cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular structure and dynamics in the low temperature (orthorhombic) phase of NH3BH3.

Variable temperature 2H NMR experiments on the orthorhombic phase of selectively deuterated NH3BH3 spanning the static to fast exchange limits of the borane and amine motions are reported. New valu...
Permutation-based uncertainty quantification about a mixing distribution

Nonparametric estimation of a mixing distribution based on data coming from a mixture model is a challenging problem. Beyond estimation, there is interest in uncertainty quantification, e.g., confidence intervals for features of the mixing distribution. This paper focuses on estimation via the predictive recursion algorithm, and here we take advantage of this estimator's seemingly undesirable dependence on the data ordering to obtain a permutation-based approximation of the sampling distribution which can be used to quantify uncertainty. Theoretical and numerical results confirm that the proposed method leads to valid confidence intervals, at least approximately.
To the Mun: Kerbal Space Program as Playful, Educational Experience

This paper is a case study illustrating how a digital game that conforms to what James Paul Gee terms good game design is one which encourages a state of cognitive flow engages players as a playful experience. This case study will review how good game design, combining flow and specific elements associated with the play outlined in the playful experience framework can lead to learning outcomes. The paper will look at specific designed elements of the game Kerbal Space Program, such as open and directed play modes and the community of player-participants and content creators as they relate to principles of learning and elements of pleasure framework to illustrate how good educational game design is pleasurable game design and by linking pleasure, play and learning.
Prussian blue-assisted one-pot synthesis of nitrogen-doped mesoporous graphitic carbon spheres for supercapacitors

Synthesis of nitrogen doped mesoporous graphitic carbon spheres with dispersed metal oxide nanoparticles using a single temperature treatment step serves as one of the big challenges in materials research. To date only a few reports have been published on the soft-templating synthesis of mesoporous graphitic carbons. The preparation of graphitic carbons with dispersed Fe2O3 using a single carbonization step at relatively low temperatures is yet to be explored. The first phase of this work shows the potential of graphitization of polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) stabilized cubic Prussian blue nanoparticles (CPB) in phenolic resin spheres to produce graphitic carbon spheres through a facile Stober-like method. In the second phase, the Pluronic F127 soft template was used along with PVP stabilized Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB) in carbon spheres to generate mesopores and graphitic domains with uniformly dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles in these spheres. Due to the presence of graphitic layers, doped N species and Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the carbon matrix, the yielded carbon spheres feature a high surface area and magnetic properties. Moreover, these graphitic spheres exhibited excellent capacitive behavior with rectangular cyclic voltammetry (CV) profiles and large capacitance up to 247 F g−1 at 1 mV s−1 scan rate in 6 M KOH solution.
Estimating radiation exposure during paediatric cardiac catheterisation: a potential for radiation reduction with air gap technique

Introduction:The air gap technique (AGT) is an approach to radiation dose optimisation during fluoroscopy where an “air gap” is used in place of an anti-scatter grid to reduce scatter irradiation. The AGT is effective in adults but remains largely untested in children. Effects are expected to vary depending on patient size and the amount of scatter irradiation produced.Methods:Fluoroscopy and cineangiography were performed using a Phillips Allura Fluoroscope on tissue simulation anthropomorphic phantoms representing a neonate, 5-year-old, and teenager. Monte Carlo simulations were then used to estimate effective radiation dose first using a standard recommended imaging approach and then repeated using the AGT. Objective image quality assessments were performed using an image quality phantom.Results:Effective radiation doses for the neonate and 5-year-old phantom increased consistently (2–92%) when the AGT was used compared to the standard recommended imaging approaches in which the anti-scatter grid is removed at baseline. In the teenage phantom, the AGT reduced effective doses by 5–59%, with greater dose reductions for imaging across the greater thoracic dimension of lateral projection. The AGT increased geometric magnification but with no detectable change in image blur or contrast differentiation.Conclusions:The AGT is an effective approach for dose reduction in larger patients, particularly for lateral imaging. Compared to the current dose optimisation guidelines, the technique may be harmful in smaller children where scatter irradiation is minimal.
TriEC: tripartite graph based erasure coding NIC offload

Erasure Coding (EC) NIC offload is a promising technology for designing next-generation distributed storage systems. However, this paper has identified three major limitations of current-generation EC NIC offload schemes on modern SmartNICs. Thus, this paper proposes a new EC NIC offload paradigm based on the tripartite graph model, namely TriEC. TriEC supports both encode-and-send and receive-and-decode operations efficiently. Through theorem-based proofs, co-designs with memcached (i.e., TriEC-Cache), and extensive experiments, we show that TriEC is correct and can deliver better performance than the state-of-the-art EC NIC offload schemes (i.e., BiEC). Benchmark evaluations demonstrate that TriEC outperforms BiEC by up to 1.82x and 2.33x for encoding and recovering, respectively. With extended YCSB workloads, TriEC reduces the average write latency by up to 23.2% and the recovery time by up to 37.8%. TriEC outperforms BiEC by 1.32x for a full-node recovery with 8 million records.
Role of extensional rheology on droplet bouncing

