cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence of parvovirus B19 infection in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Objective. To evaluate the presence of infection with parvovirus B19 in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who also had rheumatologic symptoms and mild hematologic abnormalities. Methods. Seven patients meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention working case definition for CFS who also had mild leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or anemia were studied. Bone marrow was aspirated from each patient, and examined for morphologic abnormalities, including features seen in marrow infections with parvovirus B19, as well as for parvoviral DNA, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Serum obtained at the time of marrow aspiration was also evaluated for parvoviral DNA, using the PCR method, and was examined for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to the virus. Results. No evidence of marrow involvement with parvovirus B19 was found in any patient. One patient had antibody evidence of a transient parvoviral infection, during which time an underlying thrombocytopenia worsened. Conclusion. Despite examining a selected group of patients thought most likely to have parvoviral infection, based on clinical and hematologic measures, no evidence of clinically important parvoviral infection was noted. Thus, it seems unlikely that parvovirus B19 plays a role in CFS, even though it has been associated with fibromyalgia, a clinically similar syndrome.
Structure and function of amylases. II. Multiple forms of Bacillus subtilis α-amylase

Abstract The subunit structure of Bacillus subtilis α-amylase has been studied by gel filtration and by SDS-gel electrophoresis. The crystalline enzyme was found to be a 96,000 dalton zinc tetramer. Incubation of the 96,000 species at pH 5.5 or with EDTA produced a 48,000 zinc-free dimer; incubation with 100 m m sodium chloride produced a 72,000 zinc trimer; incubation at pH 8.5 produced a 48,000 zinc dimer and a 24,000 zinc-free monomer. Incubation of the 48,000 zinc dimer with EDTA produced a 24,000 monomer. After standing, the 48,000 zinc dimer formed insoluble aggregates that could be dissolved by treatment with EDTA. The aggregates had molecular weights between 125,000 and 400,000. The 72,000 zinc trimer also aggregated to form a single 144,000 species. All of the forms were enzymatically active, although with widely differing specific activities. Schematic diagrams for the structures of the multiple forms and their interconversions are presented.
Photoprotective Actions of Natural and Synthetic Melanins

Melanins are thought to be important modulators of photochemistry in skin. Eumelanin, a black-brown pigment, is believed to protect against UV-induced photodamage, whereas pheomelanin, a red-yellow pigment, is believed to possess photosensitizing properties. To investigate the hypothesized dichotomy of melanins as both photoprotectants and photosensitizers, we examined the effects of melanins on UV-induced liposomal lipid peroxidation. Sepia melanin, a representative eumelanin, and both red hair pheomelanin and synthetic pheomelanin were employed in these studies. Both eumelanin and pheomelanin inhibited UVA/B- and UVA-induced liposomal lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner as measured by inhibition of conjugated diene formation. No change in protective properties of the melanins was observed in the presence of saturating levels of O2 during UVA irradiation. Pheomelanin irradiated with UVA/B or UVA induced superoxide-catalyzed reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, whereas eumelanin did not. Melanins are known to bind various metals, and we examined the effect of iron on the photoproperties of melanins. Eumelanin complexed with Fe(III) did not inhibit UVA/B-induced lipid peroxidation, whereas pheomelanin complexed with Fe(III) stimulated UVA/B-induced lipid peroxidation. Thus, complexation with iron reversed the antioxidant effect of eumelanin and converted pheomelanin into a prooxidant. Analysis of lipid peroxidation products indicated that the oxidation was mediated by free radicals rather than by singlet oxygen. These data indicate that both eumelanin and pheomelanin exert antioxidant effects against UV-induced lipid peroxidation but that the prooxidant activities of pheomelanin result from pheomelanin-metal complexation.
Economic Effects of Intensification of Baitfish Production

This study analyzed the economic effects of intensifying baitfish production. An economic engineering approach was utilized to develop enterprise budgets for baiffish production that were used to conduct an economic analysis. All indicators utilized, including net returns, internal rate of return, and payback period, indicated dramatic improvement in the economics of baitfish production with yield increases. There were strong economic incentives to increase yield, and minnow production at industry average yield was only marginally profitable under certain scenarios and unprofitable under others. Yields of 600 kg/ha would generate adequate revenue to compete with other aquaculture alternatives in terms of net returns as well as generate M internal rate of return that would outperform current long-term interest rates.
Plastic inducible morphologies are not always adaptive: the importance of time delays in a stochastic environment

We present a mathematical model for predicting the expected fitness of phenotypically plastic organisms experiencing a variable environment. We assume that individuals experience two discrete environments probabilistically in time (as a Markov process) and that there are two different phenotypic states, each yielding the highest fitness in one of the two environments. We compare the expected fitness of a phenotypically fixed individual to that of an individual whose phenotype is induced to produce the better phenotype in each environment with a time lag between experiencing a new environment and realization of the new phenotype. Such time lags are common in organisms where phenotypically plastic, inducible traits have been documented. We find that although plasticity is generally adaptive when time lags are short (relative to the time scale of environmental variability), plasticity can be disadvantageous for longer lag times. Asymmetries in environmental change probabilities and/or the relative fitnesses of each phenotype strongly influence whether plasticity is favoured. In contrast to other models, our model does not require costs for plasticity to be disadvantageous; costs affect the results quantitatively, not qualitatively.
Relations between Stresses Inferred from Calcite Twin Lamellae and Macrofractures, Teton Anticline, Montana

