cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the brief multidimensional measure of religiousness/spirituality among adolescents.

Background Developed for use in health research, the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) consists of brief measures of a broad range of religiousness and spirituality (R/S) dimensions. It has established psychometric properties among adults, but little is known about its appropriateness for use with adolescents. Purpose We assessed the psychometric properties of the BMMRS among adolescents. Method We recruited a racially diverse (85% non-White) sample of 305 adolescents aged 12–18 years (median 16 yrs, IQR 14–17) from 3 urban medical clinics; 93 completed a retest 1 week later. We assessed internal consistency and test–retest reliability. We assessed construct validity by examining how well the measures discriminated groups expected to differ based on self-reported religious preference, and how they related to a hypothesized correlate, depressive symptoms. Religious preference was categorized into “No religion/Atheist” (11%), “Don’t know/Confused” (9%), or “Named a religion” (80%). Results Responses to multi-item measures were generally internally consistent (alpha ≥0.70 for 12/16 measures) and stable over 1 week (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥0.70 for 14/16). Forgiveness, Negative R/S Coping, and Commitment items showed lower internal cohesiveness. Scores on most measures were higher (p < 0.05) among those who “Named a religion” compared to the “No religion/Atheist” group. Forgiveness, Commitment, and Anticipated Support from members of one’s congregation were inversely correlated with depressive symptoms, while BMMRS measures assessing negative R/S experiences (Negative R/S Coping, Negative Interactions with others in congregation, Loss in Faith) were positively correlated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions These findings suggest that most BMMRS measures are reliable and valid for use among adolescents.
Intention to notify sexual partners about potential HIV exposure among New York city STD clinics' clients.

BackgroundPartner notification legislation has recently been implemented in New York State.GoalThe goal of the study was to assess willingness of individuals seeking HIV testing to (1) give counselors contact information about partners, if infected, and (2) contact partners on their own.Study Design
Photon-number discrimination using a semiconductor quantum dot, optically gated, field-effect transistor

We demonstrate photon-number discrimination using a novel semiconductor detector that utilizes a layer of self-assembled InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) as an optically addressable floating gate in a GaAs/AlGaAs δ-doped field-effect transistor. When the QDOGFET (quantum dot, optically gated, field-effect transistor) is illuminated, the internal gate field directs the holes generated in the dedicated absorption layer of the structure to the QDs, where they are trapped. The positively charged holes are confined to the dots and screen the internal gate field, causing a persistent change in the channel current that is proportional to the total number of holes trapped in the QD ensemble. We use highly attenuated laser pulses to characterize the response of the QDOGFET cooled to 4 K. We demonstrate that different photon-number states produce well resolved changes in the channel current, where the responses of the detector reflect the Poisson statistics of the laser light. For a mean photon number of 1.1, we show that decision regions can be defined such that the QDOGFET determines the number (0, 1, 2, or ≥3) of detected photons with a probability of accuracy ≥83 % in a single-shot measurement.
Stress and Strain Analysis in Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Solids

Molecular dynamics simulation of solid materials is applied to a two-dimensional indentation problem. Methods are presented for calculating the stress and strain tensors at interior points within the model. The stress calculations corresponding to the elastic deformation portion of the indentation process are compared with an analytical continuum solution. Stress calculations are also presented for the plastic deformation portion of the indentation process. The methods are derived independently so that future work can be directed at determining the constitutive relationship between stress and strain throughout the development of plastic flow and fracture in a solid material.
The molecular basis of isolated 17,20 lyase deficiency

Human P450c17 catalyzes the 17alpha-hydroxylation of pregnenolone to 17OH pregnenolone and of progesterone to 17alpha-OH progesterone; the same P450c17 enzyme also catalyzes 17,20 lyase activity on the same active site, converting 17OH-pregnenolone to DHEA. Rodent and porcine P450c17 also catalyze 17,20 lyase activity with delta4 substrates, converting 17OH-progesterone to delta4 androstenedione, but human P450c17 catalyzes this reaction very inefficiently, so that virtually all human C19 sex steroids are made via 17OH pregnenolone and DHEA. P450c17 is encoded by a single gene and a single species of mRNA. Many mutations of this gene have been described, but until recently all of these either entirely eliminated both 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activity, or affected each activity equivalently. We have identified and characterized the first patients with P450c17 mutations that selectively ablate 17,20 lyase activity while retaining 17alpha-hydroxylase activity. Through a combination of enyzmologic experiments in transfected mammalian cells and in genetically manipulated yeast, plus a computer model of human P450c17, we have proven that the responsible mutations, R347H and R358Q lie in the redox-partner binding site of P450c17. This site, through which P450c17 interacts with P450 oxidoreductase to receive the electrons needed for catalysis, can be allosterically influenced by cytochrome b5. These two mutations have contributed substantially to our understanding of the mechanisms by which 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities are regulated independently, and thus have contributed to the study of regulated 17,20 lyase activity in adrenarche, aging, and the polycystic ovary syndrome.
Identification of specific amino acid residues in the E. coli β processivity clamp involved in interactions with DNA polymerase III, UmuD and UmuD′

