cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification, cloning, and functional characterization of EmrD-3, a putative multidrug efflux pump of the major facilitator superfamily from Vibrio cholerae O395.

A putative multidrug efflux pump, EmrD-3, belonging to the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) of transporters and sharing homology with the Bcr/CflA subfamily, was identified in Vibrio cholerae O395. We cloned the emrD-3 gene and evaluated its role in antimicrobial efflux in a hypersensitive Escherichia coli strain. The efflux activity of this membrane protein resulted in lowering the intracellular concentration of ethidium. The recombinant plasmid carrying emrD-3 conferred enhanced resistance to several antimicrobials. Among the antimicrobials tested, the highest relative increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 102-fold was observed for linezolid (MIC = 256 μg/ml), followed by an 80.1-fold increase for tetraphenylphosphonium chloride (TPCL) (156.2 μg/ml), 62.5-fold for rifampin (MIC = 50 μg/ml), >30-fold for erythromycin (MIC = 50 μg/ml) and minocycline (MIC = 2 μg/ml), 20-fold for trimethoprim (MIC = 0.12 μg/ml), and 18.7-fold for chloramphenicol (MIC = 18.7 μg/ml). Among the fluorescent DNA-binding dyes, the highest relative increase in MIC of 41.7-fold was observed for ethidium bromide (125 μg/ml) followed by a 17.2-fold increase for rhodamine 6G (100 μg/ml). Thus, we demonstrate that EmrD-3 is a multidrug efflux pump of V. cholerae, the homologues of which are present in several Vibrio spp., some members of Enterobacteriaceae family, and Gram-positive Bacillus spp.
THE SWAN AND THE NIGHTINGALE: NATURAL UNITY IN A HOSTILE WORLD IN THE LAIS OF MARIE DE FRANCE

L'A. etudie la reference a la nature dans les lais de Marie de France intitules Laustic et Milun qui mettent en scene la condition d'une femme mariee aimant un autre homme que son mari. Le rossignol dans l'un et le cygne dans l'autre apparaissent comme des messagers divins reconfortant les amants dans un monde hostile a leur amour. L'oeuvre de Marie de France se situe a l'intersection d'une tradition symbolique et d'une nouvelle approche naturaliste propre au XII e siecle
The guilty net for the traveling salesman problem

Abstract A new, adaptive neural structure is proposed for solving the traveling salesman problem (TSP). While non-adaptive (Hopfield) networks were the first neural networks to be used for this problem, their practical limitations and dependence on hard-to-determine parameters motivated investigation into dramatically different neural approaches. The new approaches exploit adaptive neural networks, and outperform Hopfield type approaches by a substantial amount, but usually require thousands of iterations and additional mechanisms to ensure generation of a valid tour. The guilty net, an even more recent adaptive approach, utilizes a straightforward competitive learning algorithm with fixed neighbors and “conscience” to automatically generate valid, short tours in only a few hundred iterations.
New eriophyid mites.

A key to Trisetacus includes T. grossmanni , which damages Sitka spruce in Germany, and the three previously known species. Aceria fagerinia , from Pennsylvania, yellow erineum on beech. JOHNELLA includes J. virginiana from Virginia and J. chrysolepis from California, both found on oaks. New species from Maryland are: Cecidophyes lyrata , a leaf vagrant on Quercus lyrata; Aculus copallina , on Rhus copallina; Phyllocoptes sassafrasella , on sassafras; Epitrimerus virginiana , on Prunus virginiana; and Diptacus fragarifoliae , on wild strawberry; from Virginia, Rhyncaphytoptus rubrifoliae and Diptacus rubra , both on Quercus rubra; and from California, Epitrimerus demissae , on Prunus demissa . A key is given to separate Cecidophyes and four related genera. ANOTHOPODA , type A. johnstoni , from Australia, redefines the subfamily Nothopodinae.
Cycle Analysis of Air-Storage Power Plants

Underground air storage and gas turbines are combined to form an air-storage power plant for peak power generation. This generating system will lower the peak power generation cost at the time when the fuel price is high. The paper is intended to present thermodynamic analysis of various cycle arrangements. The air storage is of constant pressure type. In the paper, the parameters affecting the system performance characteristics are identified and studied. Also included are the effects of intercoolers and recuperators. The storage volume is predicted in terms of unit peaking power production.Copyright © 1976 by ASME
Psychiatric Disorder Co-morbidity and Correlates in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Obese Patients with Binge Eating Disorder in Primary Care Settings

Objective To examine DSM-IV lifetime/current psychiatric disorder co-morbidity and correlates in ethnically-diverse obese patients with binge eating disorder (BED) seeking treatment for obesity and binge eating in primary care.
Ultrasonic detection of defects in wood

Abstract Pulsed ultrasound with water coupling has been used to detect knots, rot, shakes and pitch in samples of wood. This paper discusses the characteristic echo patterns which are obtained. The technique may find use in the lumber and wood industries.
The functional equivalence of operant behavior and foraging

