cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal, multidisciplinary, resident-driven intervention to increase immunisation rates for Medicaid, low-income and uninsured patients.

Introduction More payers are closely linking reimbursement to high-value care outcomes such as immunisation rates. Despite this, there remain high rates of pneumonia and influenza-related hospitalisations generating hospital expenditures as high as $11 000 per hospitalisation. Vaccinating the public is an integral part of preventing poor health and utilisation outcomes and is particularly relevant to high-risk patients. As part of a multidisciplinary effort between family and internal medicine residency programmes, our goal was to improve vaccination rates to an average of 76% of eligible Medicaid, low-income and uninsured (MLIU) patients at an academic primary care practice. Methods The quality improvement project was completed over 3 months by three primary care resident groups. The setting was a suburban academic primary care practice and eligible patients were 18 years of age or older. Our aim was to increase immunisation rates of pneumococcal, influenza, varicella, herpes zoster virus and tetanus and diphtheria vaccination. There were 1690 patients eligible for the vaccination composite metric. Data were derived from the electronic health record and administrative data. Interventions Cohort 1 developed an initial intervention that consisted of a vaccine questionnaire for patients to complete while in the waiting room. Cohort 2 modified questionnaire after reviewing results from initial intervention. Cohort 3 recommended elimination of questionnaire and implementation of a bundled intervention approach. Results There were minimal improvements in patient immunisation rates after using a patient-directed paper questionnaire. After implementation of multiple interventions via an improvement bundle, there were improvements in immunisation rates which were sustained and the result of special cause variation. Conclusion A key to improving immunisation rates for MLIU patients in this clinic was developing relationships with faculty and staff stakeholders. We received feedback from all the medical staff and then applied it to the interventions and made an impact in the average of vaccinations.
Specialization and happiness in marriage: a U.S.-Japan comparison.

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between specialization and happiness in marriage in the U.S. and Japan. Our findings, based on the General Social Surveys in the U.S. and Japan, indicate both similarities and differences in the determinants of marital happiness in the two countries. In the U.S., the findings are mixed. Women’s reported marital happiness in the U.S. is more likely to follow the predictions of the bargaining model where their happiness is determined by their own income. Men’s marital happiness in the U.S. follows the predictions of the specialization model; they are happier if their wives are not working or, alternatively, if they are financially dependent on their wives. In Japan, we find support for the specialization model, particularly in the case of women; they are happier if they are specialized in the household and they have a higher household income. Our research highlights how marital quality is affected by the institutional context and the normative environment.
Motivation and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Variables Affecting Social Media Usage by Market Mavens for Fashion-Related Information Provision

Given the potential impact of market mavens' use of social media marketing on consumer behavior towards fashion products, it is crucial to understand the role of market mavenism in a model that explains the intention to use social media for sharing fashion-related product/marketplace information. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate (a) the impact of market mavenism and fashion involvement on motivations for sharing fashion-related information with others and (b) the influence of motivation variables and the technology acceptance model's belief and attitude variables on the intention to use social media to disseminate fashion-related information. The results indicated that market mavenism is positively associated with fashion involvement and two motivations for fashion-related information provision, the sense of pleasure from helping and obligation. Moreover, these two motivations, perceived enjoyment, and attitude toward social media had positive influences on the intention to use social media to disseminate fashion-related information.
Kinematics of cohesive and elongated particulate materials in a vertical axis mixer

Abstract Cohesive elongated particles are ubiquitous in some industrial particle and powder processing operations; however, only a few studies investigated the kinematics of such particles using a discrete element method (DEM). Therefore, in this study, a DEM-based model was used to investigate the kinematics of cohesive elongated particles agitated in a vertical axis mixer. A contact-area-proportional model accounting for sphero-cylindrical particle geometry was employed for modeling particle–particle and particle–boundary cohesion. Generally, the flow patterns of the elongated particles in the vertical axis mixer remain stable as the particle cohesion level increases from no cohesion to low cohesion. However, flow pattern differences appear when the particle cohesion level increases to high cohesion, including the formation of large agglomerates, particle adhesion to the drum base and sidewall, and a significant heap height increase owing to the large angle of repose which high cohesion particles could maintain. Overall increasing the particle cohesion level increases the mass flow rate of particles over the blade, emphasizing the importance of particle cohesion of the bed. At the condition of high cohesion, the variation of the flow rate over the blade is significantly higher than that for no cohesion or low cohesion.
A Dynamic Replication Approach for Monte Carlo Photon Transport on Heterogeneous Architectures