Abstract Variants of a pentapeptide sequence (QL[S/F]LF), referred to as the eubacterial clamp-binding motif, appear to be required for certain proteins to bind specifically to the Escherichia coli β sliding clamp, apparently by making contact with a hydrophobic pocket located at the base of the C-terminal tail of each β protomer. Although both UmuC (DNA pol V) and the α catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase III (pol III) each bear a reasonable match to this motif, which appears to be required for their respective interactions with the clamp, neither UmuD not UmuD′ do. As part of an ongoing effort to understand how interactions involving the different E. coli umuDC gene products and components of DNA polymerase III help to coordinate DNA replication with a DNA damage checkpoint control and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) following DNA damage, we characterized the surfaces on β important for its interactions with the two forms of the umuD gene product. We also characterized the surface of β important for its interaction with the α catalytic subunit of pol III. Our results indicate that although UmuD, UmuD′ and α share some common contacts with β, each also makes unique contacts with the clamp. These findings suggest that differential interactions of UmuD and UmuD′ with β impose a DNA damage-responsive conditionality on how β interacts with the translesion DNA polymerase UmuC. This is formally analogous to how post-translational modification of the eukaryotic PCNA clamp influences mutagenesis. We discuss the implications of our findings in terms of how E. coli might coordinate the actions of the umuDC gene products with those of pol III, as well as for how organisms in general might manage the actions of their multiple DNA polymerases.
Computer simulations of magnetic resonance spectra observed in polycrystalline and glassy samples

Abstract The development of a general computer program which simulates the NMR or ESR spectra observed in powdered and glassy samples facilitates calculation of the relevant Hamiltonian or spin-Hamiltonian parameters in a variety of cases. Several ESR and NMR examples illustrate the usefulness of computer techniques in (1) obtaining error bounds on the adjustable spectrum parameters, (2) calculating the relative intensities of several overlapping spectra, (3) estimating the effect that random variations in local environments of glassy samples have on the Hamiltonian or spin-Hamiltonian parameters of the resulting spectra, and (4) relating slight changes in the resonance spectra to changes in the adjustable spectrum parameters.
Nitrotyrosine attenuates the hemodynamic effects of adrenoceptor agonists in vivo: relevance to the pathophysiology of peroxynitrite.

Peroxynitrite, which attenuates catecholamine-mediated hemodynamic responses in vivo, nitrates free tyrosine residues to form the specific product, 3-nitro-L-tyrosine. The chemical structure of 3-nitro-L-tyrosine is similar to that of the endogenous catecholamines. Therefore, 3-nitro-L-tyrosine may interfere with catecholamine hemodynamic function in vivo. The hemodynamic responses produced by norepinephrine (1-4 micrograms/kg, i.v., n = 6), epinephrine (0.5-4 micrograms/kg, i.v., n = 7), phenylephrine (1-8 micrograms/kg, i.v., n = 5), and isoproterenol (100-400 ng/kg, i.v., n = 5) were attenuated, while the hemodynamic responses produced by arginine vasopressin (50-250 ng/kg; i.v., n = 5) were unaffected following the administration of 3-nitro-L-tyrosine (2.5 mumol/kg, i.v.) in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. These results demonstrate substantial and selective attenuation of the hemodynamic effects produced by alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists, raising the possibility that 3-nitro-L-tyrosine may play a role in the hemodynamic dysfunction associated with inflammatory conditions in which the formation of peroxynitrite is favored.
Spinal Cord Protection in Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

During aneurysm repair of the descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta, the likelihood of neurological complications increases greatly after only 30 minutes of spinal cord ischemia. However, the manifestation of paraplegia or paraparesis relates not only to aortic cross-clamping time, but to multiple factors that may include aortic dissection, previous aortic surgery, advanced age, preoperative renal insufficiency, rupture, and most significantly, aneurysm extent. At greatest risk is the patient with type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. For this patient the simple cross-clamp technique, which uses no protective surgical adjuncts, heightens the threat of neurological deficit. With the surgical adjuncts of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion, the probability of neurological deficit is appreciably lowered.
Impact of an Undesired Reaction on a Boiling Slurry Reactor

We study the impact of an undesired simultaneous or consecutive exothermic reaction on the behavioral feature of a boiling slurry reactor (BSR). The BSR is fed by a solution of a non-volatile liquid reactant and a gaseous reactant, while the effluent consists only of gas. While, the BSR can have only a unique steady state if a single reaction occurs, the undesired reaction may lead to the existence of multiple steady states. A unique feature of the BSR is the possible existence of fill-up and dry-up states at which the reactor volume changes monotonically while the other state variables remain unchanged. The fill-up state will lead to spillover unless the feed conditions are properly adjusted. An undesired consecutive reaction leads to more intricate dynamic features than does a simultaneous undesired reaction.
Total thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with Graves’ disease and a thyroid nodule

