cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mean electrostatic potential difference between liquid water and vacuum by MD simulation

Abstract A negative mean electrostatic potential relative to that of a vacuum exists in liquid water represented by the extended single point charge (SPC/E) model and can be computed by molecular dynamics simulations. The mean potential difference between the liquid phase and vacuum can also be estimated analytically from the charge distribution in the SPC/E water molecule with respect to its mass and force centers. Other models of water molecules are also discussed.
Agent technology in computer science and engineering curriculum

In recent years, agent technology has been used increasingly in information management and distributed computing. A CSE curriculum that cultivates the knowledge of agent technology will increase the likelihood that the next generation of IT professionals have the background needed to design and develop software systems that are scalable, reliable, adaptable, and secure. In this paper, we present the rationale and our practice in incorporating agent technology into the CSE curriculum. We develop agent-based teaching materials and software modules and apply them to existing CSE courses including artificial intelligence, parallel and distributed processing, networking, and software engineering. Promising results have been obtained in teaching two graduate level courses using agent components.
WHICH WORLD? WHICH WORK? WHICH MELVILLE?

Andrew Delbanco, Melville: His World and Work (New York: Knopf, 2005) Robert Milder, Exiled Royalties: Melville and the Life We Imagine (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006) Edgar A. Dryden, Monumental Melville: The Formation of a Literary Career (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004) Reading Melville in relation to intellectual history is both necessary and hard. His writings explore (among other things) political and legal theory, theology, aesthetics, natural philosophy, and what he once called “ontological heroics.” Yet if Melville engages ideas as intensely as any United States literary figure, his work remains difficult to locate within intellectual traditions. Largely an autodidact, Melville read eclectically; and unlike Emerson, Thoreau, and Fuller—all of whom have occasioned intellectual biographies—he left no extensive journals or letters from which to reconstruct his education and mind. We have the checkmarks, scores, and occasional comments of his partially recovered marginalia, important evidence that can raise as many questions as answers regarding influence and intention. Melville's novels, short fiction, and poetry thus bear the heaviest burden of proof as to his thinking, though these texts are also tricky, not only because of their famously complex structures and ambiguities, but also because they tend to subvert the intellectual systems they inhabit. Melville's tendency to push ideas to their limits is part of his achievement and appeal, and befitting his image as a roughhewn sailor there is a kind of skeptical restlessness to his thought. To appreciate Melville's relation to ideas is to pursue a commensurately unbounded mode of inquiry that includes (among other things) literary criticism, cultural history, and biography.
Asynchronous Video Streaming vs. Synchronous Videoconferencing for Teaching a Pharmacogenetic Pharmacotherapy Course

Objectives. To compare students' performance and course evaluations for a pharmacogenetic pharmacotherapy course taught by synchronous videoconferencing method via the Internet and for the same course taught via asynchronous video streaming via the Internet. Methods. In spring 2005, a pharmacogenetic therapy course was taught to 73 students located on Amarillo, Lubbock, and Dallas campuses using synchronous videoconferencing, and in spring 2006, to 78 students located on the same 3 campuses using asynchronous video streaming. A course evaluation was administered to each group at the end of the courses. Results. Students in the asynchronous setting had final course grades of 89% ± 7% compared to the mean final course grade of 87% ± 7% in the synchronous group (p = 0.05). Regardless of which technology was used, average course grades did not differ significantly among the 3 campus sites. Significantly more of the students in the asynchronous setting agreed (57%) with the statement that they could read the l...
Suppression of the resistivity anomaly and corresponding thermopower behavior in the pentatelluride system by the addition of Sb: Hf 1 − X Zr X Te 5 − Y Sb Y

The electrical resistivity \ensuremath{\rho} and the thermopower \ensuremath{\alpha} of the transition-metal pentatelluride system ${\mathrm{Hf}}_{1\ensuremath{-}X}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{X}{\mathrm{Te}}_{5\ensuremath{-}Y}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{Y}$ have been measured over a broad range of temperature, $10\mathrm{K}lTl300\mathrm{K}.$ The systematic Sb doping of these materials has been performed over a range from $0lYl0.75,$ where Y is the nominal Sb concentration. Both parent materials $({\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$ and ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5})$ exhibit an anomalous resistive peak, ${T}_{P}\ensuremath{\approx}80\mathrm{K}$ for ${\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$ and ${T}_{P}\ensuremath{\approx}145\mathrm{K}$ for ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5}.$ Each parent material displays a large positive (p-type) thermopower $(\ensuremath{\alpha}g~+125\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{K})$ around room temperature, which undergoes a change to a large negative (n-type) thermopower $(\ensuremath{\alpha}l~\ensuremath{-}125\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{K})$ below the peak temperature. At a specific level of Sb doping the resistive anomaly is no longer evident and results in a semimetallic temperature dependence. In addition the thermopower monotonically decreases with temperature with no change in sign as in the parent materials. X-ray-diffraction data reveals that the pentatelluride structure is still preserved at all doping concentrations.
The time-course of dorsal raphe discharge, PGO waves, and muscle tone averaged across multiple sleep cycles