Compression axes inferred from calcite twin lamellae in eleven samples of Madison Limestone from both flanks of Teton anticline are remarkably similar. They indicate that the greatest principal stress (σ 1 ) was subparallel to the dip at one time during the folding and inclined to the bedding at other times. In three of the four samples from the plunging nose, compression axes are more diffuse than are those from the flanks. The compression axis pattern for the flank stations agrees with one of the two prominent macrofracrure patterns. The second prominent fracture assemblage indicates that at some time during the folding σ 1 was parallel to the fold axis. This orientation of the compression axis is never seen in the calcite data, even though some samples were collected immediately adjacent to macrofractures of this group. However, the fabric of a flank specimen, experimentally deformed such that the compressive load was parallel to the strike direction, clearly shows that compression axes inferred from e 1 lamellae are subparallel to the experimental σ 1 , and compression axes inferred from e 2 lamellae reflect the original natural fabric. That is, the original e 1 lamellae are demoted to e 2 lamellae by the superposed deformation. Moreover, the twin lamellae index is much higher in the experiments than in the naturally deformed rocks. Thus, in cases of superposed deformations, the calcite technique statistically maps the compression axis associated with the largest strain. Therefore, for the specimen studied, the shortening associated with σ 1 perpendicular to the fold axis probably is greater than that parallel to the fold axis.
Isotonic designs for phase I trials.

The purpose of a phase I trial in cancer is to determine the level (dose) of the treatment under study that has an acceptable level of adverse effects. Although substantial progress has recently been made in this area using parametric approaches, the method that is widely used is based on treating small cohorts of patients at escalating doses until the frequency of toxicities seen at a dose exceeds a predefined tolerable toxicity rate. This method is popular because of its simplicity and freedom from parametric assumptions. In this paper, we consider cases in which it is undesirable to assume a parametric dose-toxicity relationship. We propose a simple model-free approach by modifying the method that is in common use. The approach assumes toxicity is nondecreasing with dose and fits an isotonic regression to accumulated data. At any point in a trial, the dose given is that with estimated toxicity deemed closest to the maximum tolerable toxicity. Simulations indicate that this approach performs substantially better than the commonly used method and it compares favorably with other phase I designs.
Functional obstruction of splenic blood vessels in adults: a radiocolloid study.

Abstract Four cases are presented in which the adult spleen failed to accumulate intravenously administered radiocolloid. The common etiology was obstruction (functional or anatomic) of major vessels supplying blood to the spleen. This was shown by autopsy in 2 cases, by angiography in one, and strongly suggested by a consistent clinical history in another. Such obstruction of the Splenic vasculature should be considered when peripheral blood findings suggest the loss of Splenic function in an adult. Because of the antomic proximity of the Splenic artery (celiac axis) to the renal arteries, obstruction of one of these should be an alerting sign to possible obstruction of the other.
Over-the-counter statins: a new controversy.

In 2004, the UK became the first country to make statins available without a prescription. Jonathan Abrams discusses the benefits and dangers of nonprescription statins, as the debate continues about whether low-dose statins should be sold over the counter in the US.
Clinical outcome of mild fetal ventriculomegaly

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the outcome of fetuses with mild cerebral ventriculomegaly. Study Design: We prospectively collected all cases of mild cerebral ventriculomegaly (transverse diameter of the atrium of the cerebral lateral ventricles between 10 and 15 mm) diagnosed antenatally between January 1990 and December 1996. Associated ultrasonographic abnormalities including markers of aneuploidy, presence of chromosomal anomalies, structural malformations detected at birth, and neurologic outcome were recorded. Outcome information was available on all cases. In addition, published series of cases of fetal mild cerebral ventriculomegaly were reviewed to identify prognostic indicators. Results: Eighty-two cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 48 were isolated and 34 were associated with other ultrasonographic markers or anomalies. Among the 45 surviving euploid isolated cases, neurologic follow-up was normal at a mean age of 28 months (range 3 to 72 months). Male fetuses and those with a transverse atrial size Conclusions: Mild cerebral ventriculomegaly should prompt targeted ultrasonographic examination, inclusive of markers of aneuploidies, visualization of the corpus callosum, and echocardiogram as well as serologic evaluation for congenital infections. In isolated mild cerebral ventriculomegaly genetic counseling should take into account clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings. A review of the published series suggests that cognitive or motor delay is predominantly mild and that it occurs in about 9% of cases of isolated mild cerebral ventriculomegaly.
Calibrating Our “Inner Compass”: Arendt on Thinking and the Dangers of Disorientation