Objective To identify the indications and outcomes of total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease in a North American cohort. Study design and setting Prospective database of 297 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care center identified 49 patients with Graves’. Results There were 37 women and 12 men (mean age, 37.9 years). Common indications for surgery were: refusal of radioactive iodine (20%), thyroid storm (18%), a thyroid nodule (16%), failure of I131(14%), and ophthalmopathy (14%). Complications included: symptomatic hypocalcemia (14%), permanent hypoparathyroidism (0%), and symptoms of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0%). Graves’ patients had more bleeding (117 mL versus 48 mL, P Conclusion Total thyroidectomy for Graves’ has minimal morbidity. Patients with Graves’ and a thyroid nodule are at an increased risk for malignancy and should be treated with a total thyroidectomy.
Massive Transfusion: New Insights

Massive transfusion (MT) is used for the treatment of uncontrolled hemorrhage. Earlier definitive control of life-threatening hemorrhage has significantly improved patient outcomes, but MT is still required. A number of recent advances in the area of MT have emerged, including the use of "hypotensive" or "delayed" resuscitation for victims of penetrating trauma before hemorrhage is controlled and "hemostatic resuscitation" with increased use of plasma and platelet transfusions in an attempt to maintain coagulation. These advances include the earlier use of hemostatic blood products (plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate), recombinant factor VIIa as an adjunct to the treatment of dilutional and consumptive coagulopathy, and a reduction in the use of isotonic crystalloid resuscitation. MT protocols have been developed to simplify and standardize transfusion practices. The authors of recent studies have advocated a 1:1:1 ratio of packed RBCs to fresh frozen plasma to platelet transfusions in patients requiring MT to avoid dilutional and consumptive coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia, and this has been associated with decreased mortality in recent reports from combat and civilian trauma. Earlier assessment of the exact nature of abnormalities in hemostasis has also been advocated to direct specific component and pharmacologic therapy to restore hemostasis, particularly in the determination of ongoing fibrinolysis.
Developmental expression of chick cortical GABAA receptor α1 subunits in vivo and in vitro

Abstract In order to examine the expression of the GABAA receptor α1 subunit during chick cortical development in vivo and in vitro, we have utilized a polyclonal antibody (RP4) directed against an α1(331–381) fusion protein. This antibody exhibits a high titer for precipitation of [3H]flunitrazepam binding sites in chick cortical extracts, no significant cross-reactivity with GABAA receptor β2- or β4-subunit fusion proteins, and a robust reaction with a single 51-kDa polypeptide on immunoblots of cortical membranes. This indicates monospecificity of the RP4 antiserum for the GABAA receptor α1 subunit. The α1-subunit antibody also showed strong immunocytochemical reactions with neurons in the embryonic mediodorsal cortex and Purkinje cells of the chick cerebellum. The ontogeny of the α1 subunit in chick cortex and in derived neuronal cultures was examined by quantitative Western blotting. The level of the α1 polypeptide increased from day 2 to day 6 in culture, acquiring 50% of the maximum expression at day 4. Expression of the cortical GABAA receptor α1 subunit increased in vivo from embryonic day 8 (E8) to day 7 post-hatching, reaching 50% of adult levels at E16. Levels of the corresponding α1-subunit mRNA, analyzed from E8 to E20 by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), showed a corresponding incline. These findings correlated well with previous developmental studies of GABAA receptor ligand binding sites both in vivo and in vitro. The parallel increase of the α1 subunit transcript and polypeptide with [3H]flunitrazepam binding sites suggests that this subunit may be an important component of GABAA receptors early in cortical ontogeny. This was investigated further by quantitative immunoprecipitation. At saturation, the RP4 antiserum consistently precipitated 50–65% of the central [3H]flunitrazepam binding sites in the developing cortex from E12 through P7, despite a 5-fold increase in the binding level. The data suggest that during cortical development the fraction of GABAA receptors containing α1 subunits remains relatively constant. Furthermore, the α1 polypeptide appears to be a major component of GABAA receptor oligomers at all stages of cortical maturation. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Porosity Development and Dedolomitization in Bass Islands Dolomite of Kentucky: ABSTRACT