Many researchers have used the controlled procedures of operant methodology to test the predictions of foraging theory on the assumption that foraging is operant behavior and operant behavior is foraging. This experiment tested the assumption that leverpressing is functionally equivalent to search effort. Four rats were exposed to two situations: a naturalistic foraging situation (a “patch”) and a standard operant chamber. Each condition represented a different prey density on the patch and a corresponding change in the probability of reinforcement in the chamber. The average number of presses per pellet was linearly related to the density of pellets on the patch. This result indicates that leverpresses were functionally equivalent to search effort.
A study of the extent of Westernisation in Indian magazine advertisements

India gained her political independence in 1947 from British rule. The new democracy chose non‐alignment, installed a large national government and legislated protectionist policies, which kept out most foreign products that almost led to economic isolation. The political leaders believed that protectionism would make India self‐reliant and eventually improve the standard of living especially for the poorer Indians. While other Asian countries were encouraging foreign capital and multinationals, India was doing its best to keep them out (Business Asia, 2000). Although India moved towards self‐reliance, the lack of competition hindered the country’s own economic and technological developments. As a result the market was forced to accept local products that were often inferior or old‐fashioned. For example, until recently the leading car on India’s road was “Ambassador”, a reproduction of a British design from the early 1950s that was bulky and a gas‐guzzler.
Enrolling students in communication apprehension laboratories

The effectiveness of communication apprehension laboratories may depend on at least two fundamental considerations: first, the methods employed to reduce apprehension about communication; and second, the methods employed for enrolling students in these programs. Because the effectiveness of treatment is dependent upon the needs of those receiving treatment, multiple selection criteria and enrollment procedures should be developed for determining who may benefit the most from treatment. The selection of candidates should therefore be a consideration equal to the selection of treatment methods, so that laboratories may best help those they are designed to help.
Neuroreceptor assay with positron emission tomography: equilibrium versus dynamic approaches.

With recent successful syntheses of positron-la­ beled ligands for various neurotransmitter systems, the capability for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and quantitation of neuroreceptors in humans is becoming a reality. A number of neu­ rotransmitter systems including dopaminergic (Garnett el aI. , 1983; Wagner et aI. , 1983; Mintun et aI. , 1984; Wong et aI. , 1984; Arnett et aI. , 1985; Barrio et aI. , 1986; Farde et aI. , 1986), opiate (Frost et aI. , 1985), and benzodiazepine (Samson et aI. , 1985; Frost et aI. , 1986) systems have been studied with PET. The initial results of these studies have demonstrated the great potential of PET for investi­ gating chemical mechanisms and regulatory pro­ cesses of neurotransmission in the intact, func­ tioning human brain. In addition PET can provide the means to examine and assay the interaction of drugs that modify neurotransmitter functions or processes. This approach provides localized mea­ surements in the living human brain as opposed to other existing techniques where access to these processes is through examining blood and cerebral spinal fluid, which are at a long "biochemical" dis­ tance from their sites of action in cerebral tissue. Several techniques for quantitative in vivo assays of neuroreceptor densities and binding affinities with PET have recently been reported in this journal (Perlmutter et aI. , 1986; Wong et aI. , 1986a,b) and in others (Mintun et aI. , 1984; Farde et aI. , 1986). Most techniques, at present, are based on a model (Fig. 1) that is similar in form to the
Protective Holder for KBr Pressed Disks Containing Reactive Samples

Two basic approaches have been recommended for the preparation and handling of KBr disks containing chemically reactive samples. Several workers have suggested a “sandwich” technique,1,2 in which the sample is contained in the center of the disk, protected by outer layers of KBr. Since water does diffuse into the pressed disk,3 this delays but does not prevent reaction. Price and Maurer4 have described a method in which the sample is uniformly distributed through the KBr, and the surfaces protected by mounting the disk between alkali halide windows in a conventional demountable cell. While this method provides some protection against atmospheric water and oxygen, it is frequently necessary to have more rigorous control of the sample environment. The sample holder described here allows the KBr pellet to be held in vacuum, under an inert atmosphere, or in contact with reactive gases in a static or flow system. The reactivity of the sample and any changes in spectra may be easily determined.
Capacitance probe study of rotating-head/tape interface

A modified version of the capacitance probe technique is used to investigate the head-tape interface in a rotating head configuration. The relationship between air-bearing spacinga nd contour design is studied as a function of tape tension, head protrusion, and velocity; in addition, the effect of wave dynamics on flying height is examined.
Analyzing the effect of dose reduction on the detection of mammographic lesions using mathematical observer models