Long-term recordings of dorsal raphe (DRN) activity were obtained from cats chronically implanted with microwires. The continuous time-course of DRN discharge, PGO waves, and muscle tone was quantified across multiple sleep cycles. DRN activity profiles were inversely correlated with PGO waves, biphasically related to muscle tone, and varied with sleep cycle phase. The role of DRN as a putative regulator of behavioral state and/or specific physiological variables is discussed.
Hereditarily paracompact and compact monotonically normal spaces

Abstract We give a proof that every compact, hereditarily paracompact, monotonically normal space is the continuous image of a compact linearly ordered space.
Non‐inferiority trials: design concepts and issues – the encounters of academic consultants in statistics

Placebo-controlled trials are the ideal for evaluating medical treatment efficacy. They allow for control of the placebo effect and are most efficient, requiring the smallest numbers of patients to detect a treatment effect. A placebo control is ethically justified if no standard treatment exists, if the standard treatment has not been proven efficacious, there are no risks associated with delaying treatment or escape clauses are included in the protocol. Where possible and justified, they should be the first choice for medical treatment evaluation. Given the large number of proven effective treatments, placebo-controlled trials are often unethical. In these situations active-controlled trials are generally appropriate. The non-inferiority trial is appropriate for evaluation of the efficacy of an experimental treatment versus an active control when it is hypothesized that the experimental treatment may not be superior to a proven effective treatment, but is clinically and statistically not inferior in effectiveness. These trials are not easy to design. An active control must be selected. Good historical placebo-controlled trials documenting the efficacy of the active control must exist. From these historical trials statistical analysis must be performed and clinical judgement applied in order to determine the non-inferiority margin M and to assess assay sensitivity. The latter refers to establishing that the active drug would be superior to the placebo in the setting of the present non-inferiority trial (that is, the constancy assumption). Further, a putative placebo analysis of the new treatment versus the placebo using data from the non-inferiority trial and the historical active versus placebo-controlled trials is needed. Useable placebo-controlled historical trials for the active control are often not available, and determination of assay sensitivity and an appropriate M is difficult and debatable. Serious consideration to expansions of and alternatives to non-inferiority trials are needed.
Experimental tests of the optimal diet in two social insects

1. Experimental studies of dietary specialization in two species of harvester ants (genus Pogonomyrmex) reveal correspondence to several qualitative predictions of optimal diet theory. 2. If the proportions of available seed types are held constant while overall abundance is varied, dietary specialization in colonies of P. barbatus is enhanced in more productive environments. 3. Colonies of P. rugosus take a narrower range of prey types as distance to the foraging area increases. 4. Ants appear to rank prey (barley particles) on the basis of size (caloric value), and the order of incorporation of prey types in the diet of P. rugosus corresponds to the sequence of profitabilities of these food types. Contrary to the predictions of theory, partial preferences are expressed by ant colonies of both species and may be explained in part by within-colony worker variation in the choices of individual workers, as well as by a possible requirement for workers to continuously sample the resource environment. Trends in dietary specialization at the colony level with changes in resource density and distance probably reflect the summed responses of individual workers that evaluate the resource environment and alter their diets in the predicted way.
An ultrastructural analysis of the photoreceptors of the squid and their synaptic connections. III. Photoreceptor terminations in the optic lobes

An ultrastructural investigation of the optic lobe of the squid, Loligo pealei, revealed that the optic fibers, like those of Octopus, terminated in the outer plexiform layer in long carrot-shaped bags containing small clear vesicles. The outer 4–5 μ of a terminal was devoid of conventional synapses but came into direct contiguity and specialized contacts with adjacent terminals. These specializations often included protrusions of finger-like processes from one cell into another. At contact sites the intercellular space narrowed to a minimum of about 25 A and immediately adjacent, in the cytoplasm of each contacting cell, was a sub-membranal cistern. These contacts could be electrotonic junctions. The remainder of the receptor terminal received dendritic endings of post-synaptic cells in deep invaginations. A pre-synaptic accumulation of vesicles and increased membrane density was evident at these junctions. Neurons of the outer nuclear layer are described, as well as vertical fascicles of large pale neurites which pass through the outer nuclear and plexiform layers and which may include efferents to the retina. Specialized glial cells and a dense, intercellular material located in pools or clefts in certain regions of the cortex of the lobe are also noted.
GLUTAMINE AS A PREDICTIVE MEASUREMENT IN THE QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PROCESSED CARROT PUREE

The aim of this investigation was the development of a simple quality test whereby knowing the amount of glutamine present in a fresh sample of carrots and the processing temperature, the amount of PCA and perhaps the acceptability of the final product might be determined. Two different varieties of carrots from two different geographical locations were packed in TDT tubes, flushed with nitrogen and sealed. A process of Fo= 4.9 was given to each series of tubes at temperatures ranging from 240-300°F with 20°F increments. Following this, analyses were conducted for glutamine, pyrrolidone-carboxylic acid (PCA) and pH to determine the effect of initial concentration of glutamine and process temperature upon the formation of PCA. Taste thresholds for PCA were also determined both in model systems and in processed carrot puree. PCA formation was found to exhibit an inverse linear semilogarithmic plot with process temperature such that amounts could be predicted from initial glutamine contents for a given batch. Sensory studies indicated that the levels of PCA found in samples at the lower temperatures were near the taste thresholds established for this compound. With such results it is possible to predict the best process time and temperature for carrot puree based on the initial concentration of glutamine in order to minimize off-flavors due to PCA formation.
Thoughts on Scale.

