cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Computed and Measured Vortex Evolution for a UH-60A Rotor in Forward Flight

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation using the Navier-Stokes equations was performed to determine the evolutionary and dynamical characteristics of the vortex flowfield for a highly flexible aeroelastic UH-60A rotor in forward flight. The experimental wake data were acquired using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) during a test of the fullscale UH-60A rotor in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel. The PIV measurements were made in a stationary cross-flow plane at 90 deg rotor azimuth. The CFD simulation was performed using the OVERFLOW CFD solver loosely coupled with the rotorcraft comprehensive code CAMRAD II. Characteristics of vortices captured in the PIV plane from different blades are compared with CFD calculations. The blade airloads were calculated using two different turbulence models. A limited spatial, temporal, and CFD/comprehensive-code coupling sensitivity analysis was performed in order to verify the unsteady helicopter simulations with a moving rotor grid system.
Electropolymerized films of isocyanide-functionalized anilines: incorporation of a heavy metal cation into polyanilines

Abstract The techniques of cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to study the electrochemical generation and characterization of isocyanide-functionalized polyaniline thin films. 3-Isocyanoaniline 1, [Ir(3-isocyanoaniline)4]PF6 and [Ir(4-isocyanoaniline)4]PF6, formed yellow-gold, well adherent thin films when electropolymerized on platinum and ITO electrode surfaces and were redox active. Polyaniline and the thin film of 1 exposed to iridium(I) metal cations in chloroform solution incorporated iridium(I) into the films. The thin film of 1 exhibited a highly oriented, fibrous structure with average strand widths of 25A˚in diameter as determined by AFM.
The identification and the excretion pattern of isovaleryl glucuronide in the urine of patients with isovaleric acidemia.

Summary: We identified isovaleryl glucuronide in the urine of patients with isovaleric acidemia by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and by identifying the products of enzymatic hydrolysis. Conjugation of isovaleryl-CoA with glycine, by the action of glycine-N-acylase, is the main detoxification mechanism in isovaleric acidemia. The identification of isovaleryl glucuronide demonstrates a hitherto unknown, additional detoxification mechanism in patients with isovaleric acidemia. Quantitative analysis of 72 urine specimens from four patients with isovaleric acidemia shows that isovaleryl glucuronide is more likely to be excreted when the amount of urinary 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid excretion is high. This suggests that detoxification via glucuronide conjugation plays an important role when the glycine conjugation system is saturated.
On the nature of processes governing defensive burying of aversive flavors and odors in rats

Abstract Four experiments are reported which investigated the processes which contribute to the failure of rats to bury fluids that have acquired aversive properties through pairings with lithium chloride toxicosis. Fluids that failed to provide strong olfactory stimulation were avoided but not buried. These solutions, however, produced higher order conditioning of odor-bearing solutions which were buried readily. Various control experiments indicated that these effects depended upon the odorous qualities of the stimulus and not upon simple novelty effects or changes in gustatory stimulation. These data indicate that the inability of aversive gustatory cues to produce burying reflects a constraint on motivational or S-R learning processes.
Giant and “Granular Melanosomes” in Leopard Syndrome: An Ultrastructural Study

Electron microscopy of lentigines was performed to study the pigmentation abnormality in two children with LEOPARD syndrome. Giant melanosomes similar to those seen in cafe-au-lait spots of neurofibromatosis and nevus spilus were found in a lentigine from one of our cases. Our results show that "spherical granular melanosomes" described in neurofibromatosis, are lysosomal-like structures associated with the development of complex melanin granules. Our study also demonstrates that immature melanosomes are present in some keratinocytes of LEOPARD syndrome. This finding is in contrast to the prevailing concept that only mature melanosomes are transferred to keratinocytes. The occurrence of individual melanosomes of normal size and shape in keratinocytes of skin in whites with LEOPARD syndrome, suggests that neither the size of melanosomes, nor the racial differences are the factors determining the distribution of melanosomes in keratinocytes.
Sputtering of atomic and molecular ions from the Ga-In eutectic alloy under keV heavy-ion bombardment☆

Abstract Secondary-ion emission has been observed for the liquid phase Ga-In eutectic alloy, and from pure Ga and In targets, under Ne + , Ar + , Kr + , and Xe + bombardment in the energy range of 25–250 keV. The fraction of low-energy sputtered ions originating from beneath the first atomic layer is independent of projectile energy, as expected from the collision-cascade theory of sputtering, but decreases slightly with increasing projectile mass. The relative dimer ion yield from each target is nearly independent of projectile energy and mass. A published statistical recombination theory of neutral dimer formation predicts a proportionality to the sputtering yield, but the discrepancy may be explained if dimers are primarily formed when a single recoil atom causes the correlated ejection of several atoms from a localized region of the surface.
External sphincterotomy: rational for the procedure and experiences with 150 patients

External sphincterotomy, a procedure for lowering urethral resistance in the neurogenic bladder so as to restore efficient voiding and eliminate catheter drainage, is described. The technique is simple, the morbidity low and the success rate is high. It is most useful in the reflex upper motor neuron bladder, but should be considered in all catheter-bound neurogenic bladders. As multiple procedures may be required failures should be re-evaluated. Our experience with 173 operations on 150 patients is reviewed.
Electron-induced interaction of selected hydrocarbons with TiO2 surfaces: the relevance to extreme ultraviolet lithography.