In this article, I argue that Heidegger’s political failures haunt Arendt’s complex “phenomenology of thinking,” and, in the words of Richard Bernstein, “Arendt’s most novel and striking thesis—tha...
Radioactivity computation of steady state and pulsed fusion reactor operation

Abstract Various mathematical methods are used to calculate the nuclear transmutation in steady state and pulsed neutron irradiation. These methods are the Schur decomposition, the eigenvector decomposition and the Pade approximation of the matrix exponential function. In the case of the linear decay chain approximation a simple algorithm is used to evaluate the transition matrices.
Structural Studies of Mixed Glass Former 0.35Na2O + 0.65[xB2O3 + (1 – x)P2O5] Glasses by Raman and 11B and 31P Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopies

The mixed glass former (MGF) effect (MGFE) is defined as a nonlinear and nonadditive change in the ionic conductivity with changing glass former composition at constant modifier composition. In this study, sodium borophosphate 0.35Na2O + 0.65[xB2O3 + (1 – x)P2O5], 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, glasses which have been shown to exhibit a positive MGFE have been prepared and examined using Raman and 11B and 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopies. Through examination of the short-range order (SRO) structures found in the ternary glasses, it was determined that the minority glass former, B for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 and P for 0.7 ≤ x ≤ 0.9, is “overmodified” and contains more Na+ ions than would be expected from simple linear mixing of the binary sodium borate, x = 1, and sodium phosphate, x = 0, glasses, respectively. Changes in the intermediate range order (IRO) structures were suggested by changes in the NMR spectral chemical shifts and Raman spectra wavenumber shifts over the full composition ran...
Distribution of Poliomyelitis Virus in Central Nervous System of Mice Paralyzed After Intracerebral Inoculation.

SummaryMice which developed paralysis within 5 days after an intracerebral inoculation of Lansing strain of poliomyelitis virus had approximately as much virus in the brain as in the spinal cord-medulla. After 5 days little or no virus was recovered from the brain although pools of cord-medulla of mice which became paralyzed up to 4 weeks after injection were found to contain as much virus as did the pool of the first 5 days.
The oxidation of the benzotropylium cation

Oxidation of benzotropylium (1) fluoborate with Na2O2 and KO2 gives the benzotropones, 5 and 6, as the major products with no naphthalene (9) or other ring contracted products formed. Oxidation with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid produces a small amount of naphthaldehydes (10 and 11) and even less naphthalene, a long with the benzotropones, while oxidation with H2O2 and t-butyl peroxyacetate gives slightly more of the ring contracted naphthaldehydes than benzotropones, in addition to a small quantity of naphthalene. All reactions produce some 1,2-benzotropilidene (8)
Tissue-specificity of apoptosis in hepatoma-derived cell lines.

Apoptosis is known to play a critical role in development and homeostasis in metazoans. Although apoptotic responses vary widely among cell types, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these differences are not known. In order to understand the molecular basis for these differences, we have studied a cell culture model comparing hepatoma cells to dedifferentiated cell lines derived from them. We recently reported evidence suggesting that a common regulatory locus affects both liver-specific function and sensitivity to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated apoptosis. Here, we show that dedifferentiated hepatoma cells undergo apoptosis in response to multiple compounds, including sorbitol (to induce hyperosmotic shock), TNFα and the microtubule damaging agent vinblastin. In contrast, the hepatoma parental cells fail to undergo apoptosis in response to any of the compounds tested. Further analysis of LPS-mediated cell death found that antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and α-tocopherol partially prevented apoptosis. Lastly, evidence is presented showing that LPS-mediated cell death of the hepatoma variant cell lines is caspase-dependent. These results suggest that pathways dictating hepatic phenotype also affect general cellular survival mechanisms in response to multiple agents. The dedifferentiated cells provide a model to examine the influence of cell-type specific expression on apoptotic signaling.
Plasmon Amplification In Semiconductor Superlattices

We have studied surface plasma modes in type I and type II semiconductor superlattices, with and without an in-plane electric field. We demonstrate feasibility of the current driven mode-amplification in both systems, and determine the threshold drift velocities for this effect.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ProbeAlign: incorporating high-throughput sequencing-based structure probing information into ncRNA homology search

Recent advances in RNA structure probing technologies, including the ones based on high-throughput sequencing, have improved the accuracy of thermodynamic folding with quantitative nucleotide-resolution structural information. In this paper, we present a novel approach, ProbeAlign, to incorporate the reactivities from high-throughput RNA structure probing into ncRNA homology search for functional annotation. To reduce the overhead of structure alignment on large-scale data, the specific pairing patterns in the query sequences are ignored. On the other hand, the partial structural information of the target sequences embedded in probing data is retrieved to guide the alignment. Thus the structure alignment problem is transformed into a sequence alignment problem with additional reactivity information. The benchmark results show that the prediction accuracy of ProbeAlign outperforms filter-based CMsearch with high computational efficiency. The application of ProbeAlign to the FragSeq data, which is based on genome-wide structure probing, has demonstrated its capability to search ncRNAs in a large-scale dataset from high-throughput sequencing. By incorporating high-throughput sequencing-based structure probing information, ProbeAlign can improve the accuracy and efficiency of ncRNA homology search. It is a promising tool for ncRNA functional annotation on genome-wide datasets. The source code of ProbeAlign is available at http://genome.ucf.edu/ProbeAlign .
Note: Shortest single axioms for commutative moufang loops of exponent 3