This essay reflects on the challenges of thinking about scale—of making sense of phenomena such as continuous professional development (CPD) at the system level, while holding on to detail at the finer grain size(s) of implementation. The stimuli for my reflections are three diverse studies of attempts at scale—an attempt to use ideas related to professional development in two different countries, the story of how research did or did not frame a nationwide attempt at undergirding CPD, and a fine-grained study of the quality of a dozen mentors’ implementation of CPD. The challenge is to “see the forest for the trees,” to be able to situate such diverse studies within a larger framework. The bulk of this article is devoted to offering such a framework, the teaching for robust understanding (TRU) framework, which characterizes five fundamentally important dimensions of powerful learning environments. At the most fine-grained level, TRU applies to classrooms, establishing goals for instruction. But, more generally, it applies to all learning environments, and this characterizes important aspects of CPD. The TRU framework thus provides a unifying frame within which one can situate the studies in this volume.
A fulbright experience in clinical pharmacy in India

ABSTRACTThe Fulbright program is an international exchange program for educators that is sponsored by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State and is administered by the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars in over 150 countries. This paper describes the process of acquiring a lecturing grant through the Fulbright Traditional Scholar program, the selection of a host institution, and the subsequent grant opportunities and activities in India in the area of clinical pharmacy. The primary activities of the grant period included lecturing, thesis guidance, patient counseling, case presentations, visits to neighboring institutions, and presentations at national pharmacy meetings. The grant reporting requirements include an interim and final report to be filed through the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) office and website. A Fulbright grant is an unusual and satisfying method to gain experience in grant writing and internationa...
Complex karyotypic abnormality in ovarian fibroma associated with Gorlin syndrome.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma (NBCC) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by distinctive congenital malformations and a variety of benign and malignant neoplasms, including ovarian fibromas. We describe pathologic and cytogenetic findings in a large unilateral ovarian fibroma from a 12-year-old female with NBCC syndrome. The pathologic findings were characteristic for ovarian fibroma, but were unusual for the ovarian fibromas associated with NBCC syndrome because of the absence of calcification, the lack of bilaterality, and the presence of focal hypercellularity. The karyotype of tumor tissue showed complex numerical and structural abnormalities. Although there is frequent loss of heterozygosity of 9q22.3 and mutations in the PTCHgene in Gorlin syndrome, the ovarian fibroma in this case did not have cytogenetically detectable abnormalities of chromosome 9.
Coenzymatic activity of randomly broken or intact double-stranded DNAs in auto and histone H1 trans-poly(ADP-ribosylation), catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP I).

Abstract The enzymatic transfer of ADP-ribose from NAD to histone H1 (defined as trans-poly(ADP-ribosylation)) or to PARP I (defined as auto-poly(ADP-ribosylation)) was studied with respect to the nature of the DNA required as a coenzyme. Linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) containing the MCAT core motif was compared with DNA containing random nicks (discontinuous or dcDNA). The dsDNAs activated trans-poly(ADP-ribosylation) about 5 times more effectively than dcDNA as measured by V max. Activation of auto-poly(ADP-ribosylation) by dcDNA was 10 times greater than by dsDNA. The affinity of PARP I toward dcDNA or dsDNA in the auto-poly(ADP-ribosylation) was at least 100-fold lower than in trans-poly(ADP-ribosylation) (K a = 1400versus 3–15, respectively). Mg2+ inhibited trans-poly(ADP-ribosylation) and so did dcDNA at concentrations required to maximally activate auto-poly(ADP-ribosylation). Mg2+ activated auto-poly(ADP-ribosylation) of PARP I. These results for the first time demonstrate that physiologically occurring dsDNAs can serve as coenzymes for PARP I and catalyze preferentially trans-poly(ADP- ribosylation), thereby opening the possibility to study the physiologic function of PARP I.
Single beam two-views holographic particle image velocimetry