This paper considers Monte Carlo photon transport applications on heterogenous compute architectures with both CPUs and GPUs. Previous work on this problem has considered only meshes that can fully fit within the memory of a GPU, which is a significant limitation: many important problems require meshes that exceed memory size. We address this gap by introducing a new dynamic replication algorithm that adapts assignments based on the computational ability of a resource. We then demonstrate our algorithm’s efficacy on a variety of workloads, and find that incorporating the CPUs provides speedups of up to 20% over the GPUs alone. Further, these speedups are well beyond the FLOPS contribution from the CPUs, which provide further justification for continuing to include CPUs even when powerful GPUs are available. In all, the contribution of this work is an algorithm that can be applied in real-world settings to make more efficient use of heterogeneous architectures.
Cholesterol Production by the Bacterium Enhygromyxa Salina

Summary We demonstrate the production of cholesterol by Enhygromyxa salina, a heterotrophic marine bacterium. Cholesterol is a highly modified sterol that is preserved as cholestane in the rock record. Cholestane is often indicative of heterotrophic microbial eukaryotes. The production of cholesterol by E. salina is the first reported instance of cholesterol synthesis by a bacterium. Through genomic analyses, we show that E. salina has cholesterol biosynthetic genes that are homologous to the eukaryotic cholesterol pathway. However, we do observe some biosynthetic proteins that are unique to E. salina. Further, extensive lipid analyses demonstrate that cholesterol in this organism is conjugated to either a lipid or protein moiety and does not exist as a free sterol. Conjugated sterols play significant physiological roles in eukaryotes and understanding the nature of conjugated cholesterol in E. salina may provide insight into the physiological roles of these lipids in bacteria. Through these studies, we should be able to better assess what implications, if any, cholesterol production by bacteria has on our interpretation of sterol biomarkers in the rock record.
SkyBridge-3D-CMOS 2.0: IC Technology for Stacked-Transistor 3D ICs beyond FinFETs

For sub-5nm technology nodes, gate-all-around (GAA) FETs are positioned to replace FinFETs to enable the continued miniaturization of ICs in the future. In this paper, we introduce SkyBridge-3D-CMOS 2.0, a 3D-IC technology featuring integration of stacked vertical GAAFETs and 3D interconnects. It aims to provide an integrated solution to critical technology aspects, especially when scaling to sub-5nm nodes. We address important aspects such as 3D fabric components, CAD tool flow, compact model for the GAAFETs and a scalable manufacturing process. The fabric features junctionless accumulation-mode field effect transistors (JAMFETs) including various configurations with multiple threshold voltages and multiple nanowires per transistor, to meet performance and stand-by power constraints of modern SoCs. Furthermore, we develop BSIM-CMG-based compact models for these device configurations to enable technology assessment using SPICE simulations. To enable scalable manufacturing, we create virtual process decks incorporating etch and deposition models using Process Explorer, an industry standard process emulation tool. Technology assessment using ring oscillators shows that SkyBridge-3D-CMOS 2.0 at the chosen design point, using 16nm gate length and 10-nm nanowires, achieves ~18% performance and 31% energy efficiency improvement versus 7nm FinFET CMOS. Area analysis of standard cells shows up to 6x benefit versus aggressively scaled 2D-5T cells.
Redosing of Fluorescein Sodium Improves Image Interpretation During Intraoperative Ex Vivo Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy of Brain Tumors.

Background Fluorescein sodium (FNa) is a fluorescence agent used with a wide-field operating microscope for intraoperative guidance and with confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) to evaluate brain tissue. Susceptibility of FNa to degradation over time may affect CLE image quality during prolonged surgeries. This study describes improved characteristics of CLE images after intraoperative redosing with FNa. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed using CLE images obtained ex vivo from samples obtained during tumor resections with FNa-based fluorescence guidance with a wide-field operating microscope. The comparison groups included CLE images acquired after FNa redosing (redose imaging group), images from the same patients acquired after the initial FNa dose (initial-dose imaging group), and images from patients in whom redosing was not used (single-dose imaging group). A detailed assessment of image quality and interpretation regarding different FNa dosage and timing of imaging after FNa administration was conducted for all comparison groups. Results The brightest and most contrasting images were observed in the redose group compared to the initial-dose and single-dose groups (P<0.001). The decay of FNa signal negatively correlated with brightness (rho = -0.52, P<0.001) and contrast (rho = -0.57, P<0.001). Different doses of FNa did not significantly affect the brightness (P=0.15) or contrast (P=0.09) in CLE images. As the mean timing of imaging increased, the percentage of accurately diagnosed images decreased (P=0.03). Conclusions The decay of the FNa signal is directly associated with image brightness and contrast. The qualitative interpretation scores of images were highest for the FNa redose imaging group. Redosing with FNa to improve the utility of CLE imaging should be considered a safe and beneficial strategy during prolonged surgeries.
Image Guidance in Spinal Surgery: A Critical Appraisal and Future Directions.