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dose reduction on the detectability of breast lesions in mammograms. Mammograms with dose levels corresponding to 50% and 25% of the original clinically-relevant exposure levels were simulated. Detection of masses and microcalicifications embedded in these mammograms was analyzed by four mathematical observer models, namely, the Hotelling Observer, Non-prewhitening Matched Filter with Eye Filter (NPWE), and Laguerre-Gauss and Gabor Channelized Hotelling Observers. Performance was measured in terms of ROC curves and Area under ROC Curves (AUC) under Signal Known Exactly but Variable Tasks (SKEV) paradigm. Gabor Channelized Hotelling Observer predicted deterioration in detectability of benign masses. The other algorithmic observers, however, did not indicate statistically significant differences in the detectability of masses and microcalcifications with reduction in dose. Detection of microcalcifications was affected more than the detection of masses. Overall, the results indicate that there is a potential for reduction of radiation dose level in mammographic screening procedures without severely compromising the detectability of lesions.
Induced nucleophilic substitution in benzo(a)pyrene.

Cavalieri and Calvin have proposed1,2 that the carcinogenic action of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) may arise from aryl hydroxylase induced binding to nucleophilic cellular components. Their theory proposes that attack by electrophilic oxygen, produced in the hydroxylase system, occurs at the 6 position of the hydrocarbon to give a carbonium ion, localized primarily at the 1 and 3 positions, which can undergo attack with nucleophilic cellular components. Alternatively, initial attack could occur at 1 or 3, followed by nucleophilic reaction at 6.
Induction of CYP1A mRNA and catalytic activity in gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) after waterborne exposure to benzo[a]pyrene.

The purpose of this study was to examine the concentration and time-dependent response of hepatic CYP1A mRNA levels and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) after waterborne exposure to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Gizzard shad hepatic CYP1A mRNA levels and EROD activity were increased within 6 hr by waterborne concentrations of 1.01 microgram BaP/l and were highest after 72 hr of exposure. The median effective time to reach 50% of maximum induction (ET50) values for CYP1A mRNA and EROD activity was 12 +/- 9 and 34 +/- 3 hr, respectively. The rise of CYP1A mRNA levels ahead of the rise of EROD activity showed that the CYP1A gene has the general pattern of a gene that is under transcriptional control. Although CYP1A mRNA levels were maximally induced after 72 hr of exposure, they returned to basal levels between 72 and 120 hr of exposure. Despite a decrease in CYP1A mRNA levels between 72 and 120 hr of exposure, EROD activity did not significantly change between 72 and 120 hr of exposure. These results indicate that hepatic CYP1A mRNA levels in gizzard shad can only feasibly identify short-term exposures to BaP concentrations of approximately 1 microgram/l and that are not longer than 72 hr. Consequently, hepatic CYP1A catalytic activity (e.g., EROD) and CYP1A protein levels should be measured in addition to hepatic CYP1A mRNA levels when biomonitoring aquatic systems for certain types of chemical contamination.
Microtribological studies of doped single-crystal silicon and polysilicon films for MEMS devices

Abstract Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices are made of doped single-crystal silicon, LPCVD polysilicon films and other ceramic films. Very little is understood about tribology and mechanical characterization of these materials on micro- to nanoscales. Atomic force microscopy/friction force microscopy (AFM/FFM) have been used to study surface roughness, friction, scratching/wear and indentation hardness, and Young's modulus of elasticity of p-type (lightly boron-doped) single-crystal silicon (referred to as ‘undoped’), p + -type (boron-doped) single-crystal silicon, polysilicon, and n + -type (phosphorus-doped) LPCVD polysilicon films. Undoped silicon samples are very smooth (r.m.s. = 0.08 nm). Surface-roughness values for p + -type silicon and lapped polysilicon bulk samples are comparable. As-deposited polysilicon films are rougher than undoped and doped single-crystal silicon, unlapped and lapped polysilicon bulk samples. Microscale friction measurements show that the friction values for undoped silicon, p + -type silicon and lapped polysilicon bulk samples are comparable. Polysilicon films exhibit the highest coefficient of friction as compared to other samples, due to the roughness effect. Macroscale friction values for undoped silicon and polysilicon bulk are comparable with those of p + -type silicon sample having the highest value and polysilicon films having the lowest values. The microscale friction values for all samples are lower than the macroscale friction values as there is less ploughing contribution in microscale friction measurements. Local variation in microscale friction is found generally to correspond to the local surface slope. Directionality in the friction is generally observed on the microscale which results from the surface preparation and anisotropy in surface roughness. Microscratching/wear studies indicate that scratch and wear resistance of p + -type silicon is poor as compared to other samples used in this study. Nanoindentation studies indicate that the p + -type silicon sample exhibits lowest hardness and Young's modulus as compared to the other samples, which is responsible for high macrofriction and poor microscratch and microwear behavior of the p + -type silicon sample. Microtribological behavior and nanohardness and Young's modulus values for polysilicon bulk and n + -type polysilicon film are comparable.
The Potential of Grounded Theory for Health Education Research: Linking Theory and Practice