Holographic particle image velocimetry (HPIV) is presently the only method that can measure at high resolution all three components of the velocity in a finite volume. In systems that are based on recording one hologram, velocity components parallel to the hologram can be measured throughout the sample volume, but elongation of the particle traces in the depth direction severely limits the accuracy of the velocity component that is perpendicular to the hologram. Previous studies overcame this limitation by simultaneously recording two orthogonal holograms, which inherently required four windows and two recording systems. This paper introduces a technique that maintains the advantages of recording two orthogonal views, but requires only one window and one recording system. Furthermore, it enables a quadruple increase in the spatial resolution. This method is based on placing a mirror in the test section that reflects the object beam at an angle of 45°. Particles located in the volume in which the incident and reflected beams from the mirror overlap are illuminated twice in perpendicular directions. Both views are recorded on the same hologram. Off-axis holography with conjugate reconstruction and high-pass filtering is used for recording and analyzing the holograms. Calibration tests show that two views reduce the uncertainty in the three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates of the particle centroids to within a few microns. The velocity is still determined plane-by-plane by use of two-dimensional particle image velocimetry procedures, but the images are filtered to trim the elongated traces based on the 3-D location of the particle. Consequently, the spatial resolution is quadrupled. Sample data containing more than 200 particles/mm3 are used for calculating the 3-D velocity distributions with interrogation volumes of 220 × 154 × 250 μm, and vector spacing of 110 × 77 × 250 μm. Uncertainty in velocity is addressed by examining how well the data satisfies the continuity equation. The results show significant improvements compared with previous procedures. Limitations of the technique are also discussed.
Advance care planning in the skilled nursing facility: what do we need for success?

AbstractIntroduction: Despite the established benefits of advance care planning (ACP) in the geriatric population, documentation of ACP counseling in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting remains poor. The primary aim of this study was to identify key barriers to ACP completion among SNF providers. A secondary aim was to identify ACP practice-based differences between SNF physicians and midlevel providers. Methods: As part of a divisional quality improvement project, 43 SNF providers from the area's 9 facilities were asked to complete an optional 14-item electronic survey. The survey was designed to explore and contrast SNF physicians' and midlevel providers' experiences with ACP counseling and documentation. Results: We obtained a 91% completion rate. Systems-based factors, such as lack of a centralized document location, inconsistent documentation habits, dispersion of responsibility, lack of time, and under-recognition of team members' efforts, were cited as key barriers to ACP documentation. Perc...
Measurement of memory of color

Colors produced by monochromatic wavelengths of light viewed in isolation have been used as the only visual variables in short-term delayed matching (DM) and long-term recall (LTR) protocols to quantify three types of color memory in individuals with normal color vision. Measurements were normally distributed, so that color memories of individuals could be compared in terms of means and standard deviations. The variance of LTR of colors of familiar objects is shown to be separable into two portions, one due to “preferred colors” and the other due to individuals' precisions of matching. The wavelength dependence of DM exhibited minima of standard deviations at the same wavelengths as those reported for color discrimination measured by bipartite wavelength matching, and these wavelengths were shown to occur at the wavelengths of the intersections of cone spectral sensitivities. In an intermediate “green” region of relatively constant color discrimination, it was possible to combine DM measurements for different wavelengths for statistical analysis. The standard deviations of DM for individuals of a healthy population were normally distributed, providing a 95% upper confidence limit for identifying individuals with possible short-term memory impairment. Preliminary measurements of standard deviations of DM for delay times of ≤ 1 s were consistent with a proposed rapidly decaying color imagery memory. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 27, 233–242, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10067
Use and Misuse of Antibiotics in Botanical Research

important problems not readily approached more directly. The general pattern of thought has been that process X or response Y is inhibited by an antibiotic. This antibiotic inhibits protein (or RNA) synthesis in bacteria and liver cells. Thus, this antibiotic is specific for protein (or RNA) synthesis. Therefore, X or Y requires protein (or RNA) synthesis. The danger is that such a conclusion, isolated from its attendant data and dis-
Degradation of microcystin-LR using sulfate radicals generated through photolysis, thermolysis and e− transfer mechanisms

Abstract This study explores the potential use of sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation technologies (SR-AOTs) for the degradation of the naturally occurring hepatotoxin, microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The generation of sulfate radicals was achieved by activation of the oxidants persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) through electrophilic transition metal cations (Ag+ and Co2+, respectively), radiation (UV 300 − has similar redox potential to hydroxyl radical (HO ), to the best of our knowledge, SR-AOTs have not been tested for the degradation of cyanotoxins. In this study, PMS was activated very efficiently with Co2+ at neutral pH and increasing catalyst concentration resulted in dramatic increase of the initial rates of degradation that reached a plateau for CCo(II) ≥ 1 mg. Based on the optimum pH conditions for each system, the efficiency order is Co2+/PMS > Fe2+/H2O2 ≫ Ag+/PS, which we believe is associated with the energy of the lower unoccupied molecular orbital of the oxidants. When UV (300 Since, the UV lamps used in the study emit light at a range of wavelengths (300
Gut Eosinophilia in Food Allergy and Systemic and Autoimmune Diseases