ABSTRACT Background: Image-guided spinal surgery (IGSS) underwent rapid development over the past decades. The goal of IGSS is to increase patient safety and improve workflow. We present an overview of the history of IGSS, illustrate its current state, and highlight future developments. Currently, IGSS requires an image set, a tracking system, and a calibration method. Imaging: Two-dimensional images have many disadvantages as a source for navigation. Currently, the most common navigation technique is three-dimensional (3D) navigation based on cross-sectional imaging techniques such as cone-beam computed tomography (CT) or fan-beam CT. Tracking: Electromagnetic tracking uses an electromagnetic field to localize instruments. Optical tracking using infrared cameras has currently become one of the most common tracking methods in IGSS. Calibration: The three most common techniques currently used are the point-matching registration technique, the surface-matching registration technique, and the automated registration technique. Future: Augmented reality (AR) describes a computer-generated image that can be superimposed onto the real-world environment. Marking pathologies and anatomical landmarks are a few examples of many possible future applications. Additionally, AR offers a wide range of possibilities in surgical training. The latest development in IGSS is robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). The presently available data on RAS are very encouraging, but further improvements of these procedures is expected. Conclusion: IGSS significantly evolved since its inception and is becoming a routinely used technology. In the future, IGSS will combine the advantages of “active/freehand 3D navigation” with AR and RAS and will one day find its way into all aspects of spinal surgery, not only in instrumented procedures.
Resiliency in Family Caregivers

Abstract A brief survey instrument (the Caregiver Resilience Instrument) was administered to informal caregivers (N = 23) in a rural area in the southeast. These caregivers had been identified as being 'resilient,' in that they had discovered methods of dealing successfully with the demands of caregiving for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Findings from this survey revealed common themes, ranging from identification of the most difficult aspects of caregiving to the benefits of caregiving, as well as ways these caregivers manage stress. Implications for social work practice with informal caregivers are presented in some detail.
Collaborative research - digital government: a language modeling approach to metadata for cross-database linkage and search

This research demonstrates that language models are a sound and effective foundation on which to build large-scale, distributed information systems for government applications. It contributes to providing an alternative to human-generated metadata for locating information resources. Manual indexing is expensive, and studies show that people are inconsistent and inaccurate when doing indexing, which leads to poor retrieval effectiveness. Generating content descriptions automatically from the markup and structure of documents is less expensive and, when coupled with good search techniques, can be used to locate relevant information more consistently. The evaluation testbeds for our research have been government databases such as those found in FedStats and GPO.
An Exact Branch and Bound Algorithm for the Steiner Problem in Graphs

An exact branch and bound algorithm for the Steiner Problem in Graphs (SPG) is presented, based on a new integer programming formulation. The algorithm proves to be robust and relatively efficient based on preliminary results obtained for average-size problems.
Nonlinear attenuation and rock damage during strong seismic ground motions

Strong seismic waves cause nonlinear behavior in the shallow subsurface in fractured rocks. Seismologists use low-amplitude signals from small repeating earthquakes to measure S wave velocity decrease after strong motion. The 2004 Parkfield, California, earthquake provides examples of such velocity changes in fractured sandstone with an S wave velocity of ∼300 m s−1. This nonlinear behavior occurred around the wave number depth of the incident waves, ∼30 m, for the ∼10 s−1 dominant angular frequency on a velocity seismogram. The low-amplitude S wave velocity gradually recovered with the logarithm of time. The attenuation of strong waves in general depends nonlinearly on their amplitude. High dynamic stress triggered small, very shallow earthquakes, at sites including Parkfield. The theoretical frictional behavior of a fractured medium with heterogeneous prestress relates these phenomena. Failure occurs in the highly prestressed domains causing small earthquakes and opening-mode cracks. The energy to dilate the cracks dissipates a significant fraction of the incoming seismic energy. The local high-porosity domains close with the logarithm of time, as expected from the aging law of rate and state friction, increasing the S wave velocity. The domain model indicates that nonlinear effects increase gradually over a range of dynamic Coulomb stresses as observed and as included in the widely used Masing rules. The Linker and Dieterich (1992) relationship provides the maximum sustainable dynamic coefficient of friction needed to utilize the Masing rules. This parameter is the coefficient of friction at a laboratory normal traction plus a constant ∼0.15 times the logarithm of the ratio of field normal traction to the laboratory normal traction. It is helpful to relate S wave velocity to starting frictional strength, as coefficient of friction near the quarter-wavelength depth determines nonlinear behavior. Then the dynamic coefficient of friction and equivalently the maximum sustainable acceleration at the dominant frequency depend weakly on S wave velocity. For example, the coefficient of friction at an angular frequency of 10 s−1 is less than 1.5 for rocks ranging from Parkfield sandstone to intact granite.
Meeting the U.S. renewable fuel standard: a comparison of biofuel pathways

The production of renewable energy is undergoing rapid development. Ethanol primarily derived from corn and biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil and agricultural grains are established sources of renewable transportation fuel. Cellulosic ethanol production is increasing substantially, but at a rate below expectations. If future renewable fuel projections are to be accomplished, additional sources will be needed. Ideally, these sources should be independent of competing feedstock use such as food grains, and require a minimal footprint. Although the uses of algae seem promising, a number of demonstrations have not been economically successful in today‟s market. This paper identifies efforts being conducted on ethanol and biodiesel production and how algae might contribute to the production of biofuel in the United States. Additionally, the feedstock and land requirements of existing biofuel pathways are compared and discussed.
Polarized entry of canine parvovirus in an epithelial cell line.