Experiments show that the addition of polymers in droplets enhances the droplet rebound effect when bouncing on a thin film of air.
The case for state-level drinking water affordability programs: Conceptual and empirical evidence from California

Abstract Informed by the design of a program in California, we make a three-part argument for why state-level governments might consider implementing direct bill-assistance programs for drinking water service to address growing affordability concerns for low-income households. State-level operation of bill-assistance programs represents a departure from the global trend of allowing water utilities to operate bill-assistance programs at their own discretion. We first explain the motivation for enhanced public sector support to help households pay for drinking water service. In state-level contexts such as California, we find that the basic household affordability equation has worsened due to an increase in the numerator of residential retail bills and a stagnation in the denominator of household incomes. We next demonstrate why direct bill assistance to households is necessary even with the presence of other system-level financial support or retail rate structure policies. Finally, we make the case that direct bill-assistance programs are best situated at the state level, due to substantial variation in systems’ capacity and demonstrated willingness to run their own robust affordability programs for vulnerable customers.
The paralogous transcription factors Stp1 and Stp2 of Candida albicans have distinct functions in nutrient acquisition and host interaction.

ABSTRACT Nutrient acquisition is a central challenge for all organisms. For the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, utilization of amino acids has been shown to be critical for survival, immune evasion, and escape, while the importance of catabolism of host-derived proteins and peptides in vivo is less well understood. Stp1 and Stp2 are paralogous transcription factors (TFs) regulated by the Ssy1-Ptr3-Ssy5 (SPS) amino acid sensing system and have been proposed to have distinct, if uncertain, roles in protein and amino acid utilization. We show here that Stp1 is required for proper utilization of peptides but has no effect on amino acid catabolism. In contrast, Stp2 is critical for utilization of both carbon sources. Commensurate with this observation, we found that Stp1 controls a very limited set of genes, while Stp2 has a much more extensive regulon that is partly dependent on the Ssy1 amino acid sensor (amino acid uptake and catabolism) and partly Ssy1 independent (genes associated with filamentous growth, including the regulators UME6 and SFL2). The ssy1Δ/Δ and stp2Δ/Δ mutants showed reduced fitness in a gastrointestinal (GI) colonization model, yet induced greater damage to epithelial cells and macrophages in a manner that was highly dependent on the growth status of the fungal cells. Surprisingly, the stp1Δ/Δ mutant was better able to colonize the gut but the mutation had no effect on host cell damage. Thus, proper protein and amino acid utilization are both required for normal host interaction and are controlled by an interrelated network that includes Stp1 and Stp2.
The Tragedy of ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’ – Hardin vs. the Property Rights Theorists

Garrett Hardin’s “The Tragedy of the Commons” (Hardin, 1968) is widely influential but conceptually flawed. Hardin characterizes the commons problem as arising from the exercise of free will in a world with limited carrying capacity. Hardin’s solutions to this problem emphasize coercive policies, including traditional command-and-control environmental and natural resource regulations. In contrast, the property rights literature that preceded Hardin – especially Gordon (1954), Scott (1955), Coase (1960), Alchian (1965), and Demsetz (1967) – shows that the commons problem arises from non-exclusive use rights. Non-exclusivity is part of a broader class of restrictions on private ownership, any of which fosters dissipative rent seeking. The property rights literature focuses on value creation rather than just the physical exhaustion of the commonly owned resource. It is therefore more general, and highlights solutions that are less coercive and dissipative, than the more widely known views espoused by Hardin.
An Observational Study of Hypertension and Thromboembolism Among Transgender Patients Using Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Purpose: Given evidence from cisgender patients that sex hormones can impact risk for some forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are concerns regarding CVD among transgender patients using g...
Embracing the Podcast Era: Trends, Opportunities, & Implications for Counselors

This article seeks to inform counselors, counseling students, and counselor educators about the professional applications of podcasting. It discusses the historical development and recent prolifera...
Maturation of Auditory Cortex Neural Activity in Children and Implications for Auditory Clinical Markers in Diagnosis.