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease characterized by striking tissue eosinophilia in any layer of the gut wall; however, many diseases can cause increased gut eosinophilia. Allergic reactions to food are an important cause of gut eosinophilia. Not all adverse reactions to food are IgE mediated, and most cases of IgE-mediated food allergy do not have eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Parasitic, bacterial, and viral pathogens as well as certain systemic diseases such as vasculitis can cause gut eosinophilia. These heterogeneous conditions are reviewed in this article.
Electron Spectroscopies in Solution? Ultrafast Photodetachment and Photoionization in Liquid Water

Detachment and ionization processes play a significant role in aqueous chemistry. This talk will demonstrate that ultrafast photodetachment of stable anions in solution provides a means to study aqueous radicals and electrons and their reactions.
Velocity Occupancy Space: Robot Navigation and Moving Obstacle Avoidance With Sensor Uncertainty

In order to autonomously navigate in an unknown environment, a robotic vehicle must be able to sense obstacles, determine their velocities, and follow a clear path to a goal. However, the perceived location and motion of the obstacles will be uncertain due to the limited accuracy of the robot’s sensors. Thus, it is necessary to develop a system that can avoid moving obstacles using uncertain sensor data. The method proposed here is based on a certainty occupancy grid—which has been used to avoid stationary obstacles in an uncertain environment—in conjunction with the velocity obstacle concept—which allows a robot to avoid well-known moving obstacles. The combination of these two techniques leads to velocity occupancy space: a search space which allows the robot to avoid moving obstacles and navigate efficiently to a goal using uncertain sensor data.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
D-Serine uptake by isolated retinas is consistent with ASCT-mediated transport.

Abstract Uptake of the neuromodulator d -serine by isolated larval tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) retinas was measured using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Excised retinas were incubated in Ringer's solution in the presence of 5 μM d -serine. The supernatant was removed after 30 min, mixed with 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-F) to fluorescently label amines and analyzed using CE. Significant d -serine uptake was observed over a period of 1.5 h. This is the first observation of d -serine uptake by an intact retinal tissue. d -Serine uptake in the retina was Na+-dependent and blocked by l -alanine, l -threonine, and l -cysteine. This pharmacology is consistent with the sodium dependent heteroexchange expected of system ASC-type transporters.
Design of low emittance storage rings

Abstract To reach low emittance particle beams for a high briliance synchrotron light source various types of lattices can be used. Second order aberrations, however, can cause severe limitations for the stable motions of the particles. These limitations and their impact on the operational reliability of a storage ring are discussed for the different lattice types.
The Contributions of Qualitative Research to Discussions of Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education

In response to recent trends and legislation, the concept of implementing evidence-based practices has become a critical component of contemporary schooling. It is important that teachers and famil...
Incomplete markets and individual risks

This paper studies the incomplete markets model with financial assets when the only missing markets are for individual risks. There are no aggregate risks in the economy. Assuming the individual risks are only privately observable, the only equilibria that are implementable by anonymous mechanisms are those in which prices do not vary across states of the world. Such equilibria always exist. Generically, they are locally unique and depend continuously on the parameters of the economy, just like complete-markets equilibria. Generically, there is also an infinite-dimensional manifold of equilibria in which prices do vary across states of the world. These equilibria are isomorphic to sunspot equilibria.
10-Mbps electro-optic resonant phase modulator

A resonant cavity electro-optic phase modulator has been designed and implemented to operate at a data rate of 10 Mbps. The modulator consists of an electro-optic crystal located in a highly resonant cavity. The cavity is electro-optically switched on and off resonance, and the phase dispersion near the cavity resonance provides the output phase modulation. The performance of the modulator was measured by first heterodyne-detecting the signal to an intermediate frequency and then measuring the spectral characteristics using an rf spectrum analyzer. The measured phase shift is shown to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. Further theoretical analysis shows that the design of the modulator can be scaled to operate at 100 Mbps.
Analysis of a picosecond-laser-driven Ne-like Ti x-ray laser

This paper models recent experiments in which a solid titanium target was illuminated by several joules of combined energy from a nanosecond laser pulse to create a preplasma followed by a picosecond laser pulse to drive the gain. Gains greater than 200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ are predicted for the Ne-like Ti 3p${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${\mathrm{S}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3s${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1}$ transition at 326 \AA{}, which is driven by the monopole collisional excitation. High gain is also predicted for the 3d${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3p${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1}$ transition at 301 \AA{}, which is driven by a combination of collisional excitation and self-photopumping. We also discuss the possibilities for driving a Ne-like Ge laser using this approach.
Association study of the let-7 miRNA-complementary site variant in the 3' untranslated region of the KRAS gene in stage III colon cancer (NCCTG N0147 clinical trial)