A 33-m (108-ft) core of the Upper Silurian Bass Islands formation from a well in Johnson County, Kentucky, consists mainly of finely crystalline dolomite and intraclastic dolomite. These rocks reflect low-energy, hypersaline coastal environments which bordered the Cincinnati arch. Environments included the supratidal mud flat (evaporite minerals and desiccation features), intertidal flat (algal stromatolites), tidal channels (intraclasts), and beach ridges (peloids and intraclasts). The original lime sediments are believed to have been totally dolomitized penecontemporaneously with deposition. Several shows of natural gas were reported from the formation in this well. The entire "Corniferous" group, including the Bass Islands carbonates, was treated and had an initial production of 464 MCFGD. Porosity is generally poor throughout the formation, but it is as high as 9% in some zones. Porosity occurs as micropores (50µ) associated with dedolomitization, and mesopores (up to 5mm) interpreted to be solution-enlarged molds of carbonate grains and evaporite minerals, horizontal fractures along bedding planes, and incompletely filled vertical fractures. Dedolomitization probably occurred with the development of an Early Devonian paraconformity, when the Bass Islands was buried to a depth less than 40 m (130 ft). Evaporitic sulfate minerals were attacked by anaerobic bacteria and replaced by silica in this near-surface diagenetic setting. Both reactions released calcium to the pore water. As the calcium/magnesium ratio increased, calcite began to replace dolomite. The dedolomitized calcite generally has a poikilotopic texture but also has a porphyrotopic texture. At some later time, outside pore water entering through fractures in the carbonate formation partially leached some of the dedolomitized calcite, thus creating most of the porosity preserved in the Bass Islands. End_of_Article - Last_Page 529------------
La mirada histórica. Estrategias para abordar la cultura de la transición española

Resumen: Las manifestaciones populares de 2011 en Madrid propiciaron una nueva ola de analisis de la transicion y su cultura. Una de las antologias publicadas en 2010 es especialmente productiva para discutir aproximaciones teoricas y practicas a este tema. Algunos autores del volumen utilizan un tono revolucionario que rechaza de plano la cultura hegemonica de la transicion y, a partir de las reacciones populares contra el status quo, preven un idilico volver a empezar de la cultura espanola. Sin embargo, un analisis historico de estas posiciones muestra una relacion inquietante y familiar que las conecta con las bases mismas de la cultura de la transicion. A traves del analisis de este caso, el articulo propone el uso de criterios historicos, economicos y politicos para recuperar una valiosa produccion artistica y critica que durante la transicion fue desplazada a los margenes de la cultura oficial. Palabras clave: Espana, Transicion, Industria cultural, analisis historico, critica literaria Abstract: Popular demonstrations in Madrid during 2011 encouraged a new wave of reflection on the Spanish transition and its culture. One of the anthologies published in 2012 is especially productive to discuss theoretical and practical approaches to the matter. Some contributors use a revolutionary tone that completely rejects the hegemonic culture during the Spanish transition. Based on the popular reaction against the status quo, they announce an idyllic fresh starting for the national culture. However, a historical analysis of this claims exposes a disturbing and intimate connection that links them with the basis that founded the culture of the transition. Through the analysis of this case, the article proposes the uses of historical, economic and sociological criterion to recover a broad critical and artistic production that during the Spanish transition was displaced to the margins of the official culture. Keywords: Spanish transition, culture industry, historical analysis, literary criticism
Active Filtering of Input Ripple Current to Obtain Efficient and Reliable Power from Fuel Cell Sources

Fuel cells are one of the cleanest and most efficient technologies for generating electricity. In most cases, the fuel cell associated power conditioning system must include a DC-DC converter and a DC to AC inverter. Inverter input ripple current has been reported to possibly degrade fuel cell performance and reduce operating life if ripple currents are not adequately controlled. This paper proposes an active filtering method to cancel the 2nd harmonic current ripple drawn from the fuel cell source in a typical single phase fuel cell system. The proposed active harmonic filter provides an alternate path for the 120 Hz ripple, thereby, preventing the ripple from circulating through the source. The proposed system was simulated using PSpice and the results are presented. Experimental results from a laboratory prototype are also included to validate the proposed approach.
Flow of curshed oil shale through circular orifices

Abstract The gravity flow of crushed Colorado oil shale from a 18 cm dia. glass column through flat circular and converging conical orifices was studied using high-speed cinematography. Factors tested were: (1) diameter of flat-entry and conical orifices, (2) three sizes of shale in one broad and two narrow distributions, (3) upward air velocity, (4) viscosity and surface tension of wetting liquids (one simulating hot shale oil), and (5) presence of up to three crossing tubes in the shale bed. Arching sometimes caused stoppage of flow with orifice-to-particle size ratios (D/W) as high as 7.25. No interparticle motions were visible at levels above about 1.5 column diameters from the orifice. Except when there was air flowing upward, discharge rates were not consistently different when the bed was full than at other levels while it emptied, but local mean velocities measured over 10 cm depth sections ranged widely, about 40% of the mean value. For the runs made with dry shales through flat orifices, the rate of discharge was proportional to the square of the effective opening, D-2W, rather than the 2.5 power reported by other workers for more uniform, smoother, rounder materials. In a flat-bottom vessel, crushed shale forms its own final entrance cone around the orifice, with an included angle of 90°. When conical throats with an included angle of 40° were inserted, flow rates were 50–100% higher. Shale 6 mm and larger that was wet with simulated shale oil flowed as well as dry shale. The presence of only 0.7% of very fine material in dry shale appears to have a lubricating effect, causing the shale to pack more tightly and flow faster.
Androgen-induced agonistic behavior in castrate male Swiss-Webster mice: comparison of four naturally occurring androgens.