Abstract The binding and uptake of canine parvovirus (CPV) in polarized epithelial cells were investigated by growing the cells on a permeable support and inoculating with the virus either from the apical or basolateral surface. Binding of radiolabeled CPV occurred preferentially on the basolateral surface. In contrast, when a similar experiment was carried out on nonpolarized A72 cells, virus binding occurred regardless of the direction of virus input. Binding appeared to be specific for CPV and could not be competitively inhibited by either bovine or porcine parvovirus. Analysis of the binding data revealed a high-affinity receptor (10(5) per cell) for CPV on the basolateral surfaces of MDCK cells (Kd, 29 pM). In indirect immunofluorescence studies, virus entered only from the basolateral surfaces of MDCK cells. These results provide evidence for a functional CPV-specific receptor that is expressed only on the basolateral surfaces of polarized epithelial cells, a result that has interesting consequences for viral pathogenesis.
Synapse formation and establishment of neuronal polarity by P19 embryonic carcinoma cells and embryonic stem cells

A number of different cell lines that exhibit a partial neuronal phenotype have been identified, but in many cases the full extent of their neuronal differentiation has not been directly addressed by functional studies. We have used electrophysiology and immunofluorescence to examine the formation of synapses and the development of neuronal polarity by murine embryonic stem (ES) cells and the mouse P19 embryonic carcinoma cell line. Within 2–3 weeks after induction by retinoic acid, subsets of P19 and ES cells formed excitatory synapses, mediated by glutamate receptors, or inhibitory synapses, mediated by receptors for GABA or glycine. In ES-cell cultures, both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors contributed to the excitatory postsynaptic response. Staining with antibodies to growth- associated protein-43 and microtubule-associated protein-2 revealed segregation of immunoreactivity into separate axonal and somato- dendritic compartments, respectively. Consistent with our physiological evidence for synapse formation, intense punctate staining was observed with antibodies to the synaptic vesicle proteins synapsin, SV2, and synaptophysin. These results demonstrate the in vitro acquisition by pluri-potent cell lines of neuronal polarity and functional synaptic transmission that is characteristic of CNS neurons.
Implicit emotion perception in schizophrenia

Explicit but not implicit facial emotion perception has been shown to be impaired in schizophrenia. In this study, we used newly developed technology in social neuroscience to examine implicit emotion processing. It has been shown that when people look at faces, they automatically infer social traits, and these trait judgments rely heavily on facial features and subtle emotion expressions even with neutral faces. Eighty-one individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 62 control subjects completed a computer task with 30 well-characterized neutral faces. They rated each face on 10 trait judgments: attractive, mean, trustworthy, intelligent, dominant, fun, sociable, aggressive, emotionally stable and weird. The degree to which trait ratings were predicted by objectively-measured subtle emotion expressions served as a measure of implicit emotion processing. Explicit emotion recognition was also examined. Trait ratings were significantly predicted by subtle facial emotional expressions in controls and patients. However, impairment in the implicit emotion perception of fear, happiness, anger and surprise was found in patients. Moreover, these deficits were associated with poorer everyday problem-solving skills and were relatively independent of explicit emotion recognition. Implicit emotion processing is impaired in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Deficits in implicit and explicit emotion perception independently contribute to the patients' poor daily life skills. More research is needed to fully understand the role of implicit and explicit processes in the functional deficits of patients, in order to develop targeted and useful remediation interventions.
The influence of CD40–CD154 interactions on the expressed human VH repertoire: analysis of VH genes expressed by individual B cells of a patient with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome

Analysis of the V(H)DJ(H) repertoire of peripheral blood IgM(+) B cells from a patient with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (X-HIgM) was undertaken to determine whether the distribution of V(H) families in the productive repertoire might be regulated by in vivo CD40-CD154 interactions. The distribution of V(H) genes in the non-productive repertoire of IgM(+) B cells was comparable in X-HIgM and normals. Unlike the normal productive V(H) repertoire, however, in the X-HIgM patient the V(H)4 family was found at almost the same frequency as the V(H)3 family. This reflected a diminution in the positive selection of the V(H)3 family observed in normals and the imposition of positive selection of the V(H)4 family in the X-HIgM patient. Unique among the V(H)3 genes, V(H)3-23/DP-47 was positively selected in both normals and the X-HIgM patient. No major differences in the usage of J(H) or D segments or the complementarity-determining region (CDR) 3 were noted, although the foreshortening of the CDR3 noted in the mutated V(H) rearrangements of normals was absent in the X-HIgM patient. Finally, a minor degree of somatic hypermutation was noted in the X-HIgM patient. These results have suggested that specific influences on the composition of the V(H) repertoire in normals require CD40-CD154 interactions.
Buddhist wisdom as a path to a new economic enlightenment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that mainstream economic theory leads to a diminishment of human happiness and well-being. Alternatively, Buddhist wisdom, applied to economic decision making, offers the opportunity for a well-lived life of purpose and meaning. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an examination of the foundational elements of Buddhism and economics, then contrasts the paths (or models) constructed from these bases and the associated implications for happiness and well-being. Findings – The assumptions of Buddhism and economics regarding incessant wants, method of analytical inquiry, assignation of primary agency, and promotion of individual freedom, all bear striking similarities. Yet, despite these commonalities, the paths they undertake could not be more different. Specifically, their views and beliefs regarding consumption, work, and self-interest lead to radically different implications for how to live a well-lived life and how to organize economic socie...
Technique for the Rapid Determination of HLB and Required-HLB Values

A method is presented for the determination of HLB values and required-HLB values. It involves a simple and rapid procedure which can be carried out in about one hour.
SU‐FF‐T‐212: Evaluation of Different Simulation and Dosimetry Techniques in Small Field Relative Measurements

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate several dosimetry and simulation techniques that can be used to quantify the beam profiles in small radiation fields, especially in the penumbral regions. Method & Materials: Several different radiation dosimetry techniques, including ion chamberdosimetry (RK & PinPoint chamber), diode dosimetry (Scanditronix stereotactic diode), and radiographic (EDR) and Gafchromic (HS) film dosimetry were utilized to measure the beam profiles of 5 mm and 45 mm radiosurgery fields at 95 SSD and depth of 5 cm. The profiles from the ion chambers were further analyzed using a detector response function previously determined by Monte Carlo simulations using deconvolution methods to reduce the beam broadening effect produced by the finite detector size. The same radiosurgery fields were also modeled using Monte Carlo (MCNP5) simulation, including modeling chambers and their respe ctive responses. The beam penumbras from the various dosimetry and simulation techniques were then compared. Results: For the 5 mm cone, the Monte Carlo and diode measurements were in agreement with a 20%–80% penumbra at 1.1 mm. Gafchromic film and the deconvolved RK measurements were larger at 1.8 mm. EDR film and the raw RK chamber penumbras were 2.7 mm. For the 45 mm cone the penumbra results were as follows: Monte Carlo‐2.7 mm; diode‐2.0 mm; Gafchromic‐3.2 mm; deconvolved RK‐3.6 mm; EDR‐3.7 mm; and raw RK‐4.1 mm. Conclusions: Monte Carlo simulations, stereotactic diode measurements and Gafchromic film have a range of penumbras that are within ∼ 1 mm for stereotactic cones. For ion chambers, such as the RK chamber (radius 2 mm), deconvolution of previously determined detector response functions can reduce penumbral broadening due to the larger detector size.
INVASION OF MALES' PERSONAL SPACE BY FEMINISTS AND NON-FEMINISTS

This research investigated the relationship between attitudes toward the feminine role and personal space in 72 college women (19.5 yr.). Subjects were classified as either feminists or traditionals according to their measured attitudes. Traditional women did not differ from feminists in their approach behavior to other females but remained a greater distance from males than did the feminists. Feminists saw themselves as more aggressive and more potent than the traditionals rated themselves.
Optimal chiller loading in a district cooling system with thermal energy storage

Abstract A novel technique for solving a dynamic optimal chiller loading problem is presented. This method reduces the complexity of the dynamic problem by considering all chillers to be a single, optimal chiller, which significantly reduces the number of decision variables. A static optimal chiller loading problem is solved as a sub-problem to give the optimal total power required at each time interval. The static optimization problem is solved by choosing the best solution from a series of convex quadratic programming problems, thus ensuring global optimality at each time interval. This hierarchical structure takes advantage of the extra degrees of freedom provided by thermal energy storage, while effectively breaking the problem down into a much simpler problem. This methodology is applied to a district cooling system in Austin, TX. Results are compared for three operating strategies: equal ratio chiller loading, static optimal chiller loading with no storage, and dynamic optimal chiller loading with storage. The problem is solved with two different objective functions: to minimize total energy consumption and to minimize total cost over a 24-h time horizon. The results show energy savings as high as 9.4% and cost savings as high as 17.4% when applying a conservative time-of-use pricing structure.
Enhancing Clinician Provision of Informed Consent and Counseling: Some Pedagogical Strategies