Purpose: A let-7 microRNA-complementary site (LCS6) polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of the KRAS gene has been shown to disrupt let-7 binding and upregulate KRAS expression. We evaluated the LCS6 genotype and its association with KRAS mutation status, clinicopathologic features, and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage III colon cancer who enrolled in a phase III clinical trial (NCCTG N0147). Experimental Design: The LCS6 genotype was assayed by real-time PCR in DNA extracted from whole blood ( n = 2,834) and compared with paired tumor tissue ( n = 977). χ 2 and two-sample t tests were used to compare baseline factors and KRAS mutation status between patients defined by LCS6 variant status. Log-rank tests and multivariate Cox models assessed associations between LCS6 status and DFS, respectively. Results: We identified 432 (15.2%) blood samples and 143 (14.6%) tumor samples heterozygous or homozygous for the LCS6 G-allele, and 2,402 of 2,834 (84.8%) blood samples and 834 of 977 (85.4%) tumor samples homozygous for the LCS6 T-allele. Genotype results were highly concordant (99.8%) in cases with paired blood and tumor tissue ( n = 977). G-allele carriers were significantly more frequent in Caucasians versus other races (χ 2 test, P KRAS mutation status, clinicopathologic features (all P > 0.2), or DFS (log-rank P = 0.49; HR, 0.929; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–1.14), even after combining LCS6 genotype with KRAS mutation status. Conclusions: In the largest association study investigating the LCS6 polymorphism in colon cancers, the germline LCS6 genotype was not associated with KRAS mutation status or with clinical outcome in patients with stage III tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 20(12); 3319–27. ©2014 AACR .
An in vitro model of phagocytosis in bovine and human retinal pigment epithelium.

Abstract We have developed an in vitro system for studying phagocytosis in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Explants of bovine and human RPE and choroid have been maintained in organ culture, and phagocytosis of 1·1 μm diameter latex microspheres by the RPE has been studied over 24-hr periods. After a latent period of about 8 hr latex was rapidly phagocytized from the apical surface of the cell by more than 90% of the cells in the explant. Each latex bead was surrounded by a membrane derived from apical plasma membrane. Morphometric analysis of organellar area in electron micrographs of phagocytizing vs. fresh RPE cells showed that microvillus membrane is internalized during phagocytosis. A web of microfilaments was apparent near the plasma membrane where initial engulfment occurs, and many microtubules surrounded latex phagosomes deeper in the cytoplasm. Lysosomes fused with many latex phagosomes, but the number of lysosomes in bovine RPE cultured 22 hr exceeded that of fresh RPE. This suggests that either more lysosomes are assembled during acute phagocytic challenge, or that degradation o phagolysosomes occurs less rapidly when inert particles are phagocytized. Phagocytosis by bovine RPE was not affected by continual light or darkness. Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate enhanced the total incorporation of latex, but dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate so altered the shape of cells that phagocytosis could not be assessed. Phagocytosis by human RPE in vitro is reported for the first time. Explants from rod-rich and cone-rich areas of human retina did not differ significantly in their phagocytic ability. The potential use of this explants preparation in the study of various aspects of the phagocytic mechanism in RPE is discussed.
Partial reversal of Cachexia by β-adrenergic receptor blocker therapy in patients with chronic heart failure ☆

Abstract Background Cachexia is a common problem in chronic heart failure (CHF) that may be partly mediated by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. The effects of β-adrenergic receptor blocker (BB) therapy on body weight in cachectic and noncachectic subjects with CHF has not been previously reported. Methods and results Body weight and plasma norepinephrine, leptin, and insulin levels were measured in 27 subjects with CHF before and after 6 months of β-adrenergic receptor blockade with carvedilol or long-acting metoprolol. Before BB therapy, baseline weight, plasma leptin, and plasma insulin levels did not differ between cachectic and noncachectic subjects. Baseline plasma norepinephrine levels were increased in cachectic subjects when compared with noncachectic subjects (930±248 pg/mL versus 503±109 pg/mL, P =.063). After 6 months of BB therapy, subjects with baseline cachexia demonstrated significantly greater weight gain (+5.2±9.6 versus +0.8±5.0 kg, P= .027), greater increase in plasma leptin levels (+3.7±3.9 versus +1.2±4.3 ng/mL, P= .030), and greater decrease in plasma norepinephrine levels (–374±261 versus –41±122 pg/mL, P= .012) when compared with noncachectic subjects. Conclusions Six months of BB therapy with carvedilol or long-acting metoprolol is associated with differential effects on body weight and hormonal levels in cachectic and noncachectic subjects with CHF. Further work is needed to determine the role the sympathetic nervous system in the pathogenesis of cachexia in patients with CHF.
Morphological and somatic clonal analyses of pattern triplications.

Abstract The growth of pattern triplications induced by a 48-hr 29°C treatment given to larvae homo- or hemizygous for a ts cell-lethal mutation was examined to determine which structures result from new, regulative growth and which are produced by the original imaginal disc cells. Pattern triplications contain one complete leg pattern (orthodrome) and two partial patterns (antidrome and paradrome). The results of two morphological analyses and one somatic clonal analysis suggest that in triplications in which the antidrome and paradrome become more complete distally (diverge) the paradrome is formed by a portion of the original leg pattern, and the antidrome and orthodrome are formed by extra, regulative growth. A different result is suggested for triplications in which the antidrome and paradrome become less complete distally (converge). In these, the orthodrome appears to be formed by the original leg pattern and the antidrome and paradrome by extra growth. These results agree with predictions based on the polar coordinate model of positional information.
Influences of low and high frequency oscillation upon spatio-tactile resolution.