Functional brain markers that can inform research on brain abnormalities, and especially those ready to facilitate clinical work on such abnormalities, will need to show not only considerable sensitivity and specificity but enough consistency with respect to developmental course that their validity in individual cases can be trusted. A challenge to establishing such markers may be individual differences in developmental course. The present study examined auditory cortex activity in children at an age when developmental changes to the auditory cortex 50 ms (M50) and 100 ms (M100) components are prominent to better understand the use of auditory markers in pediatric clinical research. MEG auditory encoding measures (auditory evoked fields in response to pure tone stimuli) were obtained from 15 typically developing children 6-8 years old, with measures repeated 18 and 36 months after the initial exam. MEG analyses were conducted in source space (i.e., brain location), with M50 and M100 sources identified in left and right primary/secondary auditory cortex (Heschl's gyrus). A left and right M50 response was observed at all times (Time 1, Time 2, Time 3), with M50 latency (collapsing across hemisphere) at Time 3 (77 ms) 10 ms earlier than Time 1 (87 ms; p < 0.001) and with M50 responses on average (collapsing across time) 5 ms earlier in the right (80 ms) than left hemisphere (85 ms; p < 0.05). In the majority of children, however, M50 latency changes were not constant across the three-year period; for example, whereas in some children a ~10 ms latency reduction was observed from Time 1 to Time 2, in other children a ~10 ms latency reduction was observed from Time 2 to Time 3. M100 responses were defined by a significant "peak" of detected power with magnetic field topography opposite M50 and occurring 50-100 ms later than the M50. Although M100s were observed in a few children at Time 1 and Time 2 (and more often in the right than left hemisphere), M100s were not observed in the majority of children except in the right hemisphere at Time 3. In sum, longitudinal findings showed large between- and within-subject variability in rate of change as well as time to reach neural developmental milestones (e.g., presence of a detectable M100 response). Findings also demonstrated the need to examine whole-brain activity, given hemisphere differences in the rate of auditory cortex maturation. Pediatric research will need to take such normal variability into account when seeking clinical auditory markers.
Identifying insects, clouds, and precipitation using vertically pointing polarimetric radar Doppler velocity spectra

Abstract. This study presents a method to identify and distinguish insects, clouds, and precipitation in 35 GHz (Ka-band) vertically pointing polarimetric radar Doppler velocity power spectra and then produce masks indicating the occurrence of hydrometeors (i.e., clouds or precipitation) and insects at each range gate. The polarimetric radar used in this study transmits a linear polarized wave and receives signals in collinear (CoPol) and cross-linear (XPol) polarized channels. The measured CoPol and XPol Doppler velocity spectra are used to calculate linear depolarization ratio (LDR) spectra. The insect–hydrometeor discrimination method uses CoPol and XPol spectral information in two separate algorithms with their spectral results merged and then filtered into single value products at each range gate. The first algorithm discriminates between insects and clouds in the CoPol Doppler velocity power spectra based on the spectra texture, or spectra roughness, which varies due to the scattering characteristics of insects vs. cloud particles. The second algorithm distinguishes insects from raindrops and ice particles by exploiting the larger Doppler velocity spectra LDR produced by asymmetric insects. Since XPol power return is always less than CoPol power return for the same target (i.e., insect or hydrometeor), fewer insects and hydrometeors are detected in the LDR algorithm than the CoPol algorithm, which drives the need for a CoPol based algorithm. After performing both CoPol and LDR detection algorithms, regions of insect and hydrometeor scattering from both algorithms are combined in the Doppler velocity spectra domain and then filtered to produce a binary hydrometeor mask indicating the occurrence of cloud, raindrops, or ice particles at each range gate. Forty-seven summertime days were processed with the insect–hydrometeor discrimination method using US Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program Ka-band zenith pointing radar observations in northern Oklahoma, USA. For these 47 d, over 70 % of the hydrometeor mask column bottoms were within ± 100 m of simultaneous ceilometer cloud base heights. All datasets and images are available to the public on the DOE ARM repository.
Lung Cancer Screening in a Surgical Lung Cancer Population: Analysis of a Rural, Quaternary, Academic Experience.

Abstract Background Rural populations face many health disadvantages including higher rates of tobacco use and lung cancer than more populated areas. Given this, we specifically sought to understand the current screening landscape in a cohort of patients with resected lung cancer to help direct improvements in the screening process. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed our prospective database at a rural, quaternary, academic institution from January 2015 to June 2018. All patients who underwent resection for primary lung cancer were studied to assess the frequency of preoperative low-dose chest computed tomography per accepted guidelines. The intent was to evaluate participant demographics, clinical stage, frequency, and distribution of Lung-RADS reporting. Results About 446 patients underwent primary resection, of which 252 were deemed screening-eligible. About 57 (22.6%) underwent low-dose chest computed tomography screening and 195 (77.4%) did not. No significant demographic differences were identified between groups. However, 82.5% (47/57) of the screened patients presented with clinical stage IA disease, compared with 67.1% (131/195) of the nonscreened patients (P = 0.03). Among those screened, 36.8% (21/57) did not have a Lung-RADS score documented despite 52.3% (11/21) of those coming from accredited programs. Conclusions Our screening completion rate was only 22.6% of eligible patients and 36.8% of those patients did not have a documented Lung-RADS score. These findings, in combination with the increased rate of diagnosis of stage IA disease, provide compelling reasons to further investigate factors designed to improve access and screening practices at rural institutions.
Re-Analyzing Phase III Bremelanotide Trials for "Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder" in Women.