In this note, we attempt to find all shortest single product axioms for commutative Moufang loops of exponent 3. These investigations were aided by the automated theorem-prover Prover9 and the model-generator Mace4.
Characterization of a controlled electroless deposition of copper thin film on germanium and silicon surfaces

Abstract Nanofilms of copper were deposited on silicon and, for the first time, on polycrystalline germanium substrates by electroless deposition. Germanium or silicon disks were immersed in a 10 mM copper sulfate solution containing dilute hydrofluoric acid at room temperature. This simple one-step deposition does not require the use of laborious operations or expensive equipment, that the reaction medium be degassed, or that the film be annealed. The copper film grows in a few minutes, producing a film on both Ge and Si that covers a very large area of the substrate in contrast to other metals such as Au, Ag, Pt and Pd for which deposition on Ge and Si produces islands or dendrites. Atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) were used to characterize the microstructure and confirmed the formation of elemental copper nanofilms. The AFM micrographs reveal a Stranski–Krastanov type of film growth (layers + islands) that varies with the length of time the Ge or Si substrate is immersed in the CuSO 4 solution. Thicker films were observed on the Ge than on the Si substrate resulting in larger particles and rougher surface than on Si. XPS analysis shows that the elemental copper is deposited on both Ge and Si substrates and that the films oxidize over a period of weeks with air exposure at room temperature. Finally, PXRD data reveal two preferential orientations (1 1 1) and (2 0 0) for the copper crystallites grown on both Ge and Si. The same intensity of the (1 1 1)-texture was measured on both Ge and Si substrate which is an important result because it has been shown that the (1 1 1) texture reduces stress-induced voiding and increases resistance to electromigration in metal interconnects.
A Study of the Adequacy of Quasi-Geostrophic Dynamics for Modeling the Effect of Cyclone Waves on the Larger Scale Flow

Abstract The development of long-range “climate forecast” models depends, in part, on the ability to simulate the effect upon the surrounding atmosphere of the day-to-day evolution of cyclone waves. For theoretical reasons, the evolution of individual cyclones cannot be predicted to any degree of accuracy in such long range models. Simulations of the cyclone waves in such models can be based on the laws of atmospheric motion in their basic or “primitive” form, or on a simplified set, such as the “quasi-geostrophic” equations. The purpose of this work is to study the evolution of cyclone waves to see how well a set of quasi-geostrophic (QG) equations can reproduce the behavior of the more complete primitive equations (PE). The effect of the cyclone life cycle on the surrounding atmospheric temperature structure is examined. No attempt is made to develop a “climate forecast” model. The major finding is that, for the simple basic states used here, the QG equations can do an adequate job of reproducing the PE...
Erdős-Ko-Rado with conditions on the minimum complementary degree

Let X = {1,2,...,n}, 2k < n, and let X(k) denote the set of all subsets of X of size k. A set system F ⊆ X(k) is intersecting if no two of its elements are disjoint. The minimum complementary degree c(F) of F is the minimum over all i ∈ X of the number of sets in F not containing i. A set system F ⊆ X(k) is complementary degree condition maximal (CDCM) if H ⊆ X(k) intersecting, c(H) ≥ c(F) ⇒ |H| ≤ |F| and SCDCM (S for strict) if equality holds on the right only if it holds on the left. In this paper we characterize all intersecting F ⊆ X(k) with c(F) ≤ (n-3 k-2) which are CDCM and SCDCM. The characterization is in terms of the cascade form of c(F), a representation in terms of sums of certain binomial coefficients. This result generalizes the Erdos-Ko-Rado and Hilton-Milner theorems and a theorem of Frankl's with conditions on the maximum degree. The number of isomorphically distinct set systems F ⊆ X(k) which are SCDCM is the Catalan number Ck-2 = 1/k-1 (2k-4 k-2), and the number which are CDCM is Σi=0k-2Ci.
Sensing DNA Damage Through ATRIP Recognition of RPA-ssDNA Complexes

The function of the ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated- and Rad3-related)-ATRIP (ATR-interacting protein) protein kinase complex is crucial for the cellular response to replication stress and DNA damage. Here, we show that replication protein A (RPA), a protein complex that associates with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), is required for the recruitment of ATR to sites of DNA damage and for ATR-mediated Chk1 activation in human cells. In vitro, RPA stimulates the binding of ATRIP to ssDNA. The binding of ATRIP to RPA-coated ssDNA enables the ATR-ATRIP complex to associate with DNA and stimulates phosphorylation of the Rad17 protein that is bound to DNA. Furthermore, Ddc2, the budding yeast homolog of ATRIP, is specifically recruited to double-strand DNA breaks in an RPA-dependent manner. A checkpoint-deficient mutant of RPA, rfa1-t11, is defective for recruiting Ddc2 to ssDNA both in vivo and in vitro. Our data suggest that RPA-coated ssDNA is the critical structure at sites of DNA damage that recruits the ATR-ATRIP complex and facilitates its recognition of substrates for phosphorylation and the initiation of checkpoint signaling.
Broad-source fringes in grating and conventional interferometers