Abstract It is generally assumed that the major prerequisites for accurate spatio-tactile localization are small receptive fields with minimal overlap. To test this assumption, psychophysical thresholds for two-point and point localization were obtained with the usual steady stimuli and with stimuli oscillating at 10 or 300 Hz. Receptive fields have been shown in other studies to be smaller for oscillating than for steady stimuli. It was found that both 10 and 300 Hz oscillations decreased two-point thresholds but increased point-localization thresholds with reference to the control series using steady stimulation. A theoretical account of these results is given.
Malpractice Premiums and the Supply of Obstetricians

Using longitudinal data on practicing obstetricians from 1998 to 2004 derived from Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York hospital discharge data, this study finds that rising malpractice premiums are associated with an increased rate of exit and a reduced rate of entry for obstetricians. In Pennsylvania and Florida, where premiums rose by an average of 20% per year for four years, the combined effect of more exits and fewer entries was associated with a decline in obstetrical labor supply of 80 physicians, or 5.3% of the supply of obstetricians.
On Dynamic Loads in Parallel Shaft Transmissions: Part I—Modelling and Analysis

A model of a simple parallel-shaft, spur-gear transmission is presented. The model is developed to simulate dynamic loads in power transmissions. Factors affecting these loads are identified. Included are shaft stiffness, local compliance due to contact stress, load sharing, and friction. Governing differential equations are developed and a solution procedure is outlined. A parameter study of the solutions is presented in NASA TM-100181 (AVSCOM TM-87-C-3).
Reproductive Biology of Rainbow and Brown Trout in a Geothermally Heated Stream: The Firehole River of Yellowstone National Park

Geothermally heated waters discharged into the Firehole River increase downstream temperatures by about 10.5/sup 0/C, and affect the reproduction of the resident brown and rainbow trout. Gross and histological comparisons of gonadal development and annual maturation cycles between trout from an upstream, unheated station and a station downstream in the warmest part of the river indicate that the two species respond differently to the heating of the stream. Brown trout from the unheated station reproduced well, with all adults examined having normally maturing gonads and young of the year abundant in the area by early summer. However, those from the warm station had poor reproductive success, with a low percentage of adults having normally maturing gonads, prespawning degeneration of ova in some females, and very few young of the year evident in the area. Rainbow trout at the warm station reproduced successfully and had changed their annual spawning time from spring to fall. In the warm, fertile waters of the Firehole River, this early spawning not only avoided the high temperatures that would prevail during the spring and early summer, but also enabled the young to grow through the winter.
Organization of cerebral cortical afferent systems in the rat. II. Magnocellular basal nucleus

The organization of the magnocellular basal nucleus (MBN) projection to cerebral cortex in the rat has been studied by using cytoarchitectonic, immunohistochemical, and retrograde and anterograde transport methods. The distribution of retrogradely labeled basal forebrain neurons after cortical injections of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate was essentially identical to that of neurons staining immunohistochemically for choline acetyltransferase. These large (20-30 micrometers perikaryon diameter) multipolar neurons were found scattered through a number of basal forebrain cell groups: medial septal nucleus, nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, magnocellular preoptic nucleus, substantia innominata, and globus pallidus. This peculiar distribution mimics the locations of pathways by which descending cortical fibers enter the diencephalon. Each cortical area was innervated by a characteristic subset of MBN neurons, always located in close association with descending cortical fibers. In many instances anterogradely labeled descending cortical fibers appeared to ramify into diffuse terminal fields among MBN neurons which were retrogradely labeled by the same cortical injection. Double label experiments using retrograde transport of fluorescent dyes confirmed that MBN neurons innervate restricted cortical fields. Anterograde autoradiographic transport studies after injections of 3H-amino acids into MBN revealed that MBN axons reach cerebral cortex primarily via two pathways: (1) The medial pathway, arising from the medial septal nucleus, nucleus of the diagonal band, and medial substantia innominata and globus pallidus MBN neurons, curves dorsally rostral to the diagonal band nucleus, up to the genu of the corpus callosum. Most of the fibers either directly enter medial frontal cortex or turn back over the genu of the corpus callosum into the superficial medial cingulate bundle. Many of these fibers enter anterior cigulate or retrosplenial cortex, but some can be traced back to the splenium of the corpus callosum, where a few enter visual cortex but most turn ventrally and sweep into the hippocampal formation. Here they are joined by other fibers which, at the genu of the corpus callosum, remain ventrally located and run caudally through the dorsal fornix into the hippocampus. (2) The lateral pathway arises in part from medial septal, diagonal band, and magnocellular preoptic neurons whose axons sweep laterally through the substantia innominata to innervate primarily piriform, perirhinal, and endorhinal cortex. Some of these fibers may also enter the hippocampal formation from the entorhinal cortex via the ventral subiculum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Aromatase activity in hindbrain vocal control region of a teleost fish: divergence amoung males with alternative reproductive tactics

