavum and Bullinularia indica). The magnitude of environmental variability experienced at the peatland surface appears to be primarily controlled by vegetation composition and density. In particular, sites with dense Sphagnum cover had lower EVI values than sites with loose-growing Sphagnum or vegetation dominated by vascular plants and/or non-Sphagnum bryophytes. Our results suggest that more environmental information may be inferred from testate amoebae than previously recognized. Knowledge of relationships between testate amoebae and short-term environmental variability should lead to more detailed and refined environmental inferences.
Age-related change in the relationship between circadian period, circadian phase, and diurnal preference in humans.

Abstract Aging is associated with specific sleep complaints, including earlier awakening and decreased sleep consolidation at the end of the night. The circadian pacemaker influences sleep timing and consolidation, and it has been hypothesized that a change in the circadian timing system may contribute to age-related changes in sleep. Here, we examined the relationship between circadian period and wake time, circadian phase, and diurnal preference (morningness–eveningness) in older subjects, and found no significant correlation between those measures, in contrast to our findings from young subjects. These results provide further evidence that the interaction between the circadian system and sleep–wake timing is altered in aging, and suggest that a shortening of circadian period with age cannot account for the advanced circadian phase and earlier wake times of older subjects.
Release of a membrane-bound death domain by γ-secretase processing of the p75NTR homolog NRADD

Neurotrophin receptor alike death domain protein (NRADD) is a death-receptor-like protein with a unique ectodomain and an intracellular domain homologous to p75 NTR . Expression of NRADD results in apoptosis, but only in certain cell types. This paper characterizes the expression and proteolytic processing of the mature 55 kDa glycoprotein. N-terminally truncated NRADD is processed by a γ-secretase activity that requires presenilins and has the same susceptibility to γ-secretase inhibitors as the secretion of amyloid β (Aβ). The ectodomain of endogenous NRADD is shed by activation of metalloproteinases. Inhibitor studies provide evidence that NRADD is cleaved in two steps typical of regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). Inhibition of γ-secretase abrogates both the production of the soluble intracellular domain of NRADD and the appearance of NRADD in subnuclear structures. Thus, solubilized death domains with close homology to p75 NTR might have a nuclear function. Furthermore, presenilin deficiency leads to abnormally glycosylated NRADD and overexpression of presenilin 2 inhibits NRADD maturation, which is dependent on the putative active site residue D366 but not on γ-secretase activity. Our results demonstrate that NRADD is an additional γ-secretase substrate and suggest that drugs against Alzheimer's disease will need to target γ-secretase in a substrate-specific manner.
Using random set theory to propagate epistemic uncertainty through a mechanical system

Abstract The Epistemic Uncertainty Project of Sandia National Laboratories (NM, USA) proposed two challenge problems intended to assess the applicability and the relevant merits of modern mathematical theories of uncertainty in reliability engineering and risk analysis. This paper proposes a solution to Problem B: the response of a mechanical system with uncertain parameters. Random Set Theory is used to cope with both imprecision and dissonance affecting the available information. Imprecision results in an envelope of CDFs of the system response bounded by an upper CDF and a lower CDF. Different types of parameter discretizations are introduced. It is shown that: (i) when the system response presents extrema in the range of parameters considered, it is better to increase the fineness of the discretization than to invoke a global optimization tool; (ii) the response expectation differed by less than 0.5% when the number of function calls was increased 15.7 times; (iii) larger differences (4–5%) were obtained for the lower tails of the CDFs of the response. Further research is necessary to investigate (i) parameter discretizations aimed at increasing the accuracy of the CDFs (lower) tails; (ii) the role of correlation in combining information.
Topography of glycerolepid synthetic enzymes Synthesis of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol and glycerolipid intermediates occurs on the cytoplasmic surface of rat liver microsomal vesicles

Abstract The topography of glycerolipid biosynthetic enzymes within the transverse plane of rat liver microsomal vesicles was investigated: (1) by use of the impermeant inhibitor, mercury-dextran; (2) by use of proteases; and (3) by determining whether the enzyme activities are latent. The seven enzyme activities investigated (dihydroxyacetone-phosphate acyltransferase, acyldihydroxyacetone-phosphate oxidoreductase, phosphatidic acid : CTPcytidyl-transferase, CDPdiacylglycerol : inositol phosphatidyltransferase, 2-monoacylglycerol acyltransferase, diacylglycerol kinase, and the serine base exchange enzyme) function in phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine synthesis and at intermediate levels in glycerolipid synthesis including steps of ether lipid synthesis. Mercurydextran inhibited four of these enzymes greater than 60% in intact microsomal vesicles. One or more of the proteases employed (chymotrypsin, trypsin and pronase) inactivated each of the seven enzyme activities in intact microsomal vesicles. These two approaches indicate that each of these enzymes has important domains located on the cytoplasmic surface of microsomal vesicles. These enzyme activities could be assayed in intact microsomal vesicles. None appeared to be highly latent, indicating that substrates have free access to active sites. One substrate for each of these enzymes had been shown previously to be unable to cross the microsomal membrane. These data indicate that the active sites of these enzymes are located on the cytoplasmic surface of microsomal vesicles. It is concluded that the synthesis of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol, intermediates of ether lipid formation and other intermediates of glycerolipid synthesis occurs asymmetrically on the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum. These findings and our previous investigations on the topography of seven enzymes of triacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis (Ballas L.M. and Bell, RM., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 602, (1980) 578–590) indicate that the synthesis of the major cellular glycerolipids occurs asymmetrically on the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum.
Ciliary ganglion neurons in cell culture: high affinity choline uptake and autoradiographic choline labeling.