The aim of this work is to characterize desorption induced by electronic transition processes that affect the reflectivity of TiO 2 -capped multilayer mirrors used in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. A low energy electron beam is employed to mimic excitations initiated by EUV radiation. Temperature programmed desorption, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and low energy ion scattering are used to analyze the surface reactions. Carbon film growth on the TiO 2 (011) crystalline surface is measured during 10-100 eV electron bombardment in benzene or methyl methacrylate vapor over a wide range of pressures and temperatures near 300 K. Low energy secondary electrons excited by EUV photons contribute substantially to the carbon accumulation on clean TiO 2 cap layers. For benzene on clean TiO 2 , secondary electron effects dominate in the initial stages of carbon accumulation, whereas for C-covered TiO 2 , direct excitations appear to dominate. We report on the adsorption energy, the steady-state coverage of the molecules on the surface and the cross sections for electron-stimulated dissociation: all key parameters for understanding and modeling the processes relating to the EUV lithography mirrors.
Factors influencing consumption of farmed seafood products in the Pacific northwest

This study used a mail survey (n=1159 usable surveys) of Pacific northwest (US) residents to understand general seafood preferences (familiarity, price, freshness, health and environmental concerns), beliefs and attitudes specific to aquaculture versus wild products, and how those cognitive factors affect decisions to consume types of farmed seafood products. Respondents strongly agreed that seafood is healthy, and they preferred wild over farmed products. Many respondents were uncertain about human health and environmental benefits and problems associated with aquaculture. While there was agreement that aquaculture reduces pressure on wild fish, there was equally strong agreement that it has the same problems as other agricultural practices. Belief in the superiority of wild seafood was a strong predictor of consumption choices. Belief in the benefits of aquaculture was positively related to higher consumption of farmed products, but--unexpectedly--beliefs related to environmental and health problems associated with aquaculture did not predict specific consumption choices. Nearly half of respondents recalled hearing or reading about aquaculture in the mass media, and recall of negative stories contributed to a general preference for wild products, but not consumption of specific types of farmed products. Consumption of the different classes of products had some different predictors, and communication efforts directed at different beliefs may have different impacts on consumer behavior.
Measurement of plasma prostaglandins during exercise-induced bronchospasm

Bronchospasm following exercise is a phenomenon which occurs in most patients with reversible airway disease. The pathophysiologic mechanism leading to this bronchoconstriction with exercise has not yet been defined. Recently, prostaglandins have been implicated in the etiology of asthma. The purpose of this investigation was to determine changes in plasma prostaglandins occurring during exercise-induced asthma. Eight ambulant asthmatics were chosen for baseline pulmonary spirometry and peripheral venous blood prostaglandin E and F levels. The asthmatics were then exercised to 80% of their age-predicted maximal heart rate via a multistage branching treadmill protocol. At 5, 15, and 30 min following exercise, pulmonary spirometry was again performed and peripheral venous blood collected at the indicated times. Clinical bronchospasm as characterized by audible wheezing and greater than 15% decrease in FEV1 and MMEFR was obtained in all of the asthmatics. Peripheral PGE and PGF2alpha determinations following this exercise protocol were not altered significantly: (PGE: 0 min, 238; 5 min, 185; 15 min, 248; 30 min, 256 pg/ml); (PGF2alpha: 0 min, 50; 5 min, 24; 15 min, 25; 30 min, 17 pg/ml) (p less than 0.1). In summary, no significant change in peripheral blood prostaglandin E and F2alpha levels as determined by radioimmunoassay was noted at the time of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
The impacts of the stock price and country risk on the exchange rate in Singapore

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine movements of the Singapore dollar exchange rate against the US dollar.Design/methodology/approach – An extended open macroeconomic model with the IS, LM, and AS functions and comparative static analysis are employed and applied. The Newey‐West method is employed to estimate consistent estimates for the standard error and covariance when the forms of both autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity are unknown.Findings – The real exchange rate in Singapore is negatively associated with real M1, country risk, the real US treasury bill rate, and a binary variable for the period since the Asian financial crisis, and positively influenced by the real stock price, world output, and the amount of foreign exchange reserves. Real government deficit spending is statistically insignificant.Research limitations/implications – Other exchange rate models may be considered and compared.Practical implications – The Reserve Bank of Singapore may use the outcomes of this paper a...
Nucleophilic and organometallic displacement reactions of allylic compounds: stereo-and regiochemistry