Kingsberg et al. described results from two 24-week Phase III trials of bremelanotide for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. 72.72% of protocol-listed outcomes were not rep...
Factors Associated With Severe COVID-19 Infection Among Persons of Different Ages Living in a Defined Midwestern US Population

Abstract Objective To identify risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection in a defined Midwestern US population overall and within different age groups. Patients and Methods We used the Rochester Epidemiology Project research infrastructure to identify persons residing in a defined 27-county Midwestern region who had positive results on polymerase chain reaction tests for COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020 (N=9928). Age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, and 44 chronic disease categories were considered as possible risk factors for severe infection. Severe infection was defined as hospitalization or death caused by COVID-19. Associations between risk factors and severe infection were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models overall and within 3 age groups (0 to 44, 45 to 64, and 65+ years). Results Overall, 474 (4.8%) persons developed severe COVID-19 infection. Older age, male sex, non-White race, Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, and a higher number of chronic conditions were associated with increased risk of severe infection. After adjustment, 36 chronic disease categories were significantly associated with severe infection. The risk of severe infection varied significantly across age groups. In particular, persons 0 to 44 years of age with cancer, chronic neurologic disorders, hematologic disorders, ischemic heart disease, and other endocrine disorders had a greater than 3-fold increased risk of severe infection compared with persons of the same age without those conditions. Associations were attenuated in older age groups. Conclusion Older persons are more likely to experience severe infections; however, severe cases occur in younger persons as well. Our data provide insight regarding younger persons at especially high risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
The Semiotic Immersion of Video Games, Gaming Technology and Interactive Strategies

The paper analyzes the effect of immersion in digital games using the theoretical apparatus of game theory. The paper illustrates interactive operations and the cause and effect relationship between player and designer, explaining the importance of strategic decision-making and pathing in player immersion. It considers the game function of creating a virtual world and proposes the idea that digital games are not just computer-mediated communication to the player. These games are games of “the moment”, like the game Chicken, and played with apparently great emotion, intelligence, and physical dexterity, although represented in software form. The relationship between the player and the computer is one of sign exchange, precisely the one that semiotics calls semiosis . The paper concludes that the personal achievement of individual players (end-users) accounts for the phenomenon of deep immersion in digital games. Not virtuality, but virtuosity is the strong force in digital game playing.
Gestational age limit of twelve weeks for abortion by curettage

Abstract The basis of the clinical tenet that abortions by dilatation and evacuation should not be performed after 12 menstrual weeks' gestation is elusive. For women requesting abortions after 12 weeks' gestation, instillation techniques and the requisite delay until 16 weeks' gestation or later appear to be costly—medically, economically, and emotionally. A substantial body of epidemiologic data refutes the 12 week ceiling, but randomized clinical trials may be needed to establish an appropriate gestational age limit for evacuation abortion, if such a limit is necessary.
Biology, Mathematics, and a Mathematical Biology Laboratory

Mathematics and biology have a synergistic relationship. Biology produces interesting problems, mathematics provides models to understand them, and biology returns to test the mathematical models. Recent advances in computer algebra systems have facilitated the manipulation of complicated mathematical systems. This has made it possible for scientists to focus on understanding mathematical biology, rather than on the formalities of obtaining solutions to equations.
Metabolic processes involved in repair of Escherichia coli cells damaged by exposure to acid mine water

Escherichia coli was stressed by exposure to filter-sterilized acid mine water. Synthetic processes required for repair of sublethally injured survivors were studied by the addition of specific metabolic inhibitors to a resuscitation broth. Inhibitors of protein, RNA, DNA, lipid, and peptidoglycan synthesis as well as uncouplers and inhibitors of electron transport and ATPase activity were used. Acid mine water injury was severe, causing damage to the outer and cytoplasmic membranes. Repair of sublethally injured cells required protein, RNA, and lipid synthesis as well as a proton motive force.
Thermal activation of vortex motion in YBa2Cu3O7- delta films at low temperatures.

Thermally activated flux vortex motion in a constant applied field is studied at temperatures between 2.5 and 21 K for in situ thin films of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$. The magnitude and temperature dependence of the dissipation is shown to be consistent with an activation energy U(J), which is independent of temperature in this temperature region, but which is assumed to be a function only of current J. Activation energies U(J) are deduced for currents between 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ and 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ A/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for the samples measured, by considering the change in the decay rate, at constant current, as a function of temperature. These results indicate that the fundamental mechanism for dissipation in this temperature range is thermally activated.
Computer recognition of design concepts

Pattern recognition studies have been traditionally concerned with concrete patterns such as two-dimensional images or graphics and three-dimensional objects. Little attention has been paid to abstract patterns such as design concepts and mathematical arguments. This paper attempts to address the abstract pattern recognition problem. The author presents an approach to automatic recognition of design concepts. Entities and relations are proposed for the description of design concepts. Computer algorithms are developed to capture the concepts in the design. The method of relaxation recognition is introduced to complete the recognition of abstract patterns. >
Carboxyl-terminal Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G Protein-tagged Intestinal Na-dependent Glucose Cotransporter (SGLT1) MAINTENANCE OF SURFACE EXPRESSION AND GLOBAL TRANSPORT FUNCTION WITH SELECTIVE PERTURBATION OF TRANSPORT KINETICS AND POLARIZED EXPRESSION