A higher-order analysis of broad-source fringe formation in the Mach–Zehnder interferometer and its diffraction-grating counterpart is carried out. The results are considerably different for the two cases, with the grating interferometer being much more favorable. Broad-spectrum effects are also considered.
Using the complex polynomial method with Mathematica to model problems involving the Laplace and Poisson equations

The complex polynomial method variant of the well-known complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM) is reexamined in its utility in solving Partial Differential Equations (PDE) of the Poisson and Laplace type. Because the CVBEM was recently extended to three and higher dimensions, the use of complex polynomials to solve higher dimension PDE becomes apparent and therefore the advantages afforded by the use of complex polynomials can be brought to focus on higher dimension problems. Because complex polynomials involve use of computational algorithms that require high accuracy in numerical precision, including the solution of fully populated nonsymmetric matrices, the computer program Mathematica is evaluated for use as the underlying computational engine. Furthermore, Mathematica is evaluated for its internal high-accuracy computational features and algorithms, including ease of program setup. In this research, the new program is found to provide at least a 5-fold increase in complex polynomial degree utilization (from degree 10 to degree 50), with computational speed less than was involved in the original degree 10 approximation of Hromadka and Guymon [ASCE J Hydraulic Eng 110 (1984), 329–339], and with exceptional computational accuracy and reporting features. The Mathematica program is quite small and is provided to the reader as freeware and can be obtained from the first author. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
The Roles of Procedural and Distributive Justice in Logistics Outsourcing Relationships

In this paper, the effects of two dimensions of justice—procedural and distributive—on key attitudinal and behavioral elements of logistics outsourcing relationships are investigated. The findings suggest that the fairness of policies adopted by a third-party logistics provider (3PL) and respective outcomes nurtures a customer's trust in and long-term orientation toward the relationship with a 3PL. In such a relationship climate, patterns of cooperative behavior take place, providing an incentive for a 3PL to proactively pursue operational improvements.
A device-oriented materials study of CdS and Cu2S films in solar cells

Abstract The grain size, dislocation density and microscopic defect structure of CdS films used in photovoltaic cells were determined. In addition the topography of the CdSCu 2 S interface was studied for cells grown by the solution method and by the solid state reaction. The major features of the Cu 2 S films and the common features of the interface were delineated. Moreover, the various types of defects that can occur if the material is not grown under ideal conditions are described. The influence of defects on the electrical properties of the cell is discussed.
Using Journal Clubs to Teach Biomechanics: A Two-Year Review

In a biomechanics course, the students often have diverse backgrounds from across the various STEM disciplines. For example, in the course studied at Clarkson University, the average enrollment was 32 students per year (over four years), including an average of 5% graduate students. This population of students included 40% Mechanical Engineering students; 44% Chemical Engineering students; and 15% other engineering/science majors.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Densitometric evaluation of Soludent and GBX developers.

Abstract A quick-developng solution (Soludent) and a new developer (Kodak GBX) were compared with a standard x-ray liquid developer. Of the three solutions evaluated, Kodak GBX solution produced slightly greater useful densities in the radiograph at all temperatures evaluated. The rapid-developing solution produced acceptable radiographs in 80% less time, with only slightly higher film fog.
Transition crossing in proton synchrotrons using a flattened rf wave

The problems of beam loss and emittance growth during transition crossing in a proton synchrotron have been major issues for many years. Recently we have developed a scheme that resolves some of these problems by eliminating rf focusing during transition crossing. The technique uses a flattened (nonsinusoidal) rf wave form which delivers the correct acceleration to all particles in the beam. This scheme has been tested in the Fermilab Main Ring accelerator by the addition of 13% of a third harmonic rf voltage to the fundamental accelerating rf voltage during the nonadiabatic period near the transition energy. Beam loss was completely eliminated, and longitudinal emittance dilution after transition remained below 15%. Simulations of longitudinal beam dynamics reproduce the data well.
MLS observations of Arctic ozone loss in 1996-97