Agonistic behaviors including tail rattling, biting and fighting between castrate male Swiss-Webster mice living in isolation and group-housed castrate male SW mice was facilitated by treatment with testosterone, dihydrotestosterone or androstenedione. In these tests testosterone appeared to be more potent than dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione. These three androgens as well as androstanedione were all capable of stimulating growth of the seminal vesicles and preputial glands. As potency in these peripheral tissues did not parallel potency in the behavioral tests it was suggested that different hormone metabolites are differentially effective in different target tissues and in different behaviors. Differences between these data and similar data for the CD-1 mouse were also discussed.
Normal somatosensory evoked potentials in a child in persistent coma

Somatosensory evoked potentials have been useful in predicting coma outcome in children. We present a patient who failed to recover consciousness after a near-drowning episode and has remained in a vegetative state. The initial and subsequent somatosensory evoked potentials have been normal, illustrating that normal results do not necessarily portend a favorable outcome.
Experimental studies of three-photon ionization of Ba: Evidence of channel interference and Raman coupling.

Three-photon ionization spectra of Ba were studied which result from two-photon resonances between the 6${s}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${S}_{0}$ ground state and the 6snd J=2,6s(n+1)s ${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${S}_{0}$ (16\ensuremath{\le}n40) Rydberg states and 5d7d ${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${D}_{2}$,${\mathrm{}}^{3}$${P}_{0}$,2 perturber states. A tunable laser with field strength ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}(4\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5)}$ a.u. was used to drive the excitation in a low-density atomic beam (n\ensuremath{\lesssim}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$). Resonant line shapes were systematically studied as a function of light polarization and intensity. Studies with linearly polarized light find all resonant line shapes manifest the same peak shift and asymmetry which is traced to the ac Stark shift of the ground state. The resonant peak height, shift, and linewidth scale linearly with light intensity which is accounted for with a rate-equation formulation.For the case of circular polarization, a distinct minimum of ionization occurs between each J=2 doublet of the 6snd series. One level (generally $^{3}\mathrm{D}_{2}$) is significantly broadened in comparison to the laser linewidth (0.1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$) with increasing intensity while its sister level remains narrow (\ensuremath{\sim}0.2 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$). Further, light shifts of the $^{3}\mathrm{D}_{2}$ states are generally \ensuremath{\gtrsim}1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ to the red while shifts of $^{1}\mathrm{D}_{2}$ states are negligible. This behavior switches for the n=27 doublet. Lastly, the dynamic shifts are not quadratic with the field strength. These effects are attributed in part to cancellation due to channel interference and a two-photon Raman process which mixes each J=2 doublet. These processes act in conjunction with the ac Stark effect to produce the observed profile behavior. The shifts and coupling of the excited states are attributed to the influence of the 6pnd ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$${=3}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ autoionization series and are shown to be sensitive to the singlet-triplet mixing coefficient \ensuremath{\beta} of the J=2 doublets. A perturbation analysis is introduced which accounts for the salient features of the data, although it does not include bandwidth and saturation effects. Calculations of light shifts of the 6snd J=2 levels based on this analysis require \ensuremath{\beta} be modified from previous assignments based on hfs measurements for n in the vicinity of the 5d7d ${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${D}_{2}$ perturber.
Application of a novel design method for knee replacements to achieve normal mechanics.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to utilize a novel method for the design of total knee replacements for use in the absence of the cruciate ligaments, with the design criteria of reproducing the medial stability and lateral mobility characteristics of the normal anatomic knee. Scope The starting point was a femoral component with surfaces approximating anatomic. This surface was moved into multiple positions describing a neutral path of motion and laxity about the neutral path. The distal part of the femoral composite was then used to define the tibial surface. By varying the femoral design, different tibial surfaces were produced. The reference design featured a dished medial tibial surface and a shallow lateral tibial surface, but this provided limited motion guidance. To provide further guidance, two types of design were generated, one using intercondylar guide surfaces, the other providing guidance from the condylar surfaces themselves. Conclusions The design method was capable of generating a range of total knee surfaces which could potentially return the arthritic knee to more normal function.
The surface structure of spores and aerial hyphae in Streptomyces viridochromogenes.

The fine structure of the surface membrane which covers the cell walls of spores and aerial hyphae of S. viridochromogenes was investigated by means of electron microscopy of air-dried whole mounts, thin sections, negative stainings and freeze-etchings. The delicate sheath of the spores, which is responsible for the surface features, exhibits conspicuous cone shaped protrusions called spines. They are composed of 5–12 rodlike units, each apparently consisting of a bundle of fine fibrils. Non-sporulating hyphae have no spines; their surface membrane shows an irregular pattern consisting of long tubules.
The stability of the fixation disparity curve.

Abstract The fixation disparity curve has been measured over intervals of minutes, days and months. Two female adults with good binocular visual function were the subjects. The data indicate that significant shifts in the placement of the curve can take place over a period of several days. Over a period of 5 months, repeated measurement of the fixation disparity curve shows that the curve tends to keep the same form but shifts upwards or downwards on the y-axis.
Characterizing microbial diversity in production water from an Alaskan mesothermic petroleum reservoir with two independent molecular methods.