Chick ciliary ganglion neurons grown in dissociated cell culture have a high affinity uptake mechanism for choline that has the properties expected for cholinergic neurons. The uptake has an apparent Km of ca. 0.3 μM and is blocked by addition of 10 μM hemicholinium-3 or replacement of Na+ by Li+ in the uptake medium. When the choline uptake mechanism is used to label ciliary ganglion neuron-myotube cultures autoradiographically, over 99% of the neurons are labeled. A few cells with neuronal morphologies in such cultures (<1%) are labeled by γ-[3H]aminobutyric acid uptake. The number of [3H]choline-labeled neurons and the amount of Na+-dependent choline uptake is the same for ciliary ganglion neurons grown with and without skeletal myotubes. Rat superior cervical ganglion neurons, grown in cell culture under conditions that induce them to synthesize acetylcholine and form cholinergic synapses, are labeled by [3H]choline uptake, though not as heavily as ciliary ganglion neurons. In contrast, chick dorsal root ganglion neurons, a presumed population of noncholinergic neurons, are not labeled by [3H]choline uptake. Thus high affinity choline uptake can be used to label autoradiographically the cholinergic neurons tested, while at least one population of noncholinergic neurons remains unlabeled.
Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as unilateral parotid enlargement.

Objective: Major salivary gland enlargement is a rare presenting symptom of Wegener's granulomatosis. The unrecognized occurrence of this entity can delay diagnosis, leading to increased morbidity from disease progression. This report discusses the clinical features and diagnostic testing of salivary gland enlargement secondary to Wegener's granulomatosis to differentiate it from other, more common, salivary gland diseases. Study Design: A case report of a single subject with unilateral parotid gland enlargement secondary to Wegener's granulomatosis. Methods: A review of the clinical course, diagnostic studies, and histopathology related to the presenting disease. Results: A 54-year-old male was evaluated for a 6-week history of progressive right parotid enlargement and pain unresponsive to antimicrobial therapy. Computed tomography scans showed diffuse, unilateral parotid swelling without enhancement and without a mass lesion or sialolith. Multiple open biopsies from the gland were necessary to demonstrate the presence of necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with vasculitis. Elevated antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, cytoplasmic pattern (c-ANCA) titers confirmed Wegener's granulomatosis. Hemoptysis and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis developed shortly after diagnosis but eventually resolved after the initiation of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. Conclusions: Unilateral parotid enlargement is a rare presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis. A high level of clinical suspicion should prompt biopsy and testing of c-ANCA when initial studies or empirical treatment fails to lead to a proper diagnosis. Early treatment may prevent the development of other serious systemic complications such as renal failure.
Seven-Coordinate Homoleptic Metal Carbonyls in the Gas Phase

Gas-phase metal carbonyl cations of the vanadium-group metals (V+, Nb+, Ta+) were produced in a molecular beam by laser vaporization and then mass-analyzed and size-selected in a time-of-flight spectrometer and studied with IR laser photodissociation spectroscopy in the carbonyl-stretching region. The abundances in the mass spectra, the fragmentation patterns, and the IR spectra provided a combined approach that revealed the coordination numbers in these systems. Although seven-coordinate structures would have 18 electrons in each case, V(CO)6+ was found to be formed rather than V(CO)7+. Nb+ formed both six- and seven-coordinate species, while Ta+ formed only the Ta(CO)7+ complex. Density functional theory computations were used to predict the IR spectra for these systems, which are dramatically different for the six- and seven-coordinate structures and in excellent agreement with the measurements. V(CO)6+ and Nb(CO)6+ have structures slightly distorted from octahedral, while Nb(CO)7+ and Ta(CO)7+ have C3...
Step graded buffer for (110) InSb quantum wells grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract We report on a two step buffer layer preparation for the growth of InSb quantum wells on a (110) GaAs surface. At each buffer layer step, layer conditions were optimized to produce smooth surfaces compatible with InSb quantum wells. Through varying growth rate, group V/III flux ratio, substrate temperature, and the addition of in situ annealing, we are able to grow In0.85Al0.15Sb on a GaAs substrate with an RMS surface roughness of approximately 2 nm. Surface morphology and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were analyzed to understand the formation of threading dislocations, inclusions and dislocation filtering. This work presents an initial study for the growth of large lattice mismatched III-V materials on the (110) surface.
Variation of Jupiter's CH4 and NH3 bands with position on the planetary disk

Abstract We report here the results of recent spectrophotometric scans of the 6190 A and 7290 A methane bands and the 6450 A ammonia band on Jupiter as a function of position on the planetary disk. The equivalent widths are found to decrease toward the equatorial limb and to increase toward the poles relative to the center of the disk.