The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observed ozone (O3) loss in the Arctic vortex beginning in January 1997 at 585 K (approximately 25 hPa) and in February 1997 at 465 K (approximately 50 hPa). Minimum vortex-averaged O3 mixing ratios observed in 1997 were higher than those in 1996, which were the lowest ever recorded by MLS. The vertical extent of O3 loss and maximum local O3 decreases were larger, but the decrease filled the vortex less completely, in 1997 than in 1996. Unusually low high-latitude column O3 above 100 hPa in April 1997 resulted mainly from dynamical effects of the unusually persistent lower stratospheric vortex and winter-like temperature patterns. Column O3 above 100 hPa averaged in comparable regions of the vortex showed a stronger decreasing trend in 1996-97 than in 1995-96, consistent with the larger vertical extent and maximum local values of lower stratospheric O3 loss. Chemical O3 loss resulted in an approximately 10% observed decrease in column O3 between late January and early April 1997.
Cue Salience in Face Processing by High Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study examined the effect of competing auditorily and visually presented word cues on emotion recognition ability in high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Adolescents with ASD were compared to typical controls on computer-based tasks of emotion recognition. Participants were asked to make a determination about the emotion expressed by a face presented alone, with competing visually-presented word stimuli, and with competing auditorily-presented word stimuli. Individuals with autism were more proficient at recognizing emotions in faces when competing word cues were consistent with the emotion in the face than when they were inconsistent or irrelevant, and all participants were more accurate in emotion recognition when competing word cues were presented auditorily rather than visually, and when competing word cues were consistent as opposed to inconsistent or irrelevant. Contrary to hypothesized results, individuals with autism did as well as controls in making determinations about emotions in faces when competing word cues were inconsistent with the emotion in the faces. Implications of the findings are discussed.
The 2005 Bower Award in science presented to Henri B. Kagan

Abstract The scientific theme for the 2005 Bower Award was Chemistry, specifically the field of Catalysis. The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, awarded the 2005 Bower Award and Prize for achievement in Science to Henri B. Kagan for his seminal discovery of fundamental chemical principles that explain the impact of catalyst shape on its effectiveness in controlling chemical reactions, thus greatly simplifying the manufacture of pharmaceutically important compounds. Henri Kagan is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of asymmetric catalysis. Starting in the early 1970s, his reports of the synthesis of the chiral bidentate diphosphine ligand and the demonstration of its use with soluble rhodium compounds to catalyze the efficient production of large enantiomeric excesses of chiral molecules in asymmetric hydrogenations has had far reaching effects on research in the field asymmetric catalysis. The concept of using chiral bidentate ligands of C2 symmetry has led the way for numerous developments in asymmetric catalysis. Later in 1986 his introduction of the concept and investigations into “nonlinear effects in asymmetric synthesis” using catalysts with chiral ligands that were not optically pure challenged the widely accepted assumption that the enantiomeric excess which is possible correlates linearly with the optical purity of the chiral ligands. He reported the first example in asymmetric catalysis where the optical purity of the product significantly exceeded the optical purity of the chiral ligand.
Starch- polyvinyl alcohol crosslinked film— performance and biodegradation

Starch-PVOH cast films were prepared with and without crosslinking agent (hexamethoxymethylmelamine) in the absence of plasticizer. Moisture absorption in films without crosslinking agent at a low relative humidity was similar to that of PVOH and increased as the relative humidity increased. Films with crosslinking agent showed moisture absorption linearly proportional to the relative humidity. Significant improvement in resistance to water disintegration for crosslinked starch-PVOH films was observed. While the tensile strength decreased with increased relative humidity, crosslinking significantly improved the tensile strength. Increased PVOH content improved elongation of films even when the relative humidity was 80% or higher. Biodegradation studies revealed that the degradation rate was negatively correlated with the PVOH content in films and crosslinking generated more converged degradation curves.
Phospholipid transfer protein enhances removal of cellular cholesterol and phospholipids by high-density lipoprotein apolipoproteins.

Abstract High-density lipoprotein (HDL) apolipoproteins remove excess cholesterol from cells by an active transport pathway that may protect against atherosclerosis. Here we show that treatment of cholesterol-loaded human skin fibroblasts with phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) increased HDL binding to cells and enhanced cholesterol and phospholipid efflux by this pathway. PLTP did not stimulate lipid efflux in the presence of albumin, purified apolipoprotein A-I, and phospholipid vesicles, suggesting specificity for HDL particles. PLTP restored the lipid efflux activity of mildly trypsinized HDL, presumably by regenerating active apolipoproteins. PLTP-stimulated lipid efflux was absent in Tangier disease fibroblasts, induced by cholesterol loading, and inhibited by brefeldin A treatment, indicating selectivity for the apolipoprotein-mediated lipid removal pathway. The lipid efflux-stimulating effect of PLTP was not attributable to generation of preβ HDL particles in solution but instead required cellular interactions. These interactions increased cholesterol efflux to minor HDL particles with electrophoretic mobility between α and preβ. These findings suggest that PLTP promotes cell-surface binding and remodeling of HDL so as to improve its ability to remove cholesterol and phospholipids by the apolipoprotein-mediated pathway, a process that may play an important role in enhancing flux of excess cholesterol from tissues and retarding atherogenesis.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD HOMOSEXUALITY: A SNAPSHOT OF INCOMING COLLEGE FRESHMEN