Summary The phylogenetic diversity of Bacteria and Archaea within a biodegraded, mesothermic petroleum reservoir in the Schrader Bluff Formation of Alaska was examined by two culture-independent methods based on fosmid and small-subunit rRNA gene PCR clone libraries. Despite the exclusion of certain groups by each method, there was overall no significant qualitative difference in the diversity of phylotypes recovered by the two methods. The resident Bacteria belonged to at least 14 phylum-level lineages, including the polyphyletic Firmicutes, which accounted for 36.2% of all small-subunit rRNA gene-containing (SSU+) fosmid clones identified. Members of uncultured divisions were also numerous and made up 35.2% of the SSU+ fosmid clones. Clones from domain Archaea accounted for about half of all SSU+ fosmids, suggesting that their cell numbers were comparable to those of the Bacteria in this microbial community. In contrast to the Bacteria, however, nearly all archaeal clones recovered by both methods were related to methanogens, especially acetoclastic methanogens, while the plurality of bacterial fosmid clones was affiliated with Synergistes-like acetogenic Firmicutes that possibly degrade longer-chain carboxylic acid components in the crude oil to acetate. These data suggest that acetate may be a key intermediary metabolite in this subsurface anaerobic food chain, which leads to methane production as the primary terminal electron sink.
Small-scale UAS for geoinformatics applications on an island campus

Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi is undergoing a major university expansion on its island campus. The university's Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science was tasked with providing the spatial information needs related to this expansion. To meet this objective, a small-scale Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) equipped with a small-format digital camera is utilized to acquire aerial imagery in support of campus facilities. A processing and analysis workflow is implemented to evaluate the quality of geospatial data products derived from the system. Results show a mean planimetric accuracy of 6 cm when using control points. Vertical accuracy is evaluated by comparing UAS-derived elevations to airborne lidar and RTK GPS. The mean absolute difference is approximately 13 cm relative to lidar and 3.7 cm relative to RTK GPS. Results provide insight into the capabilities and challenges in utilizing UAS equipped with small-format digital cameras for survey-grade 3D mapping.
Efficacy of a topical sesame/rose geranium oil compound in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia associated epistaxis.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Topical Sesame/Rose geranium oil compound is an effective therapy for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) associated epistaxis. Study Design: Cohort Study. Methods: Twenty patients with HHT confirmed by the Curacao criteria were treated with a sesame/rose geranium oil topical compound between January 2010 and June 2011. A treatment evaluation survey was conducted at least 3 months after treatment initiation. Changes in epistaxis severity scores (ESS), patient satisfaction, and any adverse effects were assessed. Results: A total of 20 patients completed the study. The average (SD) age was 54.4 (14.6), and 14 (70%) were female. The median time on rose geranium oil was 183 days (IQR: 114–311). At the conclusion of the study, 18 (90%) were still using rose geranium oil. The majority (75%) of patients subjectively felt improvement with the treatment. The improvement was felt to be gradual in 25% and immediate in 50% of patients. Mean (SD) overall satisfaction using a 10-point Likert scale was 7.8 (3.1), with 50% of the patients reporting a satisfaction rating of 10. Mean (SD) epistaxis severity score (ESS) prior to treatment was 5.3 (1.7). After treatment with sesame/rose geranium oil, mean (SD) ESS was found to be 3.5 (1.8). Treatment with sesame/rose geranium oil was associated with a statistically significant improvement in ESS by 1.81 (P <0.0001). There were no adverse side-effects from the treatment. Conclusion: A sesame/rose geranium oil compound can significantly reduce the epistaxis severity scores of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-related epistaxis.
3D pelvic floor ultrasound findings and severity of anal incontinence.

The aim of our study was to determine the association between the severity of anal incontinence and levator ani deficiency, anal sphincter defects, anorectal angle, and colonic motility abnormalities. This was a retrospective study. Subjects were categorized into three groups: normal, minor anal incontinence, and major anal incontinence according to their answers to the PFDI-20 questionnaire. 3D endovaginal ultrasound was utilized to assess levator ani muscle and the anorectal angle. Levator ani muscle subdivisions were scored based on avulsion from the pubic bone and muscle thickness, based on our previous work. 3D endoanal ultrasound was utilized to assess anal sphincters. Colonic motility abnormalities were defined as diarrhea, constipation or both. Ninety-seven patients were included in the analysis: 45 with major anal incontinence, 29 with minor anal incontinence, and 23 continent women. On multivariate logistic regression, sphincter defect, anorectal angle, and colonic motility abnormalities were associated with anal incontinence severity. Women with an external anal sphincter defect had a 20.36-fold chance of having severe anal incontinence compared with patients with no defect (OR 20.36, 95 % CI 5.4, 76.6); those with both defective sphincters had a 102.5-fold chance of having severe anal incontinence (OR 102.5, 95 % CI 10.2, >999). Anorectal angle ≥170° was significantly associated with the severity of anal incontinence (OR = 4.07, 95 % CI 1.53, 10.79), as was the presence of colonic mobility abnormality (OR 5.31, 95 % CI 1.86, 15.19). 3D pelvic floor ultrasound can be an efficient tool for anal incontinence evaluation in women. Anal sphincter defects, colonic motility abnormalities, and anorectal angle were associated with the severity of anal incontinence. While there was a trend toward worsening levator ani deficiency among those with major anal incontinence, this did not reach statistical significance.
Soybean meal chick rations need no inorganic phosphorus supplements.