Abstract Allylic alcohols, esters, halides and related compounds have been of mechanistic and synthetic interest for years. This Report focuses on the stereo- and regiochemical aspects of three reaction types: the SN2' reaction (bimolecular nucleophilic substitution with allylic rearrangement); displacement reactions effected by organometallic reagents; the conversion of allylic alcohols into halides.
Some Factors in Learning English in Thailand

To design an optimally efficient EFL curriculum, it is necessary to investigate factors which may obstruct or enhance the acquisition of the nonprimary language. It was found that affective variables and formal exposure were not good predictors of EFL proficiency of Thai first-year university students. The causal model, hypothesizing that demographic variables may cause certain attitudes towards English which may in turn affect the attainment of English proficiency, was consistent with the data although the observed relationships were weak.
Trends in Care and Services for Elderly Individuals in Denmark and Sweden

Both Denmark and Sweden have achieved a reduction in institutionalization of elderly individuals; 23 percent nursing home care in Denmark from 1980-89 and 34 percent overall institutionalization in Sweden from 1970-1985. This was accomplished by increasing home care and housing with services and adaptations. Further increases in growth of the elderly population combined with modest economic expansion will be the forces responsible for finding additional alternatives to costly institutional care. Community-based services and care have not been demonstrated at this time to be less costly than institutional care. An illustration of an innovative model of nursing home care in Denmark is described. The medical model of care was abandoned in favor of a self-care model for the purpose of fostering independent living and decision-making as long as possible. In Sweden, a reduction in demand for beds in a long-term care hospital has been achieved through a tightly coordinated system of care and services among the various health and social service professionals.
Geometrical Structure of Gravitation and Matter Fields

Einstein's requirement of a unified geometrical description of gravitational fields and their matter sources is shown to become possible (at least for certain matter sources) by relaxing his other requirement of a minimal interaction of gravitation with matter. Arguments are presented to demonstrate that Schrodinger's discovery of pair creation by gravitational fields and the associated effects of virtual pairs make the relaxation of the latter requirement inevitable in order to obtain a complete macroscopic description (which needs no separate insertion to take account of averaged quantum effects). The gravitational field equations in case of a nonminimal interaction need higher derivatives of the metric than the second. The author's gauge theory on the manifold of the anti-de Sitter groupSO(3, 2) with the subgroupSO(3, 1) (proper Lorentz group) as gauge group and the factor space of the two group manifolds as space-time manifold gives rise to a Yang-Mills field which can be interpreted to be composed of Riemannian curvature and a tensor formed out of torsion. Einstein's equations with a cosmological member are satisfied by the Cartan-Killing metric on the group manifold so that the generalization to a Kaluza-Klein theory results in a minimal disturbance of the group symmetry. The separation of the Yang-Mills field results in a part of its energy-momentum tensor becoming purely Riemannian; this part may be interpreted to be due to the contribution of virtual matter, whereas the part with torsion is due to real matter and its interaction with curvature. The Yang-Mills field equations have a third-order derivative purely metric part, which is equivalent to the field equations suggested by Yang (in the latter, however, torsion should be inseparably present and has been ignored). The torsion part is the “matter source” of this term and it is tempting to relate it to elementary particle spin. The theory can be regarded as a gauge theory of space-time geometry. It needs generalizations to geometrize matter with an energy-momentum tensor of nonvanishing trace. The equations, however, already considerably modify the problem of gravitational collapse. Further developments should serve to eliminate the “absurdity of relativity”—the collapse to a point (of which Einstein himself never became convinced).
Site Response Analysis Using Downhole Array Recordings during the March 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake and the Effect of Long-Duration Ground Motions:

Downhole arrays provide enhanced understanding of dynamic soil behavior and site response. Historically, downhole array recordings have been available only for earthquakes with relatively limited d...
Sequential Decision Making in Production Models

Single equation estimates of production models usually are justified by the assumption that production inputs are chosen as part of a one-period decision problem. Yet, most production decisions in agriculture are made sequentially. In this paper the farmer's optimal input choices are modeled as optimal controls in a stochastic control problem. A two-period Cobb-Douglas example is used to show that sequential solutions to production problems may yield models which require either single equation or simultaneous equation estimators. Functional separability, stochastic specification, and behavior under uncertainty are discussed in the context of dynamic production models.
Prom Week: social physics as gameplay

In this paper, we present Prom Week, a social simulation game about the interpersonal lives of a group of high school students in the week leading up to their prom. By starting the design of the game with a theory of social interaction, Prom Week is able to present satisfying stories that reflect the player's choices in a wide possibility space -- two features that rarely accompany one another. This paper reports the design details of how Prom Week utilizes social physics to achieve rich character specificity while maintaining a highly dynamic story space.
Bayesian image estimation of digital chest radiography: Interdependence of noise, resolution, and scatter fraction