This paper offers a critique of present research methods used in the literature drawn upon by health education practitioners, students, and teachers. Weaknesses of deductive methods and of theory which is highly general are noted in terms of their implications for the advancement of health education theory and practice, and in terms of their consistency with traditional principles of practice.The grounded theory method—an inductive approach usually used with participant observation and interview data—is described, and the major arguments for its value are presented. In particular, the empirical generation of middle-range theory can provide a strong link between more general theory and situations faced by practitioners, and definitions of problems are not prematurely closed to reinterpretation from other perspectives. Several recommendations are given for changing the research orientation of health education.
Analysis and Risk Communication of 20 Years of Exposure Monitoring of Photolithography Solvents from all Intel Fabs

Twenty years of air sampling of 16 volatile solvents in photolithography from Intel fabs were analyzed. The 95% upper confidence limit of the 95th percentile of the samples were one-half or less than the full-shift occupational exposure limits. Each air sample was converted to a single, 15-minute exposure for comparison to the short-term exposure limits (STEL). The calculation indicated it was unlikely that the STEL values were exceeded. Inhalation exposures to the solvents have been acceptably low and well controlled for full-shift and for short-term exposure durations over many generations of processes, process equipment, and job duties.
Is It Safer to Intubate Premature Infants in the Delivery Room?: In Reply

In Reply .— Dr Kribs underscores the importance of our finding of the need for experience and time to achieve reasonable success with the implementation of early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) in premature infants.1 Such time is required by the staff to gain enough confidence in the delivery room to proceed with ENCPAP without tracheal intubation. We noticed a significant trend for less intubation in the delivery …
Retained subretinal date palm tree thorn in a child

A 3-year-old boy presented with severe eye pain and nausea after colliding with a date palm tree branch. Examination under anesthesia revealed a self-sealed corneal laceration and traumatic cataract in his left eye. Cultures were taken and the patient received prophylactic subconjunctival, intravitreal, and systemic antibiotics because of the high risk of endophthalmitis. A thorn from the same tree grew Bacillus cereus . Examination after 2 weeks of the injury revealed a subretinal foreign body (a palm tree thorn), although there were no signs of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. The patient underwent cataract extraction and laser demarcation of the subretinal foreign body, which was not removed. He was fitted for an aphakic contact lens. With alternate patching, his best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/30.
Adaptive optical post distortion linearization

A technique to suppress optical nonlinearities is demonstrated using adaptive optical domain post distortion. The concept, rooted in electrical domain linearization, mitigates optical nonlinearities by generating sidebands that are equal but opposite in phase from the unwanted components. We model and experimentally demonstrate >20 dB extinction in four wave mixing by an adaptive phase controller and computer feedback loop.
Phosphorus metabolites in human skin and muscle obtained by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Background/aims: Characterization of skin phosphometabol-ism in vivo by non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) might allow assessment of ischemic or irradiative damage. Methods: Based on a study of 17 healthy volunteers, we present statistical analyses for intra- and inter-tissue metabolite concentration ratios, as well as for pH and [Mg2+]. Results: Results contrasted steady-state energy metabolism in skin and muscle, showing lower phosphocreatine/ATP, higher percentage of inorganic phosphate, phosphodiesters and phos-phomonoesters, and higher pH and [Mg2+] in skin than in muscle. Conclusion: Results were consistent with known skin physiology and structure and suggested an inverse relationship between skin phosphodiester levels and melanin.
Local (Classical) And Global Bifurcations In Non-linear, Non-gradient Autonomous Dissipative Structural Systems

Abstract A general analysis for non-linear, non-gradient, multiple-parameter structural systems with or without damping described by autonomous ordinary differential equations is comprehensively presented. Attention is focused on bifurcational systems under follower loading exhibiting a trivial stable fundamental path from which a post-divergence or post-oscillatory instability may occur. Conditions for establishing regions of existence of adjacent equilibria, critical and stability conditions as well as different types of bifurcations (with zero, double zero and pure imaginary eigenvalues), for a smooth variation of the control parameter, are thoroughly explored and discussed. Global (dynamic) bifurcations (associated with stable limit cycles), irrelevant to any characteristic properties of the Jacobian eigenvalues, are discovered in a certain small neighborhood of a compound branching. It seems that such global bifurcations with trajectories passing through the saddles of the trivial path are due to the interaction of the first and second buckling modes which occur in the aforementioned small region of adjacent equilibria. Loading discontinuity phenomena for values of the control parameter defining the foregoing compound branching are detected. The effect of damping and other findings based on local (classical) analyses are compared with the results of this nonlinear analysis, and serious discrepancies are observed showing that a precise modelling must be generic; including both non-linearities and damping. The analysis is illustrated by using as a model Ziegler's classical model, the response of which is fully assessed.
Coagulopathy by Hypothermia and Acidosis: Mechanisms of Thrombin Generation and Fibrinogen Availability