Abstract In the present poultry-feed situation, animal sources of protein and of phosphorus are scarce, and their conservation is essential to the most efficient and successful production of poultry and eggs. The substitution of protein concentrates of plant origin, particularly of soy-bean meal, for animal protein concentrates is one method of meeting this situation. Some evidence has been presented, however, to the effect that when such a substitution is made in chick rations, the phosphorus requirements are increased, presumably because so much of the phosphorus in grains and seeds is in the form of phytin, which has been shown by Lowe, Steenbock and Krieger (’39) to be poorly utilized by the chick. Heuser, Norris, McGinnis and Scott (’43) presented such evidence, although the differences between average chick weights at 8 weeks of age for comparable experimental lots, upon which their conclusions were partly based, do not seem to be statistically significant. . . .
Combination chemotherapy in oat cell carcinoma of the lung

Twenty-eight patients with oat cell carcinoma of the lung were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone with and without irradiation. Median survival was significantly increased in this treatment group (10 months) as compared to a retrospective radiation alone series (5 months). Intensive chemotherapy with this four-drug regimen represents an initial step in effective management of this disorder.
Reconstruction of fire whirls using scale models

Abstract This work was motivated from the knowledge of a historical fire whirl accident in which a fire whirl was responsible for 38,000 deaths and serious damage to the environment, all of which happened within 15 minutes. To understand the general features of fire whirls, records of example fire whirls were collected and deduced to be of three different types. Scaling laws were derived using dimensional analysis; three types of scale-models, with scaling ratios of 1 235 , 1 2500 , and 1 4837 , corresponding to three actual fire whirls (prototypes), were designed in the laboratory. Wind tunnel fire experiments were performed burning methanol as the fire source and by changing the wind velocity to understand conditions under which fire whirls can occur. The model fire whirls reconstructed in the laboratory were visualized with water vapor; and profiles of velocity and temperature were, respectively, measured by a hot wire anemometer and a fine thermocouple. Because the dynamic structure of prototype fire whirls is not known due to lack of direct measurements in actual flows, a large scale-model with scaling ratio of 1 100 to the prototype was designed to be studied in an open field. This model consisted of 85 circular pans filled with 2.3 m3 of methanol that were distributed in an area of 400 m2. Air movement was visualized by colored smoke. Wind velocity and direction were measured at five different locations and air temperatures at nine different locations. It was found that the visually determined whirl diameter and whirl column height, and the maximum tangential velocity of the whirl can be correlated to the 1 2500 scale model by the proposed scaling laws.
Low-Energy Theorems for Spin S >~ 1

Two new results for Compton scattering are noted: (a) a relation for $Sg~1$ which tests whether the total cross sections for unpolarized photons on a polarized stable target are asymptotically independent of the target polarization, (b) the existence of low-energy theorems for all intrinsic multipole moments. The electric-quadrupole theorem is given explicitly.
Outcomes of cartilage tympanoplasty in the pediatric population.

ObjectiveTo justify the successful use of a patient selection algorithm based on age for primary cartilage tympanoplasty.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients between ages 4 and 13 years who underwent cartilage tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforations from August 2005 to November 2011. Demographics, complication data, and auditory outcomes were collected.ResultsPatients were subdivided into 3 age groups. Group 1 consisted of patients younger than 7 years (n = 43); group 2, ages 7 to 10 years (n = 40); and group 3, ages 10 to 13 years (n = 36). Mean follow-up was 595 days (range, 48-1742). Complication rates respective to the 3 groups were as follows: remnant perforation (6.97%, 5.00%, 2.78%), revision tympanoplasty (2.33%, 2.50%, 0%), and need for tympanostomy tubes (4.65%, 2.50%, 0%). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate complication rates between groups. No significan...
Optimum distributed feed reactor with temperature constraints

Abstract Chemical reactors for a single exothermic reversible reaction with minimum volume for a given duty are considered in which the temperature is controlled directly by bypassing cold feed around a main feed preheater and distributing it along the length of the reactor, and in which the temperature may not exceed a given number: T . In general the optimal policy requires that in the first part of the reactor the cold feed be added in such a way that the temperature is maintained equal to T , in the second part the rate of addition of cold feed must be such that the reaction rate is maximized with respect to variations of the mass flow rate at each point (of the second part) of the reactor, and in the last part no cold feed must be added at all. A numerical example (the commercial air oxidation of SO 2 to SO 3 ) is presented.
Promoting healthy lifestyles: Behavior modification and motivational interviewing in the treatment of childhood obesity