This study is a survey of incoming freshmen at a Midwestern Catholic university on their agreement with Church teachings on homosexuality. In general, females had more homo-positive attitudes than males, graduates of Catholic high schools had more homo-positive attitudes than graduates from non-Catholic high schools, and graduates from coeducational Catholic high schools had more homo-positive attitudes than graduates from unisex Catholic high schools. Also, if respondents agreed with the Church’s teaching against homosexual activity and that homosexuality is a disorder, they were less likely to agree with the Church’s teachings that gay and lesbian people have rights that the Church should protect.
Nano-emulsion use for the synthesis of polyaniline nano-grains or nano-fibers

We report that nano-emulsions can be creatively used as a morphology selective synthesis method to prepare not onlynano-grainsbut alsonano-fibers withhighselectivity.Synthesisof thetwodifferentmorphological materials was demonstrated using polyaniline synthesis as a model case. Polyaniline nano-grains were synthesized from aniline molecules in nano-size aqueous droplets as polymerization sites whose droplets were generated by inverse water-inoil nano-emulsion use, and polyaniline nano-fibers were synthesized from aniline in aqueous nano-dimensional channels as polymerization sites whose channels were generated by direct oil-in-water nano-emulsion use containing highpopulation of oil droplets. Using theapproaches,wesuccessfullysynthesized nano-fibers of 60nmdiameter with 0.5 mm length and also nano-grains having diameter of 60‐80nm. The two different polymerization sites of nanoscale dimension were made bychanging the ratio among surfactant,aqueous aniline/HCl solution, and oil, i.e.organic solvent. We found the nano-fibers synthesized from the channels formed by the direct oil-in-water nano-emulsion havehigher bulkelectricalconductivity thanthenano-grainswhich weresynthesized fromthedroplets formed bythe inverse water-in-oil emulsion. We also found that the emulsion use allows us to use a room temperature synthesis unlike conventional synthesis methods which require to use ice bath temperature. Physical properties of both nanofibers and nano-grains synthesized were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV‐Vis spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and four probes conductivity measurement. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Considering quality in qualitative interviewing

Within the field of qualitative inquiry, there has been considerable discussion of how ‘quality’ might be demonstrated by researchers in reports of studies. With the growth in the application of qualitative methods in social research, along with the proliferation of texts available to qualitative researchers over the last four decades, there has been increasing diversity in how quality has been demonstrated in reports. In this article, I focus on the use of qualitative interviews in research studies, arguing that with a growing array of theorizations of the qualitative interview, researchers must demonstrate the quality of their work in ways that are commensurate with their assumptions about their use of interviews. I sketch a number of possibilities for how qualitative interviews might be theorized, and show the different ways in which quality might be demonstrated from each perspective. I propose this typology as one means by which novice researchers might begin to work through design decisions involved...
Discrete Time Linear Quadratic Control With Arbitrary Correlated Noise

In this technical note a control problem for a discrete time linear stochastic system with a general correlated noise process and a cost functional that is quadratic in the system state and the control is solved. An optimal control is given explicitly as the sum of the well known linear feedback control for the associated deterministic linear-quadratic control problem and the prediction of the response of a system to the future noise process. The optimal cost is also given explicitly.
The Ultrastructural Basis of Capillary Permeability

The highest level of integrative brain function requires homeostasis and isolation of the internal milieu of the brain. Homeostasis and isolation are accomplished by a constellation of brain capillary wall morphological, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms that constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The ultrastructural basis of the BBB consists of tight interendothelial junctions, the absence of endothelial pores, a paucity of pinocytotic vesicles, and an increased numerical density of endothelial mitochondria. The endothelial membrane is supported by pericytes, basal lamina, and astrocytic end-foot processes.
Intraoperative epiaortic scanning for preventing early stroke after off-pump coronary artery bypass

Abstract Background Numerous studies have demonstrated the accuracy of epiaortic ultrasound scanning (EAS) for assessing ascending aortic disease. It remains unclear whether EAS changes the incidence of perioperative stroke after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). Methods We studied a retrospective cohort of 2292 patients who underwent isolated OPCAB from January 2001 to December 2011. Patients were retrospectively subdivided into two groups: the non-EAS group ( n =1019) who underwent OPCAB under only intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography and the EAS group ( n =1273) who underwent OPCAB under EAS. Results In the non-EAS group, 317 (31.1%) patients underwent OPCAB with partial aortic clamping and 702 (68.9%) underwent OPCAB without partial aorta clamping. In the EAS group, 301 (23.7%) patients underwent OPCAB with partial aortic clamping and 972 (76.3%) underwent OPCAB without partial aortic clamping. The incidence of early stroke was not different statistically between the EAS and non-EAS groups [non-EAS 1.7% (17/1019) vs EAS 0.8% (10/1273); P =0.052]. However, in the subgroups of patients with partial aorta clamping, the incidence of the early stroke was significantly lower in the EAS group [2.8% (9/317) vs 0.7% (2/301) P =0.041]. Conclusions EAS has a significant clinical benefit in reducing the incidence of early stroke in cases of partial aortic clamping in OPCAB. Therefore, EAS should be considered in patients who need partial aortic clamping in OPCAB.
Nebulin regulates actin filament lengths by a stabilization mechanism