Previously, it has been shown that Bayesian image estimation (BIE) can reduce the effects of scattered radiation and improve contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR) in digital radiographs of anthropomorphic chest phantoms by improving contrast while constraining noise. Here, the use of BIE as a noise reduction technique is reported. An anthropomorphic phantom was imaged with a previously calibrated photostimulable phosphor system using standard bedside chest radiography protocols. The Bayesian technique was then used to process this image. BIE incorporates a radial exponential convolution scatter model with two adjustable parameters. In previous reports, these parameters were optimized to reduce the residual fraction of scattered radiation in the processed image. Here, the parameters were adjusted to evaluate the potential of BIE to reduce image noise. While the full width at half maximum of the scatter model was held constant, the magnitude was varied. Evaluation was based on residual scatter fractions and CNR. The magnitude of the kernel in the scatter model was varied from 0.0 to 2.5 in steps of 0.5. Previously, it was found that an ‘‘ideal’’ scatter kernel magnitude of 2.33 provided a minimum residual scatter fraction. This magnitude corresponds to the average scatter‐to‐primary ratio in the chest radiograph. As the magnitude was increased, the residual scatter fraction decreased and the CNR increased in both the lungs and the mediastinum. However, as the magnitude was decreased, the percent noise also decreased; therefore, a lower magnitude kernel reduces noise. By varying the magnitude of the kernel used, differing amounts of noise reduction and contrast enhancement can be obtained. These results demonstrate that Bayesian image estimation can be used to both increase contrast and decrease noise in digital chest radiography.
Computer understanding of descriptive contexts: U. of Central Florida

I am concerned with the development of a theory of computer comprehension of descriptive contexts. By "descriptive contexts" I refer to the language of scientific books, text books, of this text etc. An important characteristic of these contexts is the predominance of descriptive predicates and verbs (verbs such as "contain", "refer", "Consist of", ...) over action verbs. In the distinction performative vs. declarative, descriptive texts clearly fall in the declarative side. Most of the best work on natural language has dealt with contexts in which the computer understanding depends on the meaning of the action verbs and the human actions (plans, goals) indicated by them. This work has had very little bearing on a theory of computer understanding of descriptive contexts. One of the main tenets of my research is that descriptive contexts call for different theoretical ideas from those proposed for the understanding of human actions, although there are some points of contact.
Enhancing Retirement Security Through the Tax Code: The Efficacy of Tax-Based Subsidies in Life Annuity Markets

The under-development of existing annuity markets coupled with the secular trend away from traditional pensions towards defined contribution accounts in the U.S. raises significant concerns about the adequacy of retirement income for future retirees. We develop dynamic programming techniques to evaluate the efficacy of policies designed to address this concern by encouraging annuitization. Our analysis suggests that policies providing monetary incentives through the tax code can indeed significantly enhance annuitization among retirees: our central estimates suggest that tax-exemption based policies which have been recently proposed in Congress have the potential to increase annuitization by as much as $50,000 for each retired household, at a relatively modest revenue cost to the government. Similar sized policies based instead on refundable tax credits may be more desirable from both efficiency and distributional perspectives.
Body Image in Chronic Alcoholics and Non-Alcoholic Psychiatric Patients

Abstract The present study evaluates the body image of chronic alcoholics and compares the body attitudes of alcoholics with those entertained by a group of nonalcoholic psychiatric patients. Seventy male veterans hospitalized for chronic alcoholism were compared with 50 non-alcoholic psychiatric patients on a variety of body image measures. Chronic alcoholics differed from controls in their body attitudes and perceptions. Alcoholics significantly exceed non-alcoholics in perceiving their bodies as dirty, disgusting and in state of decay. Ninety days of intensive treatment on an institutional basis does not alter these basic melancholy attitudes, although following treatment, alcoholics admit to fewer abnormal body sensations.
Retinopathy in nondiabetic persons with the metabolic syndrome: findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Purpose To study whether the metabolic syndrome is associated with retinopathy independent of the presence of diabetes. Design Nationally representative, population-based, cross-sectional study. Methods The association between the metabolic syndrome and retinopathy was studied in persons 40 years of age and older with gradable fundus photographs in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Fundus photographs were graded for retinopathy, and clinical and laboratory data were used to define the metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression was performed using the presence of the metabolic syndrome or one of the metabolic syndrome components as the independent variable and with the presence of retinopathy as the dependent variable. The main outcome measures were the odds ratios (OR) of retinopathy in persons with the metabolic syndrome, analyzed both for the total NHANES III population (n = 8,205) and for those in the nondiabetic population (n = 6,582). Results 5.4% of all persons and 3.5% of nondiabetic persons from the civilian noninstitutionalized United States population 40 years of age and older had retinopathy, as estimated from NHANES III sample. The relationship between the metabolic syndrome and retinopathy (OR, 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69 to 2.95) disappeared in analyses stratified by diabetes status. Among the nondiabetic population, there was no association between the metabolic syndrome and retinopathy (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.99), but there was an association between high blood pressure and retinopathy (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.37). Conclusions In this population-based, cross-sectional study, there was no evidence of an association between the metabolic syndrome and retinopathy independent of diabetes status. Prospective studies are warranted to determine the significance of the metabolic syndrome for predicting risk of ocular and systemic disease independent of diabetes.
An Integrated Antenna-Mixer and MESFET Local Oscillator Circuit