Childhood obesity has increased dramatically during the past two decades. The growing incidence of childhood obesity is alarming, given the significant short- and long-term health consequences associated with obesity and the strong tracking of obesity from childhood to adulthood. Lifestyle plays an important role in the development and maintenance of obesity. Behavior modification programs targeting eating, exercise, and diet behaviors continue to be the mainstay for treating obese children. Although family-based behavioral weight management programs have resulted in significant improvements in weight status, maintaining improvements in weight status continues to be a challenge, with many interventions resulting in considerable relapse. Motivational interviewing is one innovative approach, used alone or in conjunction with standard behavioral modification programs, which has been proposed to have the potential to enhance motivation for change and therefore improve long-term treatment outcomes for obese children. A broad literature search using two electronic databases, Medline and PsycINFO, to identify studies that used an intervention with a motivational interviewing component to modify diet and/or physical activity in the prevention or treatment of childhood obesity identified two studies that targeted weight as a primary outcome. The studies reviewed indicate that, although initial findings are encouraging, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. Concerted efforts are clearly needed to elucidate the mechanisms for maintenance of initial treatment gains, as well as the ultimate achievement of more ideal weight once formal treatment ceases.
Cilia self-organize in response to planar cell polarity and flow

Cilia drive fluid flow in development and physiology, but this requires that all cilia in a tissue orient the same way. Earlier studies indicated that both planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling and cilia-generated fluid flows could influence ciliary orientation. We now learn how asymmetric localization of PCP proteins influences the position and orientation of cilia to control the direction of flow.
Collimator Design Using Ray-Tracing Techniques

A new computer program, RAYTRC, has been written to analyze and design collimators for high-energy gamma-ray cameras used in nuclear medicine. The program finds collimator sensitivity, and geometric and penetration point source response functions. The results of this program are presented for a number of commercial collimators and for a new experimental design used to image with 511 keV gamma-rays. Collimators designed for such high-energy gamma-rays often produce bothersome hole pattern in the images due to thick septa. In order to analyze this problem we introduce a 'generalized collimator transfer function' which characterizes not only the averaged collimator response, but also the effect of hole pattern on the images.
New phylism theory and the homosexualization of the visualization of lust.

Nature needs nurture is the paradigm that replaces nature versus nurture. Nature's determinants are phylismic, i.e. they belong to the person phylogenetically as a member of the species and are not individually fortuitous. Phylismically, in the human species, vision and contrectation supplant pheromones as procreative attractants. The primary visual attractant, the sexual body morphology of a potential partner, is in all likelihood hormonally encoded into the sexual brain in fetal and/or neonatal life. Should the prenatal or neonatal encoding of the visual attractant become transposed from the visual image of the body morphology of the other sex to that of the same sex, then the brain would be biased in subsequent development toward some degree or variation of homosexual or bisexual attraction.
Self assembly driven by hydrophobic interactions at alkanethiol monolayers: mechanism of formation of hybrid bilayer membranes

The mechanism for the formation of biomimetic model cell membranes consisting of bilayers composed of alkanethiols and phospholipids was probed with a kinetic study using surface plasmon resonance. The kinetics of formation of a monolayer of phospholipid from vesicles in solution onto a hydrophobic alkanethiol monolayer is described by a model that takes into account the lipid concentration, diffusion, and a surface reorganization rate constant. Monomer phospholipid apparently does not play a direct role in determining the kinetics of bilayer formation. Expressions for the limiting cases of this model describe the behavior of two distinct vesicle concentration conditions. At high concentrations of lipid vesicles the formation of the bilayer appears to be limited by the diffusion of vesicles to the surface; at lower concentrations of vesicles, the rate-limiting step is apparently the surface reorganization of lipid. This kinetic model can also be used to describe the formation of a biomimetic bilayer from an alkanethiol monolayer and cell membranes.
The spectral theory of the vibrating periodic beam

We study the spectral theory of the fourth-order eigenvalue problem $$\left[ {a(x)u''(x)} \right]^{\prime \prime } = \lambda \rho (x)u(x), - \infty< x< \infty ,$$ , where the functionsa and ϱ are periodic and strictly positive. This equation models the transverse vibrations of a thin straight (periodic) beam whose physical characteristics are described bya and ϱ. We examine the structure of the spectrum establishing the fact that the periodic and antiperiodic eigenvalues are the endpoints of the spectral bands. We also introduce an entire function, which we denote byE(λ), connected to the spectral theory, whose zeros (at least the ones of odd multiplicity) are shown to lie on the negative real axis, where they define a collection of “pseudogaps.” Next we prove some inverse results in the spirit of two old theorems of Borg for the Hill's equation. We finish with a “determinant formula” (i.e. a multiplicative trace formula) and some comments on its role in the formulation of the general inverse problem.