Efficient muscle contraction requires regulation of actin filament lengths. In one highly cited model, the giant protein nebulin has been proposed to function as a molecular ruler specifying filament lengths. We directly challenged this hypothesis by constructing a unique, small version of nebulin (mini-nebulin). When endogenous nebulin was replaced with mini-nebulin in skeletal myocytes, thin filaments extended beyond the end of mini-nebulin, an observation which is inconsistent with a strict ruler function. However, under conditions that promote actin filament depolymerization, filaments associated with mini-nebulin were remarkably maintained at lengths either matching or longer than mini-nebulin. This indicates that mini-nebulin is able to stabilize portions of the filament it has no contact with. Knockdown of nebulin also resulted in more dynamic populations of thin filament components, whereas expression of mini-nebulin decreased the dynamics at both filament ends (i.e., recovered loss of endogenous nebulin). Thus, nebulin regulates thin filament architecture by a mechanism that includes stabilizing the filaments and preventing actin depolymerization.
Reflections on Nursing Practice Science The Nature, the Structure, and the Foundation of Nursing Sciences

In preparation for the self-care deficit nursing theory conference to be held in Ulm, Germany in 2004, Dorothea Orem and I reflected on the development of nursing science. Orem drafted this paper which I edited. The International Orem Society is sharing this paper with Nursing Science Quarterly as presented to the conference as a memorial to Orem and her work.
A Generalized Method for Synthesizing Low-Profile, Band-Pass Frequency Selective Surfaces With Non-Resonant Constituting Elements

We present a comprehensive synthesis procedure for designing low-profile, band-pass frequency selective surfaces composed of non-resonant constituting elements. The proposed FSSs use arrays of sub-wavelength periodic structures with non-resonant constituting unit cells with unit cell dimensions and periodicities in the range of , where is the free space wavelength. The main advantages of this type of FSS, compared to traditional ones, are that they allow for the design of low-profile and ultra-thin FSSs that can provide sharp frequency selectivity and stable frequency responses as functions of angle and polarization of incidence of the EM wave. An order FSS designed using this technique typically has an electrical thickness in the order of which is significantly smaller than the overall thickness of a traditionally designed order FSS . The proposed synthesis procedure is validated for two FSS prototypes having third- and fourth-order band-pass responses. Principles of operation, detailed synthesis procedure, measurement results of a fabricated prototype, and implementation guidelines for this type of FSS are presented and discussed in this paper.
Community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections in term and near-term previously healthy neonates.

BACKGROUND. Community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are increasing among children. OBJECTIVE. Our goal is to describe the clinical presentation of neonatal community-acquired S aureus disease and provide molecular analyses of the infecting isolates. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and hospital course of term and near-term previously healthy neonates, ≤30 days of age, with community-acquired S aureus infections presenting after nursery discharge between August 2001 and March 2005 at Texas Children9s Hospital. Prospectively collected isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type, and the presence of PVL genes. RESULTS. Of 89 S aureus infections, 61 were methicillin-resistant S aureus; S aureus infections increased each year. Methicillin-resistant S aureus infections increased from 10 of 20 to 30 of 36 infections from 2002 to 2004. Most subjects, 65 of 89, were male. Symptoms began at 7 to 12 days of age for 26 of 45 male infants with methicillin-resistant S aureus. Most infections, 77 of 89, involved skin and soft tissue; 28 of 61 methicillin-resistant S aureus versus 7 of 28 methicillin-susceptible S aureus infections required drainage. Invasive manifestations included shock, musculoskeletal and urinary tract infection, perinephric abscess, bacteremia, empyema/lung abscess, and a death. Maternal S aureus or skin-infection history occurred with 13 of 61 methicillin-resistant S aureus versus 1 of 28 methicillin-susceptible S aureus infections. The predominant community clone, USA300 (PVL genes +), accounted for 55 of 57 methicillin-resistant S aureus and 3 of 25 methicillin-susceptible S aureus isolates. CONCLUSIONS. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S aureus is a substantial and increasing proportion of S aureus infections in previously healthy neonates. Male infants 7 to 12 days of age are affected most often. Neonatal community-acquired S aureus infection may be associated with concurrent maternal infection. USA300 is the predominant clone among these neonatal isolates in our region.
Delayed Gastric Emptying after Living Donor Hepatectomy for Liver Transplantation

Delayed gastric emptying is a significant postoperative complication of living donor hepatectomy for liver transplantation and may require endoscopic or surgical intervention in severe cases. Although the mechanism of posthepatectomy delayed gastric emptying remains unknown, vagal nerve injury during intraoperative dissection and adhesion formation postoperatively between the stomach and cut liver surface are possible explanations. Here, we present the first reported case of delayed gastric emptying following fully laparoscopic hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation. Additionally, we also present a case in which symptoms developed after open right hepatectomy, but for which dissection for left hepatectomy was first performed. Through our experience and these two specific cases, we favor a neurovascular etiology for delayed gastric emptying after hepatectomy.