The Na+-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1) mediates absorption of luminal glucose by the intestine. However, available intestinal cell lines that recapitulate a monolayer phenotype only express SGLT1 at low levels. Thus, to facilitate studies of the biology of SGLT1 function in epithelial monolayers, we engineered an epitope-tagged construct containing the YTDIEMNRLGK sequence (from the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein). The tag was placed at the carboxyl terminus since this is the least conserved portion of SGLT1. Transiently transfected COS-1 cells demonstrated surface expression of the immunoreactive protein and enhanced Na+-dependent glucose uptake that was phloridzin-sensitive (a specific competitive inhibitor of SGLT1). However, subsequent detailed analyses of epitope-tagged SGLT1 using stably transfected clones derived from the Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cell line revealed substantial effects of the epitope on critical functions of SGLT1. When compared with native SGLT1 transfectants, the apparent Km for sugar transport was increased 23-fold (313 μM to 7.37 mM for native versus epitope-tagged SGLT1). In contrast, the apparent KNa for epitope-tagged SGLT1 was similar to that for native SGLT1. Permeabilization studies indicated that the C-terminal epitope tag was intracellular and thus could not directly disrupt extracellular ligand-binding sites. Immunolocalization and functional assays designed to detect polarized surface expression indicated that epitope tagging resulted in loss of apical targeting and enrichment of basolateral expression. Functional isolation of the small apical pool of epitope-tagged SGLT1 (by selective inhibition of basolateral epitope-tagged SGLT1) revealed that, despite the documented kinetic alterations in sugar transport, epitope-tagged SGLT1 could promote absorptive Na+ currents. These data show that 1) the C terminus of SGLT1 is intracellular; 2) disruption of protein structure by addition of a C-terminal tag leads to selective modifications of SGLT1 function; 3) the kinetics of sugar transport can be altered independently of influences on the Na+-binding site of SGLT1; and 4) the weak basolateral targeting sequence present within the epitope tag is dominant over endogenous SGLT1 apical targeting information and can direct polytopic membrane protein localization. The data also caution that subtle effects of foreign sequences must be considered when epitope tagging polytopic membrane proteins.
A Study of Temperature-modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry with High-resolution Infrared Thermography

Temperature gradients within the sample and furnace in temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) are studied for a power-compensation calorimeter of the Perkin Elmer type. The temperature measurements were made with a high-speed, high-resolution infrared camera. Differences between programmed and actual temperature amplitudes are determined as a function of sample thickness for a sawtooth modulation with up to 48 K min−1 heating and cooling rates. Phase angles have been established, and the effect of open and sealed sample pans has been analyzed. A simple one-dimensional description of the observed effects is made and a three-dimensional one is suggested based on a model available in the literature.
A search for the osteogenic factor in dentin. Rat incisor dentin contains a factor stimulating rat muscle cells in vitro to incorporate sulfate into an altered proteoglycan.

Demineralized dentin matrix has the capacity to induce bone formation via a chondrogenic pathway when implanted into muscle, in a fashion entirely analogous to bone matrix implants. In this work we have attempted to isolate, from rat incisor dentin, the matrix factor responsible for initiating osteogenesis. Rat incisor dentin was demineralized with EDTA plus 4.0 M guanidine.HC1. The proteins in the extracts were collected and, after a CaCl2 precipitation step, fractionated on Sephacryl S-200 in 6.0 M guanidine.HCI. The primary assay for activity was the incorporation of 35S-sulfate into proteoglycan in cultures of the fibroblast-like outgrowth cells from explants of neonatal rat muscle. Two Sephacryl S-200 fractions showed enhanced sulfate incorporating activity, but only one showed enhanced incorporation without a concomitant increase in cell number. In the presence of this fraction, the cell cultures produced a larger amount of a new small proteoglycan, as compared to controls, and a significant amount ...
Subtropical cirrus cloud extinction to backscatter ratios measured by Raman Lidar during CAMEX-3

[1] The NASA/GSFC Scanning Raman Lidar was stationed on Andros Island, Bahamas for the third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX 3) held in August–September, 1998 and acquired an extensive set of cirrus cloud measurements [Whiteman et al., 2001]. Distinct differences in the optical properties of the clouds are found when the cirrus are hurricane-induced versus non-hurricane-induced. Hurricane-induced cirrus clouds are found to generally possess lower values of extinction-to-backscatter ratio (S) than non-hurricane-induced clouds. Comparison of the S measurements made here with those of other studies reveal at times large differences. Given that S is often a required parameter for space-based retrievals of cloud optical depth using backscatter lidar, these large differences in S measurements imply difficulties in developing a parameterization of S for use in space-based lidar retrievals.
The surface chemistry of Cu (100) in HCl solutions as a function of potential: a study by LEED, Auger spectroscopy and depth profiling