Background:Although the lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy has been recognized for a decade, the underlying mechanisms related to the development of coagulopathy are not fully understood. Consequently, current strategy in treating trauma patients with coagulopathy is limited to
Flow patterns in a flow-stretch-flexure bioreactor system: Implications for the conditioning of engineered heart valve tissue

In heart valve tissue engineering, there is general agreement that appropriate mechanical conditioning may provide the necessary stimuli to promote proper tissue formation [1–3]. For example, in combined flow-flexure-stretch (FSF) studies conducted in our laboratory [4], we demonstrated that flow or flexure bio-mechanical conditioning alone only produced marginally enhanced mass and quality of the engineered tissue. However, combined fluid and flexural stresses resulted in substantially larger de-novo synthesized tissue mass accumulations rates. Interestingly, surface fluid induced stresses acting on the forming tissue/scaffold were the sole difference in the mechanical environment under combined stimulation regimes. However, combined flow and flexural modes of biomechanical conditioning produce highly complex local flow patterns. Understanding these patterns can help identify specific fluid-induced shear characteristics that can potentially be responsible for improving tissue formation in tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs). In the present study, we developed a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model to simulate the motion of rectangular scaffold strips housed in the bioreactor. In order to maximize the benefits of flow-based conditioning at physiological scales that emulates the native valve environment, we also present our efforts in designing a new FSF bioreactor system.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A conceptual framework for outcomes research in arthroscopic meniscectomy: results of a nominal group process.

Summary Standard measures for the assessment of arthroscopic knee surgery are needed, as existing instruments do not cover the full range of relevant outcomes. Using a modified nominal group technique, a panel of orthopedic surgeons and methodologists developed a conceptual framework for the assessment of arthroscopic knee procedures. The outcome domains included in the evaluation comprised traditional measures such as range of motion, complications, and other objective parameters, as well as patient-centered variables such as health status and satisfaction. Independent variables that might influence the outcome of surgery included traditional measures such as knee alignment as well as comorbidity and patient expectations. This conceptual framework should allow a more comprehensive, patient-centered assessment of the outcome of arthroscopic meniscectomy.
Creatine kinase and ATP synthase reaction rates in human frontal lobe measured by 31P magnetization transfer spectroscopy at 4T

Abstract The human frontal lobe is critical for cognitive function in the healthy brain. Many psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with apparent mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic abnormalities in the frontal lobe. Therefore, measuring cerebral bioenergetics associated with creatine kinase and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase reactions could provide crucial information regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with psychiatric disorders. In this study, the unidirectional forward chemical exchange metabolic fluxes of creatine kinase and ATP synthase reactions as well as reverse chemical exchange metabolic flux associated with ATP hydrolysis were determined at 4T by 31P magnetization transfer. The current experiments indicate that the kinetic network of PCr↔ATP↔Pi can be measured reliably in the human frontal lobe at 4T, which will enable detailed in vivo characterization of bioenergetic abnormalities in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Diagnoses Most Commonly Missed by Ophthalmologists Referring Patients for Fluorescein Angiography

A tally of misdiagnoses in patients referred to a fluorescein angiography service disclosed that three conditions made up the majority of all misdiagnoses. These conditions were chronic branch retinal vein obstruction, old or chronic central serous choroidopathy, and retinal arterial macroaneurysms with subretinal or subhyaloid hemorrhage. These three conditions proved to be talented mimics with a wide variety of presentations.
Coping Self‐Efficacy as a Mediator of Distress Following a Natural Disaster

Social-cognitive theory and conservation-of-resources theory were utilized to understand individual differences in psychological response to natural disaster. Coping self-efficacy, lost resources, social support, and optimism were assessed along with demographic variables in predicting distress following Hurricane Opal. Participants included 67 residents of Okaloosa County, Florida. Multiple regression analyses indicated that coping self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of general distress and trauma-related distress. Loss of resources and gender were also important predictors of general distress. Path analyses demonstrated that lost resources directly influenced general distress, social support, optimism, and coping self-efficacy. These analyses also indicated that coping self-efficacy perceptions mediated the relationships between loss of resources and trauma-related distress, social support and both trauma and general distress, and optimism and both types of distress. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Stability Investigation of a Two-Link 3DOF Rotational Pendulum

A numerical and experimental investigation of the dynamic behavior of a two-link, 3 degree of freedom (DOF) rotational pendulum is presented. This work extends previous studies of two-link 2DOF rotational pendulum systems in which the links were connected to each other and to the main driver by 1 DOF pinned joints. In the present study, an additional degree of freedom is added in which the first link is connected to the main driver shaft by a 2DOF cardanic joint. The two links are still connected by a pinned joint. It is observed that such systems have inherent zones of instability. A stable zone and an unstable zone, separated by a specific critical angular velocity, were identified. If the rotational speed is under this critical value, the mechanical system shows asymptotic stability. For rotational speeds above this value, the system shows instability around a static bifurcation.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Modeling acoustic target response by component