Although long touted as an ethical and legal requirement, some clinicians still seem to offer less than fully adequate informed consent processes; similarly the counseling of patients and families, particularly about post-intervention scenarios, is often perfunctory at best. Keyed to a narrative of a patient's experience with surgery for a deviated septum, this article reflects on why such less than adequate clinician behaviors tend to occur and what might be done about them. Certain legal misconceptions about informed consent are highlighted in this reflection, as well as why certain clinicians seem to take such a narrow view of their responsibilities to patients. Further reference in this regard is also made to a recently constructed module on informed consent for medical residents. In it, though legal requirements for informed consent are reviewed, the basic perspective taken regards informed consent as a clinical intervention that pursues certain basic goods and values, only one of which lies in deter...
Respiration and respiratory enzyme activity in aerobic and anaerobic cultures of the marine denitrifying bacterium, Pseudomonasperfectomarinus

Abstract Oxygen consumption, nitrate reduction, respiratory electron transport activity, and nitrate reductase activity were measured in aerobic and anaerobic cultures of the marine bacterium, Pseudomonas perfectomarinus. The respiratory electron transport activity was closely correlated with oxygen consumption (r = 0.98) in aerobic cultures and nearly as well correlated with nitrate reductase activity (r = 0.91) and nitrate reduction (r = 0.85) in anaerobic cultures. It was also well correlated with biomass in both aerobic (r = 0.99) and anaerobic (r = 0.94) cultures supporting the use of tetrazolium reduction as an index of living biomass. Time courses of nitrate and nitrate in the anaerobic cultures demonstrated that at nitrate concentrations above 1 mM, denitrification proceeds stepwise. Time courses of pH in anaerobic cultures revealed a rise from 7 to 8.5 during nitrite reduction indicating net proton utilization. This proton utilization is predicted by the stoichiometry of denitrification. Although the experiments were not under ‘simulated in situ’ conditions, the results are relevant to studies of denitrification, to bacterial ATP production, and to the respiratory activity of marine plankton in the ocean.
Spirituality and Devotional Music in the Royal Convent of the Descalzas, Madrid

Musicological interest in the convent of the Descalzas, Madrid, has focused almost exclusively on the salaried male musicians (notably Tomas Luis de Victoria) who provided music for the institution and the nuns and royal daughters who resided there. Yet contemporary chronicles and spiritual biographies offer insight into nuns' music as well; these documents suggest the careful crafting of an image of the women's piety and the deliberate projection of Habsburg spiritual authority through musical means, from private devotional singing in the cloister to a Habsburg nun's public musical patronage.
The identity of light chains of monoclonal IgG and monoclonal IgM in one patient.

Abstract A patient with an IgG myeloma was found to have an elevated monoclonal IgM of the type seen in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. The light chains of the monoclonal IgG and monoclonal IgM were both kappa type. They were indistinguishable by urea starch gel electrophoresis, peptide mapping and amino acid analysis. Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism studies showed that both light chains had similar secondary structure in saline at pH 7·3. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that the two proteins were being synthetized by different plasma cells in the bone marrow. These results provide evidence for a single kind of light polypeptide chain produced by two different clones of plasma cells.
Binding of TFIID to the CYC1 TATA boxes in yeast occurs independently of upstream activating sequences

Abstract Functional transcription initiation complexes can be assembled in vitro without the aid of regulatory factors that bind to upstream activating sequences. However, promoters that lack upstream activating sequences are transcribed poorly if at all in vivo, suggesting that regulatory factors are necessary for the assembly of transcription initiation complexes in cells. To test this possibility, we asked whether the general transcription factor TFIID can bind to a promoter in yeast that lacks upstream activating sequences and is transcriptionally inactive. Analysis of an inactive CYC1 core promoter by high-resolution genomic footprinting revealed efficient binding of TFIID to either of two TATA box elements. Addition of a heat shock element rendered this promoter highly responsive to induction of transcription by heat shock but did not alter the TATA box footprints in the core promoter. Inactivation of all but one TATA box by site-directed mutagenesis did not prevent TFIID from binding to the remaining wild-type TATA box independently of regulatory sequences. These results indicate that upstream regulatory factors are not required for the in vivo binding of TFIID to the CYC1 promoter and that binding of TFIID to DNA is not necessarily a rate-limiting step in the activation of transcription in cells. Differences in chromatin structure may account for why regulatory transcription factors are required for the binding of TFIID to some promoters but not to others.
Analysis of X‐ray Powder Diffraction Data Using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation Method

The details of substitutional chemistries can be deduced with the associated relaxation of the crystal structure. This paper demonstrates the use of the maximum likelihood estimation method (MLE) for X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Detailed calculations are performed for cubic and tetragonal systems. Analysis of yittrium-doped BaTiO3 prepared under different conditions is shown as an example. The methodology outlined here gives rise to a correct evaluation of the standard deviations of the lattice parameters. In addition, MLE approaches asymptotically the Cramer‐Rao lower bound (CRLB) and, therefore, has an advantage over other estimation methods. A link between the output of a commercial software and the standard deviation in the peak position is also suggested.
Studies on the metabolic role of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase. I. Properties of a mutant E. coli with temperature-sensitive peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase.