Abstract The surface chemistry of Cu (100) in HCl solutions has been examined by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and Auger depth profiling (ADP). Electrochemistry was conducted in an antechamber directly coupled to an UHV surface analysis instrument. (2 1 2 ×2 1 2 R45° LEED pattern formed in HCl regardless of potential or Cl− concentration. The extent of Cl adsorption from 1 mM HCl varied only slightly with potential. Immersion of a Cl-coated electrode into 1 mM H2SO4 at a series of potentials showed more clearly the reductive desorprion of Cl at potentials negative of −0.31 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Sulfate adsorption at negative potentials resulted in a Cu(100)(2× 2)-SO2−4 structure. Anodic polarization of the electrode in 10 mM HCl resulted in streaks in the 2 1 2 ×2 1 2 R45° LEED pattern due to formation of CuCl islands on the (2 1 2 ×2 1 2 R45° -Cl surface. CuCl island formation was verified by depth profiling.
Delirious Mania and Malignant Catatonia: A Report of 3 Cases and Review

Delirious mania is often difficult to distinguish from excited catatonia. While some authors consider delirious mania a subtype of catatonia, the distinction between the two entities is important as treatment differs and effects outcome. It appears that as catatonia is described as having non-malignant and malignant states, the same division of severity may also apply to delirious mania. Non-malignant delirious mania meets the criteria for mania and delirium without an underlying medical disorder. The patients are amnestic, may lose control of bowel and bladder, but still respond to atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. However, with increasing progression of the disease course and perhaps with an increasing load of catatonic features, delirious mania may convert to a malignant catatonic state (malignant delirious mania) which is worsened by antipsychotics and requires a trial of benzodiazepines and/or ECT. Three case reports are presented to illustrate the diagnostic conundrum of delirious mania and several different presentations of malignant catatonia.
Vascular tissue welding of the CO2 laser: limitations

Over the last seven years, I and several co-investigators have studied the vascular welding potential of the milliwatt CO2 laser. It has become clear that there are definite limitations to this method of vascular repair which has hindered its advancement into the clinical arena. The thrust of this review is to highlight these limitations and thereby clarify what future direction might be considered.
Immunochemical and partial chemical characterization of fractions of membrane-bound smooth lipopolysaccharide-protein complex from Brucella abortus.

Smooth lipopolysaccharide (sLPS) of Brucella abortus was prepared and fractionated by a modification of the procedures of Moreno et al. (J. Bac. 138:361–369, 1979). Washed B. abortus cells were disrupted by 21 freeze-quick thaw cycles with ultrasonication to separate the non-membrane-bound material. Ultrasonicated bacteria were used for preparation of membrane-bound sLPS (≈ f5, the main crude sLPS fraction described by Moreno et al.). Phenol extraction was repeated 3 times and then washed with H2O 10 times to remove most of the chromogen, polysaccharides and nucleic acids, eliminating the need for enzyme treatment as described previously. The membrane-bound sLPS was fractionated into 3 to 5 groups according to the extent of dialysis and centrifugation, these fractions required only 80 ng for positive ELISA, about 0.2 ng for positive Limulus lysate tests, and reacted well with precipitating antibodies in the serum from a strain 2308 infected cow. They had marked differences in precipitin curves and chemical composition. The protein content varied from 16% to 42% as determined by dye binding test and 17 to 60% by Lowry phenol method using bovine serum albumin as the standard, which implies that the proteins associated with LPS may also play important roles in the complex for the immunochemical interactions and the heterogeneity of B. abortus lipopolysaccharide protein complex. As compared with previous reports, a higher yield of sLPS, ranging from 3.6% to 7.7% of dried bacteria, was obtained. Group f5A, which had a standard bell shaped curve in the precipitin assay, is one of the major fractions in all three strains (1119.3, 19 and 2308). The amount of other subfractions obtained varied with batches or strains of B. abortus. These results provide a new profile of the immunochemical reactivities and the heterogeneity on B. abortus smooth membrane-bound endotoxins.
A Flexible Generation Planning Approach Recognizing Long Term Load Growth Uncertainty

Planning electric energy resources for the future is complicated by uncertainties in future load,-hydro conditions in a predominantly hydro system and uncertainties associated with other resources. Additionally, there are unquantifiable costs and benefits associated with different technologies, e.g., environmental impacts. Political considerations can't be ignored in the planning decision process.
An Investigation of Students' Perspectives on Anxiety and Speaking