The scattered acoustic response of underwater objects due to active interrogation has been studied for decades for use in detection and classification applications. As a means of detection, fielded applications date back nearly a hundred years. However, use of responses for robust automated classification has lagged behind, particularly when the internal structure of the objects is of key importance and when the objects may be partially or fully buried. Analytic solutions for simple geometries have provided much understanding of certain physical mechanisms, but transfer to complex structures of practical importance has proven difficult. In recent decades, finite element (FE) modeling has provided a method of accurate simulation of many structures previously considered intractable. However, simulation of such complex objects produces equally complex returns, with the result that the models are often simply considered as a “black box” where the physical interpretation of the response components is tenuous at best. Thus the state of the art is still short of a method for development of robust classification systems for complex objects based on the physics of the objects of interest and the varied conditions under which they may be found. This paper introduces an effort to use FE techniques to simulate individual components of a return by “turning off” most aspects of the physics and allowing the researcher to isolate one mechanism at a time. The goal is a true physical understanding of the complete response, a physically justifiable feature set for classification, and a much simpler path to environmental robustness.
On the role of the molecular recognition principles in astrobiology

Principles of molecular recognition, which include both intra- and inter-molecular noncovalent interactions, guide twoand three-dimensional organization of molecules which is critical for functioning and evolution of life. In this paper we review the importance of the noncovalent interactions in the genetic systems with an emphasis on the ionic interactions. We review the most recent work on the metal- RNA interactions, which shows how such interactions were intimately connected with the environment on the early Earth. We also bring up the proposals by others of the requirements for the extraterrestrial genetic systems which are not based on RNA or DNA. Such systems would utilize the available noncovalent interactions for their stabilization and molecular recognition in general in a manner which could be different than that on the Earth.
Male infertility caused by spermiogenic defects: lessons from gene knockouts.

Spermiogenesis refers to the process by which postmeiotic spermatids differentiate into elongated spermatids and eventually spermatozoa. During spermiogenesis, round spermatids undergo dynamic morphologic changes, which include nuclear condensation and elongation, formation of flagella and acrosome, reorganization of organelles and elimination of cytoplasm upon spermiation. This cellular differentiation process is unique to male haploid germ cells, which may explain why ∼half of the testis-specific genes are exclusively expressed in spermiogenesis. The spermiogenesis-specific expression implies that these genes contribute to either structural or functional aspects of future sperm. Many such genes have been inactivated in mice and some of these gene knockout mice display male infertility due to nonfunctional sperm which display no or various degrees of structural abnormalities. Since the majority of these spermiogenesis-specific genes are highly conserved between mice and humans, findings from knockout mouse studies may be applicable to human infertility. Here, I briefly review some of these spermatid-specific gene knockouts. The mouse studies strongly suggest that sperm quality rather than quantity is a better indicator of male fertility and novel assays should be developed to determine sperm functionality.
Bis(imino)pyridine Ligand Deprotonation Promoted by a Transient Iron Amide

Addition of 2 equiv of LiNMe2 to the bis(imino)pyridine ferrous dichloride, (iPrPDI)FeCl2 (iPrPDI = (2,6-iPr2−C6H3NCMe)2C5H3N), resulted in deprotonation of the chelate methyl groups, yielding the ...
Partner Violence and Street Violence among Urban Adolescents: Do the Same Family Factors Relate?

Few studies have evaluated how participation in violence that occurs on the streets as part of criminal or delinquent behavior relates to violence that occurs as part of dating or marital relationships (partner violence). Using longitudinal data from 141 African American and Latino male youth (15–19 years old), the relation between family characteristics and participation in one or both types of violent behavior was evaluated. The youth in this study were more likely to report use of violence in relationships if they were also participating in violence as part of other criminal behavior. However, there were distinct groups of offenders. Among those males reporting involvement in a dating or romantic relationship, four groups were identified: (1) those who had not participated in either type of violence, 57%; (2) those who had participated in partner violence only, 14%; (3) those who had participated in street violence only, 12%; and (4) those who had participated in both, 17%. Discriminate function analyses significantly differentiated the group who had participated in both types of violence from the nonviolent group, with the former group having poorer functioning families. These two groups were also differentiated from the partner violence-only and street violence-only groups. No differences were found between the partner violence-only and the street violence-only groups. Implications for intervention and prevention are discussed.
Tin Monosulfide Thin Films Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition Using Tin 2,4-Pentanedionate and Hydrogen Sulfide