A mutant strain of Eschrichia coli that is temperature-sensitive for growth stopped protein biosynthesis at 43° C after a brief lag (Fig. 1). Cell-free extracts from the strain showed no specific defect in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, binding initiator tRNA to ribosomes (Table 1), protein chain elongation (Tables 2, 5) or protein chain termination (Tables 3, 4) at high temperature.
Islam, Muslims and the wages of racial agnosia in America

Without the clue [of race, American] history [i]s a nursery tale. (Henry Adams) To get beyond race we must first take account of race. (US Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackman) An increasingly comm...
On counting planar embeddings

Abstract A method for counting the embeddings of a connected but not necessarily biconnected planar graph is given. The method relates the embedding of edges around an articulation point to a tree structure called an embedding tree .
Rod-cone interaction in the distal human retina

During the rod-isolated phase of dark adaption, b-wave implicit time of the human cone electroretinogram increased exponentially with a time constant corresponding to that for the regeneration of rhodopsin. In the presence of different photopically equated short-wave backgrounds, cone b-wave implicit time varied inversely with the scotopic brightness of the background. Taking into account the origin of the b wave, these measurements support the idea of a rod effect on cone function in the distal human retina.
Self‐Assembling Colloidal‐Scale Devices: Selecting and Using Short‐Range Surface Forces Between Conductive Solids

A new general approach to the direct formation of bipolar devices from heterogeneous colloids is suggested. By using surface-force theory and direct measurements, combinations of conductive device materials between which short-range repulsive forces exist in the presence of an intervening liquid, and use these interactions to self-form electrochemical junctions are identified. The inclusion of Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW) and acid-base (AB) interactions appears to be generally sufficient for the prediction of short-range interactions. Device concepts using repulsive and attractive short-range interactions to produce self-organizing colloidal-scale devices are proposed and demonstrated. A prototype self-organizing lithium rechargeable battery is demonstrated using lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2 ) and graphite as the active electrode materials.
Modified thermal analysis equipment and technique for study under controlled humidity conditions

Abstract An apparatus is described that enables samples to be run on both DTA and TGA with prior exposure only to a desired condition. Results are presented for porous glass and hydrated portland cement. For porous glass the runs obtained by a vacuum sorption balance can be reproduced by thermal analysis of separately conditioned samples, and no distinction can be made between monolayer and multilayer adsorbed water. For hydrated portland cement, however, two peaks were detected and interpreted, respectively, as interlayer and adsorbed water. This supports the new model for hydrated portland cement.
Is it gender, methodology, or something else?

See related articles on pages 929, 936, 950, and 959. Are Outcomes Different? The thesis that women are different from men is not argued in any more important venue than the surgical theatre. The questions of whether and why women have higher probabilities of poor outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have been repeatedly asked. A common denominator among published investigations is that the preoperative profile of the female patient is vastly different from that of the male patient. Some risk factors traditionally associated with increased morbidity and mortality after CABG are more commonly represented in the preoperative profile of the female patient. The extent to which these factors explain gender differences, however, varies among studies. Some investigations report higher adjusted mortality for women, whereas others, with application of adjustment strategies, report similar in-hospital mortality between women and men, and yet others report similar postoperative mortality for women and men despite differences in baseline characteristics. How can multiple studies examining the role of gender in surgical outcomes lead to such varied conclusions despite similar analyses of observational databases? If one structures the question correctly, collects the necessary data, and performs the appropriate analysis, one should expect a consistent answer. On the subject of gender, is the question structured to be answered, is there some unmeasured or unknown biologic variable or process-of-care decision in the perioperative period that is influencing outcomes, or is it the variable application of statistical methodology?
Air vehicle displays in the operational environment

Displays in the operational environment can be direct-view or virtual-view, and are analyzed in terms of a broad range of performance parameters. These parameters include image area, field of view, eye-relief, weight and power, luminance and contrast ratio, night vision goggle compatibility (type and class), resolution (pixels per inch or line pairs per milliradian), image intensification, viewing angle, grayscale (shades or levels), dimming range, video capability (frame rate, refresh), operating and storage altitude, operating and storage temperature range, shock and vibration limits, mean time between failure, color vs. monochrome, and display engine technology. This study further looks at design class: custom, versus rugged commercial, versus commercial off-the-shelf designs and issues such as whether the design meets requirements for the operational environment and modes of use, ease of handling, failure modes and soldier recommended upgrades.
Cytochrome P450 and Cyclooxygenase Metabolites Contribute to the Endothelin-1 Afferent Arteriolar Vasoconstrictor and Calcium Responses