A planar integrated receiver front end consisting of a coupled slot antenna, a Schottky diode balanced mixer and a MESFET local oscillator is described. The Schottky diodes are placed inside the half-wave coupled slot to form a planar antenna-mixer. This antenna mixer is fed by a MESFET local oscillator fabricated on the back side of the substrate. The even mode/odd mode characteristic of the coupled slotlines is utilized to achieve intrinsic RF/LO and RF/IF isolation. Due to its compactness and planar nature, MMIC technology is compatible with the circuit fabrication. The circuit forms a self-contained unit and has potential applications in receiver arrays and low cost receiver modules.
The Expression Problem, Gracefully

The "Expression Problem" was brought to prominence by Wadler in 1998. It is widely regarded as illustrating that the two mainstream approaches to data abstraction---procedural abstraction and type abstraction---are complementary, with the strengths of one being the weaknesses of the other. Despite an extensive literature, the origin of the problem remains ill-understood. I show that the core problem is in fact the use of global constants, and demonstrate that an important aspect of the problem goes away when Java is replaced by a language like Grace, which eliminates them.
Novel electrogeneration of reactive formylmetal complexes from metal carbonyls

Abstract Metal carbonyl radicals derived from various types of chromium, iron and manganese carbonyls by electroreduction are shown to undergo hydrogen atom transfer from trialkyltin hydrides to afford the correspondingformylmetal species.
The heterogeneity of bovine IgG2. II. The identification of IgG2b

Goat and rabbit polyclonal reagents can be raised which recognize a new isotype of bovine antibodies. The polyclonal goat reagent was raised against a preparation enriched in the major IgG2 isotype (IgG2a) which contained the new isotype as a contaminant. The polyclonal rabbit reagent was prepared against a trypsin-derived Fc fraction of bovine IgG1 which contained the Fc of the new isotype as a contaminant. This new isotype is present in the sera of the cattle of all breeds tested regardless of their IgG2a allotype and is antigenically distinct from IgG2a, IgG1, IgA, IgM and IgE. The new isotype coelutes from DEAE anion exchangers with IgG1 and the more acidic populations of IgG2a. The isotype is tentatively designated IgG2b. The distribution of IgG2b antibody activity to E. coli K99 and phosphorylcholine among 15 cattle of different A allotypes is not correlated with the IgG2a or IgG1 antibody activity in these animals.
The Universal and the Particular Christian Unity in a Post-Modern World

The Netherlands' Catholic Reformed text on the Church, local and universal, is an important contribution to international ecumenical discussions, informed by the particular context of the history of these churches in the low countries. This essay focuses on the importance of the theme and the method of this dialogue, and its contribution to understanding how the ecumenical movement is contextualized and communicated through the educational priorities of the churches. The essay relates this text, from a particular national dialogue, to the international Reformed Catholic dialogue and to issues of the wider ecumenical movement.
Interferon and antibody production in mice with herpes simplex skin infections.

An increasing number of reports have appeared on the production of interferons in vivo. Sources of this interferon have included lungs of mice infected with influenza virus (Isaacs and Hitchcock, 1960), brains of mice infected with O'nong-O'nyong virus (Hitchcock and Porterfield, 1961), the skin of guinea pigs infected with vaccinia virus (Friedman et al, 1962), various tissues of mice of different ages infected with Coxsackie Bl virus (Heineberg et al, 1964), and blood samples from human volunteers injected with an Asian strain of influenza virus (Jao et al, 1965). While the present work was in progress, Force et al (1965) reported the production of interferon in the skin of rabbits infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV). These workers demonstrated that peak interferon titers closely followed the peak production of virus in the tissues and that peak antibody production occurred much later, after viral concentrations had decreased. Wheelock and Sibley (1965) reported a similar finding in human volunteers injected with the 17D strain of yellow
Intracellular survival of staphylococci.

A tissue culture procedure is described which permits the quantitative evaluation of the intracellular survival of staphylococci within leucocytes. Staphylococcus aureus survived, but did not multiply, within neutrophils and monocytes of normal rabbits. The same was true of normal human blood leucocytes. Staphylococcus albus on the other hand was destroyed by these cells under the same conditions. Rat monocytes destroyed S. aureus and S. albus with equal facility. Although most experiments were carried out in the presence of 50 µg. streptomycin/ml., similar results were obtained without the use of this antibiotic. The applications of the tissue culture procedure with regard to studies on virulence and immunity in staphylococcal disease are discussed.
Images of midlife development among young, middle-aged, and older adults