Tin monosulfide (SnS) was grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using sequential exposures of tin(II) 2,4-pentanedionate (Sn(acac) 2 ) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). In situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies showed that the SnS ALD mass gain per cycle was 11-12 ng/cm 2 at 175 °C on a gold-covered QCM sensor. Using a film density of 5.07 g/cm 3 determined by X-ray reflectivity measurements, these mass gains are equivalent to SnS ALD growth rates of 0.22-0.24 A/cycle. The ratio of the mass loss and mass gain (|Δm 2 / Δm 1 |) from the H 2 S and Sn(acac) 2 reactions was |Am 2 /Δm 1 | ~ 0.32 at 175 °C. This measured ratio is close to the predicted ratio from the proposed surface chemistry for SnS ALD. The SnS ALD was self-limiting versus the Sn(acac) 2 and H 2 S exposures. The SnS ALD growth rate was also independent of substrate temperature from 125 to 225 °C. The SnS ALD growth on Al 2 O 3 ALD substrates displayed nucleation problems and smaller growth rates. These differences may be caused by site blocking by the Al(acac)* surface species. X-ray fluorescence studies confirmed a Sn/S atomic ratio of ~1.0 for the SnS ALD films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements revealed that the SnS ALD films contained oxygen impurities at 15-20 atom % after air exposure. These oxygen-containing SnS ALD films displayed a band gap of ~ 1.87 eV that is higher than the SnS bulk value of ~1.3 eV. In addition, these SnS ALD films produced very weak photoluminescence at room temperature. SnS ALD may be useful to fabricate photovoltaic or solar conversion devices.
Geoscience laser ranging system design and performance predictions

The Geoscience Laser System (GLRS) will be a high-precision distance-measuring instrument planned for deployment on the EOS-B platform. Its primary objectives are to perform ranging measurements to ground targets to monitor crustal deformation and tectonic plate motions, and nadir-looking altimetry to determine ice sheet thicknesses, surface topography, and vertical profiles of clouds and aerosols. The system uses a mode-locked, 3-color Nd:YAG laser source, a Microchannel Plate-PMT for absolute time-of-flight (TOF) measurement (at 532 nm), a streak camera for TOF 2-color dispersion measurement (532 nm and 355 nm), and a Si avalanche photodiode for altimeter waveform detection (1064 nm). The performance goals are to make ranging measurements to ground targets with about 1 cm accuracy, and altimetry height measurements over ice with 10 cm accuracy. This paper presents an overview of the design concept developed during a phase B study. System engineering issues and trade studies are discussed, with particular attention to error budgets and performance predictions.
A study of the expository process model in mental health settings

A number of authors have documented complaints made by consumers about psychological reports. Prominent among these complaints are that basic data are not included, that psychological terms whose meanings are not certain are used, and that the logic of the report is unclear. Ownby and Wallbrown (1986) have proposed a model for report writing that addresses these concerns by specifying the types of data and the mode of data presentation most likely to be viewed positively by readers of reports. In the present study, psychologists (N = 29) in several mental health settings rated statements based on the model as significantly more credible and persuasive than nonmodel equivalent statements.
Multivariate methods for clustered ordinal data with applications to survival analysis.

Clustered data are the rule in many clinical specialties such as ophthalmology. Methods have been developed for the treatment of clustered continuous or binary outcome data. Less attention has been given to ordinal outcomes which occur frequently in ophthalmology. For example, grading systems of cataract and diabetic retinopathy are commonly used where a photograph is graded by comparison with a series of reference photographs of increasing severity. Some commonly used methods for the analysis of ordered categorical data include the proportional odds and continuation ratio models. It is difficult, however, to incorporate clustering effects into these models. Instead, for clusters of size two, we propose a generalization of the adjacent category model given by log[Pr(i+1, j)/Pr(i, j)]=ui+(j−1)λ+β′x, where Pr(i, j) denotes the probability that the right (left) eye has grade i(j), x is a vector of (person or eye-specific) covariates for the right eye, u and β are vectors of location and covariate parameters and λ is a clustering parameter. Based on this model, and a similar model interchanging the role of i and j, we derive a closed-form expression for Pr(i, j) as a function of u, λ and β and use Newton–Raphson methods to maximize the likelihood. An extension of the method allows for extra agreement along the diagonal and is then a generalization of the agreement plus linear-by-linear association model proposed by Agresti in the setting of no covariates. We apply these methods to a data set of 43 diabetic subjects from the Harvard Clinical Cataract Research Center, where cortical cataract grade was the outcome. We also extend this methodology to a survival setting, where both censored and uncensored outcomes are available for individual cluster members, and one wishes to take clustering into account. We apply the survival analysis model to a data set of 1807 children (two ears per child) in the greater Boston area, who were followed for the development of otitis media over the first year of life. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maintenance of body temperature of restrained adrenalectomized rats exposed to cold; effect of adrenal cortical hormones.

Experiments were performed to determine the role of the adrenal glands in the maintenance of colonic temperature of rats which were restrained and exposed to air at 5 °C. Colonic temperature decrea...
The Effect of Incident Cancer, Depression and Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations on Type 2 Diabetes Control

Introduction Little is known about how the development of a new chronic health condition affects management of existing chronic conditions over time. New conditions might worsen management of existing conditions because of competing demands or improve management of existing conditions because of increased engagement with heath care. We assessed the effect of incident stage 0, 1, 2 or 3 breast, colon or prostate cancer; incident depression; or an exacerbation of chronic pulmonary disease on control of type 2 diabetes (DM2).
Impaired growth at birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia classification: beyond small for gestational age.