ABSTRACT Language anxiety is becoming an important area of research in our profession. Debilitating language anxiety can have profound consequences on the language learning process. The purpose of this study is to examine anxiety and speaking from the students' perspective. Do speaking activities indeed make students nervous? If so, what is it about speaking that makes students anxious? Which speaking activities make students particularly uncomfortable? Can instructors do anything to reduce anxiety, particularly speaking anxiety, in the classroom? A questionnaire designed to identify sources of anxiety over speaking in the foreign language was administered to 135 university-level beginning Spanish students and 109 high school students. The questionnaire had three sections: the first one asked students to agree or disagree with twenty-four items related to language anxiety; the second section asked students to indicate their level of anxiety regarding certain in-class practices; the third section asked learners to identify instructor characteristics and instructor practices that helped reduce language anxiety. Results of the analysis of data suggest, among other things, that speaking in the foreign language in not exclusively the source of student anxiety, but that speaking in front of the class is. Furthermore, the instructor's relaxed and positive error-correction attitude can greatly reduce language anxiety. Additional suggestions for reducing language anxiety are offered
Remote sensing of the urban heat island effect across biomes in the continental USA

Impervious surface area (ISA) from the Landsat TM-based NLCD 2001 dataset and land surface temperature (LST) from MODIS averaged over three annual cycles (2003-2005) are used in a spatial analysis to assess the urban heat island (UHI) skin temperature amplitude and its relationship to development intensity, size, and ecological setting for 38 of the most populous cities in the continental United States. Development intensity zones based on %ISA are defined for each urban area emanating outward from the urban core to the nonurban rural areas nearby and used to stratify sampling for land surface temperatures and NDVI. Sampling is further constrained by biome and elevation to insure objective intercomparisons between zones and between cities in different biomes permitting the definition of hierarchically ordered zones that are consistent across urban areas in different ecological setting and across scales. We find that ecological context significantly influences the amplitude of summer daytime UHI (urban-rural temperature difference) the largest (8 C average) observed for cities built in biomes dominated by temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. For all cities combined, ISA is the primary driver for increase in temperature explaining 70% of the total variance in LST. On a yearly average, urban areas are substantially warmer than the non-urban fringe by 2.9 C, except for urban areas in biomes with arid and semiarid climates. The average amplitude of the UHI is remarkably asymmetric with a 4.3 C temperature difference in summer and only 1.3 C in winter. In desert environments, the LST's response to ISA presents an uncharacteristic "U-shaped" horizontal gradient decreasing from the urban core to the outskirts of the city and then increasing again in the suburban to the rural zones. UHI's calculated for these cities point to a possible heat sink effect. These observational results show that the urban heat island amplitude both increases with city size and is seasonally asymmetric for a large number of cities across most biomes. The implications are that for urban areas developed within forested ecosystems the summertime UHI can be quite high relative to the wintertime UHI suggesting that the residential energy consumption required for summer cooling is likely to increase with urban growth within those biomes.
Comments on "Comparison of two-sensor tracking methods based on state vector fusion and measurement fusion" by J. Roecker et al

As shown in the above named work (ibid., vol.24, p.447-9, July, 1988), the improvement in the centralized scheme over the decentralized one was shown to be about 6-8%. The reason is briefly described. >
Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Chlorpheniramine-Induced Bronchodilatation

In 12 asthmatic (A) and ten normal (N) subjects, we measured the effect of inhaled saline solution, acetylcholine, histamine (H), and chlorpheniramine (CP) on specific airway conductance and forced exploratory flows. We found that CP dilated the bronchi in six asthmatic patients and one normal subject by acting on bronchial H, receptor. This action is also modulated by the abnormal (unctions of this receptor-transducer, explaining why CO exerts a tonic effect only in subjects with H hyperresponsiveness. Furthermore, as shown by CO and CP + H responses, bronchial histamine seems to be present primarily in large airways and in relatively small amounts. We also found that bronchial H, the abnormal H 1 receptor-transducer, and the bronchial caliber are regulated independently of each other. Consequently, this limits the therapy with H 1 blockers in asthma.
A Kinetic Study of the Silyl Substitution in Tantalum Amide Silyl Complex (Me2N)3Ta[Si(SiMe3)3]2

Kinetic studies have been performed for the substitution of the first silyl ligand in (Me2N)3Ta[Si(SiMe3)3]2 (1) by Li(THF)3SiButPh2 at 233 K (THF = tetrahydrofuran). In the presence of excess Li(T...
Neurology residency training in the US and Poland.

Neurology residency education is undergoing considerable change in many countries, not least the US and Poland. Ralph F Jozefowicz, who has experience with neurology residency training in both countries, compares their respective training programs and argues that the two systems have much to learn from one another during the reform process.
Development of an Evidence-Based Reading Fluency Program for Adult Literacy Learners

Fluency is an essential part of skilled reading that has only recently begun to receive its deserved attention. However, programs that meaningfully engage adult learners in fluency training have not been widely explored in research. In this article, the authors describe an evidence-based adult Guided Repeated Reading program developed for low-literate adult learners (reading at the seventh-grade equivalent or below). Lessons incorporated teacher-guided, choral, paired, and other repeated readings of these texts, supplemented by lessons that build on prior knowledge, embedded phonics and vocabulary, comprehension, and reading strategy support. The program has been implemented in a national efficacy study of reading in adults. Outcomes and future implications of the implementation are discussed.
The laminar flow velocity profile over close-packed spherical roughness elements