This study examined patterns of perceived change across adulthood in a sample of 121 young (M age=19.8 years), middle-aged (M age=47.9 years) and older (M age=74.6 years) adults. Subjects rated amount of stress in life domains, salience of life course issues, and nature of personal attributes for young, middle-aged, and older targets. Seven prototypical patterns of perceived change were found. Midlife was seen as a period with many responsibilities, increased stress in several domains, and little time for leisure, but also as a peak in competence, ability to handle stress, sense of control, productivity, and social responsibility. The findings are discussed in terms of losses, which were seen primarily in the physical realm, and gains, which were mainly seen in the psychological and social realms.
UDP based Inter/Intra task communication for processes independence in safety critical embedded applications

Distributed control is taking off, even in agricultural machines, at fast pace: x-by-wire and remote management technologies are almost everywhere, in any industry field. Consequently, data and commands transportation has become increasingly important in design and costs; the main reason is that these become often critical for the safety of system and the operator working on it. This paper deals with the design of a solid implementation to address such matter, the means to make two parts of a bus communicate and, in the meantime, provide means of separation between safety critical functions and non-safety critical ones. The paper takes advantage of design patterns both to provide a well-established way to solidly implement software systems and to focalize eloquently over solutions rather than entangle ourselves in implementation details.
Cellular processing of cone photoreceptor cyclic GMP-gated ion channels: a role for the S4 structural motif.

We examined cellular protein processing and functional expression of photoreceptor cyclic nucleotidegated (CNG) ion channels. In a mammalian cell line, wild type bovine cone photoreceptor channel α subunits (bCNGA3) convert from an unglycosylated state, at 90 kDa, to two glycosylated states at 93 and 102 kDa as they transit within the cell to their final location at the plasma membrane. Glycosylation per se is not required to yield functional channels, yet it is a milestone that distinguishes sequential steps in channel protein maturation. CNG ion channels are not gated by membrane voltage although their structure includes the transmembrane S4 motif known to function as the membrane voltage sensor in all voltage-gated ion channels. S4 must be functionally important because its natural mutation in cone photoreceptor CNG channels is associated with achromatopsia, a human autosomal inherited loss of cone function. Point mutation of specific, not all, charged and neutral residues within S4 cause failure of functional channel expression. Cellular channel protein processing fails in every one of the non-functional S4 mutations we studied. Mutant proteins do not reach the 102-kDa glycosylated state and do not arrive at the plasma membrane. They remain trapped within the endoplasmic reticulum and fail to transit out to the Golgi apparatus. Coexpression of cone CNG β subunit (CNGB3) does not rescue the consequence of S4 mutations in CNGA3. It is likely that an intact S4 is required for proper protein folding and/or assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.
GaN lateral PolarSJs: Polarization-doped super junctions

Wide bandgap semiconductors (WBG) offer the most compelling solutions for power electronics owing to their large breakdown electric field (E b ) and high carrier mobilities. The Baliga's figure of merit (eμE b 3 ) of WBGs including GaN and SiC is ~100X higher than that of Si. On the other hand, super junction (SJ) diodes can break the limitation of the trade-off relationship between area specific-on resistance (R on, sp ) and breakdown voltage (BV) in conventional p-n junctions [1-2]. The combination of the super junction technology and GaN material would further boost the performance. Indeed, simulation results on GaN super junctions have shown great performance enhancement, but no practical solution for fabrication such device has been proposed and the challenge remains unsolved [3]. GaN natural super junction (NSJ) has been proposed and realized [4], but the high carrier densities of 2DEG and 2DHG layers result in severe electrical field crowding (similar to the field crowding near the gate on the drain side in HEMT) and the performances are far below expectation. An innovative technology to realize GaN super junction devices is highly desirable.
Site of autonomic dysfunction in a patient with Ross' syndrome and postganglionic Horner's syndrome

Ross9 syndrome is a rare peripheral nervous system disorder defined by Adie9s tonic pupil, hyporeflexia, and segmental anhidrosis. Injury to postganglionic cholinergic fibers is believed to account for the tonic pupil and sweating disturbance. We report a 47-year-old man found to have Ross9 syndrome in combination with a complete postganglionic Horner9s syndrome. Pharmacologic and sudomotor tests in this unique patient provide further evidence that Ross9 syndrome results from injury to sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglion cells or to their postganglionic projections.
A multivitamin supplementation and education intervention as an effective means of increasing multivitamin use among postpartum women of Mexican origin