OBJECTIVE To correlate intrauterine and postnatal growth with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) classification at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort design reviewing medical records for infants < 29 weeks gestational age (GA) born between 2008 and 2010. BPD classification using physiological definition at 36 weeks PMA and growth parameters at birth and 36 weeks PMA were compared between GA subgroups. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 140 infants. Median GA and birth weight (BW) were 27 weeks and 918 g, respectively. Twenty percent of infants had no BPD, 27% had mild BPD, 31% had moderate BPD, and 22% had severe BPD. While BW and GA remain major factors associated with severe BPD, we did not observe differences in weights at 36 weeks PMA. Length and head circumference were significantly impaired in infants born < 26 weeks GA at birth and 36 weeks PMA. Most importantly, all infants born < 26 weeks GA below the 25th percentile for weight developed moderate/severe BPD. CONCLUSION Infants born < 26 weeks GA were smaller at birth and had significant postnatal growth impairment in linear and head circumference growth. Risk of developing BPD associated with lower BW for GA appeared to occur beyond the traditional small-for-gestational age (SGA) classification.
Suicide in Japan.

Abstract After a brief survey of suicide literature and an epidemiological description of Japanese suicides, their etiological analysis was divided into two stages of suicide process: definition of the situation and adjustive response. The suicidal definition of the situation was discussed in terms of goal-means discrepancy, personality traits and external conditions. The suicidogenic conditions were analysed in terms of financial insecurity, family problem, failure in role performance, and cultural conflict. The suicidal adjustment was discussed with respect to impulse control, views about life and death, and attitudes toward social resources. The epidemiological findings, which are important for cross-cultural comparisons, are: (1) high rate of suicide at night, (2) high rate for youth, (3) wide fluctuation of suicide rate among young males, (4) high rate for women, especially for old females in recent years, (5) higher rate for rural than for urban areas, (6) no significant difference in suicide rate between married and single, and between married and divorced persons, (7) high frequency of love-pact and parent-child suicides, (8) no inverse correlation between suicide and homicide rates, (9) higher rate for suicide than for homicide, and (10) inverse correlation between family size and suicide. The etiological characteristics of Japanese suicide include: (1) “separation anxiety”, (2) college entrance examination, (3) poverty, and (4) coexistence of strongly held values rather than the anomic loss of behavioral standards.
Group velocity dispersion of dyes in solution measured with white-light interferometry

The group velocity dispersion (GVD) coefficient of four different dyes in solution is measured as a function of wavelength and concentration using a white-light Michelson interferometer. We find that the wavelength dependence of the GVD can be considerably different at wavelengths above and below the absorption resonance in a dye. Above the absorption resonance, the dye molecules can make a strong, wavelength-dependent contribution to the GVD of the solution. Below the absorption resonance, the dye molecules tend to contribute negligibly to the GVD of the solution. We find that the contribution of the dye molecules to the GVD can be modeled quite accurately using a simple Lorentz model with parameters set using the measured linear absorption properties of the dye.
Chronic Parenteral Nutrition Induces Hepatic Inflammation, Steatosis, and Insulin Resistance in Neonatal Pigs

Prematurity and overfeeding in infants are associated with insulin resistance in childhood and may increase the risk of adult disease. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a major source of infant nutritional support and may influence neonatal metabolic function. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that TPN induces increased adiposity and insulin resistance compared with enteral nutrition (EN) in neonatal pigs. Neonatal pigs were either fed enteral formula orally or i.v. administered a TPN mixture for 17 d; macronutrient intake was similar in both groups. During the 17-d period, we measured body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning; fasting i.v. glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (CLAMP) were performed to quantify insulin resistance. On d 17, tissue was collected after 1-h, low-dose CLAMP for tissue insulin signaling assays. TPN pigs gained less lean and more body fat and developed hepatic steatosis compared with EN pigs. After 7 and 13 d, IVGTT showed evidence of insulin resistance in the TPN compared with the EN group. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin also were higher in TPN pigs. CLAMP showed that insulin sensitivity was markedly lower in TPN pigs than in EN pigs. TPN also reduced the abundance of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase in skeletal muscle and liver and the proliferation of total pancreatic cells and β-cells. Hepatic proinflammatory genes as well as c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1 phosphorylation, plasma interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were all higher in TPN pigs than in EN pigs. The results demonstrate that chronic TPN induces a hepatic inflammatory response that is associated with significant insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and fat deposition compared with EN in neonatal pigs. Further studies are warranted to establish the mechanism of TPN-induced insulin resistance and hepatic metabolic dysfunction and whether there are persistent metabolic consequences of this lifesaving form of infant nutritional support.