Type I male midshipman fish acoustically court females, whereas type II males do not but instead sneak or satellite spawn to compete with type I males for fertilizations. 'Singing' type I males diverge from type II males and females in the organization of an expansive hindbrain pacemaker–motoneuron circuit that establishes the physical attributes of vocalizations. Here, levels of aromatase activity were determined in homogenates of brain by measuring the conversion of 3H-androstenedione (AE) to 3H-oestrone (E1) and 3H-oestradiol (E2). Levels were highest in the telencephalon–preoptic area and similar for all morphs. Lower levels were in a region including the diencephalon, midbrain and cerebellum, although levels were significantly higher in females compared with type I males. In the vocal hindbrain region, aromatase levels were three- to five-fold higher in type II males and females than in type I males, and in castrated type II males than in castrated type I males. Conversion of testosterone to oestrogen in type II males and females may effectively prevent testosterone-induced maturation of the vocal system that characterizes type I males. Aromatase may thus be a key enzyme regulating the expression of individual-specific brain circuitry and behaviours among members of one sex.
Effect of environmental temperature on ruminal volatile fatty acid levels with controlled feed intake.

Abstract Six rumen-fistulated nonlactating Holstein cows were subjected to temperatures of 1.6, 18.2, and 37.7C in the climatic laboratory. Relative humidity was maintained at approximately 50%, and cows were subjected to each temperature for a period of at least one week. Feed intake was kept constant by feeding through the cannula when necessary. Rumen fluid samples were collected under controlled conditions, analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography, and data subjected to factorial analysis. Significantly different levels (P .05). The mean levels for acetic, propionic, and total VFA were 94.4, 37.6, 153.1; 94.7, 33.3, 147.9; and 47.2, 10.6, 66.3 mEq/liter of rumen fluid for 1.6, 18.2, and 37.7C, respectively. These data indicate that high environmental temperatures influenced rumen VFA content when feed intake was controlled at constant levels. As temperature increased, the molar percentage of acetic acid increased, whereas the propionic acid percentage declined. The volume of water consumed was not significantly different (P>.05) between 18.2 and 37.7C, but the frequency of drinks was significantly different (P
Data Analysis Using Stein's Estimator and its Generalizations

Abstract In 1961, James and Stein exhibited an estimator of the mean of a multivariate normal distribution having uniformly lower mean squared error than the sample mean. This estimator is reviewed briefly in an empirical Bayes context. Stein's rule and its generalizations are then applied to predict baseball averages, to estimate toxomosis prevalence rates, and to estimate the exact size of Pearson's chi-square test with results from a computer simulation. In each of these examples, the mean square error of these rules is less than half that of the sample mean.
X-ray Studies of the Alteration of Soda Feldspar1

Studies have been made of the alteration of pure albite single crystals and powders. No structural modification of the feldspar itself has been detected. No evidence has been obtained for any preferential orientation of an alteration product in relation to the initial feldspar. Under hydrothermal conditions at 280° C and 430° C., albite flakes and powders have been subjected to attack by 0.1 N HCl for periods ranging from a few hours to 52 days. The flakes changed mainly to boehmite, the powders to a variety of products, including a well-defined kaolinite. This difference of behavior is interpreted in terms of Correns’ ideas on the weathering of silicates.
Facial Gunshot Wounds: Trends in Management

Facial gunshot wounds, often comprising significant soft and bone tissue defects, pose a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Whether resulting from assault, accident, or suicide attempt, a thorough assessment of the defects is essential for devising an appropriate tissue repair and replacement with a likely secondary revision. Immediately after injury, management is centered on advanced trauma life support with patient stabilization as the primary goal. Thorough examination along with appropriate imaging is critical for identifying any existing defects. Whereas past surgical management advocated delayed definitive treatment using serial debridement, today’s management favors use of more immediate reconstruction. Recent advances in microsurgical technique have shifted favor from local tissue advancement to distant free flap transfers, which improve cosmesis and function. This has resulted in a lower number of surgeries required to achieve reconstruction. Because of the diversity of injury and the complexity of facial gunshot injuries, a systematic algorithm is essential to help manage the different stages of healing and to ensure that the best outcome is achieved.
Structure studies on Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O high-Tc superconductors: Effects of cation disorder and oxygen vacancies

Abstract Detailed structure determinations for numerous crystals grown using a “pseudo-flux growth” technique from different initial metal oxide ratios suggest that cation solid solution occurs in a number of Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O high-Tc superconductors. Such cation disorder may be responsible for both the small differences in lattice parameters as well as the substantial variation in Tc's for the same structure type reported by various investigators. Oxygen vacancies may also lead to small displacement of adjacent cations. The effects of vacuum and oxygen annealing on the superconducting properties are explored.