(1982). The laminar flow velocity profile over close-packed spherical roughness elements. La Houille Blanche: Vol. 68, No. 1, pp. 13-22.
Examining Sexual Exploitation in Secondary Schools: Correlating Student Choreography and Teacher Efforts

Abstract An evaluative study was conducted wherein student choreography in 14 Utah secondary schools was assessed by student teachers for incidence and frequency of sexually objectifying or exploitative movement and thematic development. Data regarding each student work was compared with information provided by student choreographers in a written assignment identifying choreographic efforts and intents administered by student teachers. Information provided by student teachers regarding cooperating teacher efforts to educate students about movement design, meaning, and intent was also examined and correlated. The resulting analysis revealed that teacher efforts correlated strongly with student choreographic choice and understanding. In schools where teacher efforts were minimal, incidences of sexually exploitative movement were markedly higher than in schools where teacher efforts were moderate or high. Students' abilities to describe their processes and motivations were also similarly aligned with teacher...
The absorption and metabolism of cholesterol and its main companions in the rabbit; with observations on the atherogenic nature of the sterols.

1. 1. Rabbits were fed for 23–25 days diets containing 16.6% olive oil to which was added 1 % pure cholesterol (Δ5-cholestenol), lathosterol (Δ7-cholestenol), 7-dehydrocholesterol, and cholestanol. 2. 2. The fecal excretion was measured and the apparent absorption determined. The unsaturated sterols were absorbed to the extent of 90%, corresponding to 0.25 g./kg. body wt./day. Cholestanol was absorbed at ca. 0.2 g./kg. body wt./day. 3. 3. Marked increases in the concentration of sterol in the sera and livers of the sterol-fed animals were demonstrated. The distribution of the sterols was determined and shown to consist in the case of the unsaturated sterol feeding experiments of Δ6-cholestenol, indicating interconversion. 4. 4. With the cholestanol-fed animals the percentage of cholestanol in the serum, liver, and carcasses was much greater than with the other sterols, indicating storage. 5. 5. On autopsy, abnormal features were noted. All the sterols produced atheroma of the aorta to a greater or lesser degree.
Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) prevents ethanol-induced apoptosis and JUN kinase phosphorylation

Ethanol exposure during neural development leads to substantial neuronal loss in multiple brain regions. Our previous research indicated that exogenous glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) attenuated ethanol-induced cerebellar Purkinje cell loss. Additionally, ethanol decreased GDNF release suggesting that ethanol disrupts GDNF-signaling pathways. The present experiments utilized a homogeneous GDNF-responsive neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-SH) to test the hypothesis that exogenous GDNF could attenuate ethanol-induced cell loss by suppressing cytotoxic signaling pathways and cell suicide. We measured two independently regulated markers of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and the externalization of phosphatidylserine to the outer cell membrane leaflet. Ethanol induced a dose-related increase in both apoptosis and necrosis. Lower concentrations of ethanol (34 and 68 mM) specifically increased DNA fragmentation, while all concentrations (up to 137 mM) increased phosphatidylserine translocation, suggesting that ethanol induction of apoptosis is not a unitary process. Furthermore, only higher concentrations of ethanol (103 and 137 mM) induced necrosis. Additionally, ethanol specifically induced phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal-kinase (JNK), a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase selectively associated with apoptosis. In contrast, ethanol did not alter the phosphorylation of another MAP kinase, the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) that mediate cell survival. Thus, ethanol activated specific intracellular cell death-associated pathways and induced cell death. GDNF, in turn, prevented both ethanol-induced apoptosis and the activation of the death-associated JNK cascade. Therefore, GDNF may regulate multiple pathways to prevent ethanol-induced cell loss.
Itaconic acid: An inhibitor of isocitrate lyase in Tetrahymena pyriformis in vitro and in vivo

Abstract The succinate analog itaconic acid was observed to be a competitive inhibitor of the glyoxylate cycle specific enzyme isocitrate lyase (EC 4.1.3.1) in cell-free extracts of Tetrahymena pyriformis . Itaconic acid also inhibited net in vivo glycogen synthesis from glyoxylate cycle-dependent precursors such as acetate but not from glyoxylate cycle-independent precursors such as fructose. The effect of itaconic acid on the incorporation of 14 C into glycogen from various 14 C-labeled precursors was also consistent with inhibition of isocitrate lyase by this compound. Another analog of succinate which shares a common metabolic fate with itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, had no effect on isocitrate lyase activity in vitro or on 14 C-labeled precursor incorporation into glycogen in vivo. In addition, itaconic acid did not affect gluconeogenesis from lactate in isolated perfused rat livers, a system lacking the enzyme isocitrate lyase. These results are taken as evidence that itaconic acid is an inhibitor of glyoxylate cycle-dependent glyconeogenesis Tetrahymena pyriformis via specific competitive inhibition of isocitrate lyase activity.