Summary Postpartum Hispanic women in the USA are at elevated risk for neural tube defects in subsequent pregnancies from the combined effects of ethnicity, folate depletion from the prior pregnancy and lactation, and high parity rates with short inter-birth intervals. This study evaluated an education programme and distribution of a 3-month starter package of multivitamins among Hispanic women attending nutrition clinics for low-income women in El Paso, Texas. At 1–6 weeks postpartum, 329 subjects were selected to receive education only, multivitamins only, education and multivitamins, or no intervention. Multivariable regression obtained odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] to measure the association between intervention status and self-reported multivitamin use at least four times per week at 6 and 12 months postpartum, while controlling for potential confounding variables. Multivitamin distribution was related to consumption at both 6 months (OR = 3.5 [95% CI 1.1, 11.2]) and 12 months (OR = 6.5 [95% CI 1.5, 28.3]). Multivitamins plus education was most effective in increasing multivitamin use at both periods: 6 months (OR = 4.0 [95% CI 1.53, 11.7]) and 12 months (OR = 6.4 [95% CI 1.7, 24.2]). At enrolment, 66% of women regularly took vitamins, and approximately 35% took them at both 6 and 12 months postpartum. The education intervention alone was not associated with multivitamin use at either 6 months (OR = 0.79 [95% CI 0.3, 2.4]) or 12 months (OR = 3.1 [95% CI 0.8, 12.1]). Multivitamin use declines precipitously during postpartum at the time Hispanic women may be susceptible to a subsequent pregnancy. This study provides evidence that multivitamin starter packs sustain multivitamin usage up to 1 year postpartum for a specific high-risk group, but the effect of educational intervention alone should be further studied.
Acute Lymphoid Leukemia Cells with Greater Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Ly6a/Sca-1) Expression Exhibit Higher Levels of Metalloproteinase Activity and Are More Aggressive In Vivo

Stem cell antigen-1 (Ly6a/Sca-1) is a gene that is expressed in activated lymphocytes, hematopoietic stem cells and stem cells of a variety of tissues in mice. Despite decades of study its functions remain poorly defined. These studies explored the impact of expression of this stem cell associated gene in acute lymphoid leukemia. Higher levels of Ly6a/Sca-1 expression led to more aggressive leukemia growth in vivo and earlier death of hosts. Leukemias expressing higher levels of Ly6a/Sca-1 exhibited higher levels of matrix metalloproteinases. The results suggest the hypothesis that the more aggressive behavior of Ly6a/Sca-1 expressing leukemias is due at least in part to greater capacity to degrade microenvironmental stroma and invade tissues.
Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy.Melinda Darby Dyar and Mickey E. Gunter. Pp. 708. Mineralogical Society of America. 2008. ISBN 978-0-939950-81-2. Price members (MSA, Geochemical Society and Clay Minerals Society) US$67.50, non-members USD$90.00.

This is a textbook aimed at university-level mineralogy classes, but professional geologists will find the book and its accompanying DVD-ROM to be a very enjoyable review. This reviewer agrees with the authors that the book is not just another book on the subject of mineralogy. The book is unique with respect to its repetitive approach to teaching mineralogical facts, inquiry-based introductions for each aspect of mineralogical subject matter, strong adherence to the explanation of both physical and optical properties of minerals as reflections of their atomic structures, discussion of many current industrial uses of minerals, and especially in the provision of an abundance of animated color images in the accompany DVD-ROM. This book has much to offer teachers, students, and other users of mineralogy. The book is superb in the use of modern teaching techniques, including inquiry-based teaching, spiral learning, concept maps, and repetition of important information. It is written mostly in student-friendly first-person case, and it is profusely illustrated by figures in the textbook and images on the DVD-ROM. The basic concepts of mineralogy are abundantly illustrated by analogies taken from common, everyday experiences with which students can readily relate. Examples include how the distributions …
Double-Stranded RNA Viral Infection of Trichomonas vaginalis Infecting Patients Attending a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) can be infected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses that may have important implications for trichomonal virulence and disease pathogenesis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sexually transmitted diseases clinic to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of dsRNA viral infection of TV infecting men and women. Overall, dsRNA virus was present in 21 (75%) of 28 TV isolates (95% confidence interval [CI], 55%-89%). dsRNA viral infection of TV was not associated with the presence of discharge, dysuria, genital pruritus, or genital irritation or odor. However, patients with virus-positive isolates were significantly older than patients with virus-negative isolates (median age, 38 vs. 23 years; P = .003), and virus-positive isolates were more prevalent among women (19 [86%] of 22 isolates; 95% CI, 65%-97%) than among men (2 [33%] of 6 isolates; P = .02). The age and sex specificity of virus-positive isolates may aid in understanding the differences in chronicity and clinical presentation of TV in men and women.
On the norm convergence of nonconventional ergodic averages

We offer a generalization of the recent result of Tao (building on earlier results of Conze and Lesigne, Furstenberg and Weiss, Zhang, Host and Kra, Frantzikinakis and Kra and Ziegler) that the nonconventional ergodic averages associated to an arbitrary number of commuting probability-preserving transformations always converge to some limit in L^2. We prove the corresponding result for a collection of commuting actions of a larger discrete Abelian group, and gives convergence that is uniform in the start-point of the averages. While Tao's proof rests on a conversion to a finitary problem, we invoke only techniques from classical ergodic theory, so giving a new proof of his result.
Identifying Small‐Molecule Modulators of Protein‐Protein Interactions