Arachidonic acid metabolites contribute to the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced decrease in renal blood flow, but the vascular sites of action are unknown. Experiments performed in vitro used the rat juxtamedullary nephron preparation combined with videomicroscopy. The response of afferent arterioles to ET-1 was determined before and after cytochrome P450 (CYP450) or cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Afferent arteriolar diameter averaged 20+/-1 microm (n=17) at a renal perfusion pressure of 100 mm Hg. Superfusion with 0.001 to 10 nmol/L ET-1 caused a graded decrease in diameter of the afferent arteriole. Vessel diameter decreased by 30+/-2% and 41+/-2% in response to 1 and 10 nmol/L ET-1, respectively. The afferent arteriolar response to ET-1 was significantly attenuated during administration of the CYP450 hydroxylase inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS), such that afferent arteriolar diameter decreased by 19+/-3% and 22+/-3% in response to 1 and 10 nmol/L ET-1, respectively. COX inhibition also greatly attenuated the vasoconstriction elicited by ET-1, whereas the CYP450 epoxygenase inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-6-(2-proparglyoxyphenyl) hexanamide enhanced the ET-1-mediated vascular response. Additional studies were performed using freshly isolated smooth muscle cells prepared from preglomerular microvessels. Renal microvascular smooth muscle cells were loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fura 2 and studied by use of single-cell fluorescence microscopy. Basal renal microvascular smooth muscle cell [Ca(2+)](i) averaged 95+/-3 nmol/L (n=42). ET-1 (10 nmol/L) increased microvascular smooth muscle cell [Ca(2+)](i) to a peak value of 731+/-75 nmol/L before stabilizing at 136+/-8 nmol/L. Administration of DDMS or the COX inhibitor indomethacin significantly attenuated the renal microvascular smooth muscle cell calcium response to ET-1. These data demonstrate that CYP450 hydroxylase and COX arachidonic acid metabolites contribute importantly to the afferent arteriolar diameter and renal microvascular smooth muscle cell calcium responses elicited by ET-1.
'The gates of greatness break open': religious understandings of worth in action

Moral agents aim to live more fully by performing worthy actions; religions speak to this aim by offering models of supremely worthy or transworthy action. This is a different contribution of religion to morality ( and a different channel of religious meaning formation) than is seen by approaches that focus on a religious worldview's undergirding of a moral system. In the special worth domain of Action and greatness noted by Hannah Arendt, which is geared toward an agent's attainment of personal distinction and a mobilizing of communal power, religious agents may be involved in amazing cooperation with the divine. Homeric, Hebraic, Confucian, and Taoist models of such Action show some of the implications of making different basic assumptions about divine-human cooperation.
Modelling concepts for the phenotypic plasticity of dry matter and nitrogen partitioning in rice

Abstract To simulate rice growth and yield accurately, models must integrate growth and morphogenetic processes. Widely used models such as ORYZA1 give much consideration to environmental effects on growth (e.g. carbon assimilation) but assume that assimilate partitioning among organs is independent of the environment, thereby allowing for no or little phenotypic plasticity. The present study evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) nutrition on dry matter and N partitioning, using data from previous studies in the Philippines on irrigated transplanted and direct-seeded IR64 rice fertilized with six levels of N in one, and two levels in another study. Nitrogen application reduced dry matter partitioning to roots, particularly in direct-seeded rice. High N resources significantly increased dry matter partitioning to leaf blades at the expense of stems, but did not affect partitioning between panicles and the rest of the plant. Partitioning of dry matter to leaves decreased as the N concentration in the leaves (LNC) decreased, regardless of the cause of low LNC: low N rate, high population in direct-seeded rice, or phenological stage of the crop. Leaf partitioning of absorbed N, compared to dry matter, was high and varied little during early vegetative growth, but varied strongly from panicle initiation onwards, probably due to competition for N between leaves and the stem and the developing panicle. The possible structure of models that would simulate plasticity of assimilate and N partitioning is discussed on the basis of organ-specific phenological time axes and interacting supply and demand functions. The underlying assumption is that the observed effects of N nutrition on partitioning are mediated by the size of incremental assimilate pools.
Investigating variation in querying behavior for image searches on the web

This study analyzed query iterations and query length during image searching processes on the Web from a naturalistic approach. It examined whether query iterations varied across contextual characteristics in an interactive Web searching process and determined if task goals and different content sources of query construction influenced query length and retrieval actions. The study's findings showed that query iterations were significantly different with types of task goals, working stage, and search expertise. Query length was significantly different with content spaces and correlated with retrieval actions on image search engines. The study discussed implications and future areas to be investigated with contextual factors and pattern of query modification in understanding interactive information searching behavior for image search and retrieval.
On the mixed Chinese postman problem

The mixed Chinese postman problem is a version of the well-known Chinese postman problem in which the underlying graph consists of both directed and undirected edges. We give an integer linear programming formulation for this problem and then show that the extreme points of its linear relaxation polyhedron are all half-integral.