This unit outlines methods for identifying cyclic peptides that inhibit protein-protein interactions. Proteins of interest are cloned into a two-hybrid system engineered to operate in reverse, allowing the disruption of a protein complex to be coupled to cell growth. Cyclic peptide libraries are generated using an intein-based plasmid construct, and the cyclized sequence is randomized using a PCR procedure. By transforming plasmid libraries into host cells containing the two-hybrid fusions, cyclic peptide inhibitors can be identified by growing the cells under the appropriate selective conditions. A detailed procedure for performing the genetic selection and identifying false positives is provided. Methods for building the two-hybrid protein fusions and optimizing media conditions, as well as an additional protocol for constructing cyclic peptide libraries are also provided.
Lack of Effect of Cytoplasmic Tail Truncations on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 ROD Env Particle Release Activity

In addition to its role in receptor binding, the envelope glycoprotein of certain human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) isolates, including ROD10, exhibits a biological activity that enhances the release of HIV-2, HIV-1, and simian immunodeficiency virus particles from infected cells. The present study aims at better defining the functional domains involved in this biological activity. To this end, we have characterized the envelope protein of the ROD14 isolate of HIV-2, which, despite 95% homology with the ROD10 envelope at the amino acid level, is unable to enhance viral particle release. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that the presence of a truncation in the cytoplasmic tail of the ROD14 envelope was not responsible for the lack of activity, as previously reported for the HIV-2 ST isolate (G. D. Ritter, Jr., G. Yamshchikov, S. J. Cohen, and M. J. Mulligan, J. Virol. 70:2669-2673, 1996). Similarly, several modifications of the length of the ROD10 envelope cytoplasmic tail did not impair its ability to enhance particle release, suggesting that, in the case of the HIV-2 ROD isolate, particle release activity is not regulated by the length of the cytoplasmic tail.
Report of Maltreatment as a Risk Factor for Injury Death: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study

This article presents a population-based study of early childhood injury mortality following a nonfatal allegation of maltreatment. Findings are based on a unique data set constructed by establishing child-level linkages between vital birth records, administrative child protective services records, and vital death records. These linked data reflect over 4.3 million children born in California between 1999 and 2006 and provide a longitudinal record of maltreatment allegations and death. Of interest was whether children reported for nonfatal maltreatment subsequently faced a heightened risk of unintentional and intentional injury mortality during the first 5 years of life. Findings indicate that after adjusting for risk factors at birth, children with a prior allegation of maltreatment died from intentional injuries at a rate that was 5.9 times greater than unreported children (95% CI [4.39, 7.81]) and died from unintentional injuries at twice the rate of unreported children (95% CI [1.71, 2.36]). A prior allegation to CPS proved to be the strongest independent risk factor for injury mortality before the age of five.
Statement-Pie A Strategy to Improve the Paragraph Writing Skills of Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

This study investigated the effects of teaching a metacognitive text structure strategy upon the paragraph writing skills of eighth-grade students with learning disabilities. The technique, called Statement-Pie (Hanau, 1974), teaches students to understand the relationship of supporting details to a main idea. Four students were taught to use an outline as a paragraph planning guide, which they then used to convert information into written expository paragraphs. All subjects reached instructional outcome criterion on the writing of comparison/contrast and sequence paragraphs. One week after reaching mastery in the special education classroom, students generalized their paragraph writing skills to other teachers and to different classrooms. The results of this investigation indicate that when provided with direct, intensive instruction in a text structure strategy, adolescents with learning disabilities can improve their skills in paragraph writing.
A simulation study of the genetic regulatory hierarchy for butterfly eyespot focus determination.

SUMMARY The color patterns on the wings of butterflies have been an important model system in evolutionary developmental biology. Two types of models have been used to study these patterns. The first type of model employs computational techniques and generalized mechanisms of pattern formation to make predictions about how color patterns will vary as parameters of the model are changed. These generalized mechanisms include diffusion gradient, reactiondiffusion, lateral inhibition, and threshold responses. The second type of model uses known genetic interactions from Drosophila melanogaster and patterns of candidate gene expression in one of several butterfly species (most often Junonia (Precis) coenia or Bicyclus anynana) to propose specific genetic regulatory hierarchies that appear to be involved in color pattern formation. This study combines these two approaches using computational techniques to test proposed genetic regulatory hierarchies for the determination of butterfly eyespot foci (also known as border ocelli foci). Two computer programs, STELLA 8.1 and Delphi 2.0, were used to simulate the determination of eyespot foci. Both programs revealed weaknesses in a genetic model previously proposed for eyespot focus determination. On the basis of these simulations, we propose two revised models for eyespot focus determination and identify components of the genetic regulatory hierarchy that are particularly sensitive to changes in model parameter values. These components may play a key role in the evolution of butterfly eyespots. Simulations like these may be useful tools for the study of other evolutionary developmental model systems and reveal similar sensitive components of the relevant genetic regulatory hierarchies.