cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual dysfunction and symptom impact in men with long-standing type 1 diabetes in the DCCT/EDIC cohort.

Introduction Male sexual dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes (DM), but the relative impact of erectile dysfunction (ED), orgasmic dysfunction (OD), and/or decreased libido (DL) on global sexual bother has not been assessed.
Handicapping judges : some theory and practice

There are many situations that exist in science and technology where the performance of a set of subjects that are in competition with one another is evaluated in some way by a set of evaluators who act as judges. This paper presents a methodology by which these judges themselves can be evaluated in a manner that describes the relative standards they use in the evaluation process, their consistency, and how well they compare to a hypothetical ideal judge. The methodology is computationally simple, can be justified in a theoretical manner, and is easy to apply across a wide range of problem types. It can also be used in a predictive manner to indicate how absent judges would have most likely evaluated subjects if they were able to make such an evaluation. A number of empirical examples which fully describe the methodology are discussed in this paper along with the results of applying it to a sizeable real-world problem. The methodology is applicable to a number of areas of physical and social sciences and can be extended, as presented in this manuscript, in a manner which can be applied to other diverse problems in mathematical sociology, computer engineering, and graph theory.
Indian Railways: Building a Permanent Legacy? (TN)

The main objective of the case is to discuss the political constraints that managers of state-owned enterprises face when trying to do reforms or major turnarounds. Indian Democracy offers an interesting setting to study the relationship between electoral politics and managerial performance in the largest state-owned company in the world: Indian Railways.
A New Era in Mineral Physics

Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Francis Birch's landmark paper (F. Birch, Journal of Geophysical Research, 57, 227–286, 1952), widely considered the article that heralded the birth of mineral physics, the science of materials composing the interior of planets, particularly the Earth. It was also the 36th anniversary of the first International High Pressure Mineral Physics Seminar (HPMPS; formerly named the US-Japan Seminar) and the 10th anniversary of the Consortium for Materials Properties Research in Earth Sciences (COMPRES). In July 2012, HPMPS-8 was held jointly with the COMPRES Annual Meeting. Some 182 attendees from 11 countries participated, the largest number in the histories of both meetings. The presentations (abstracts and information at http://www.compres.us/) highlighted significant advances in high-pressure science and experimental techniques and set the tone for a more concerted commitment to mineral physics in the years to come.
Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the persistence of a Beauveria bassiana biopesticide in laboratory and high-rise poultry house settings

Recent studies suggest the potential for use of oil formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, as residual sprays for control of house flies in poultry production facilities. The current study investigated the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on biopesticide persistence. We found that flies physically removed and deactivated conidia, with higher fly densities and greater cumulative exposure hastening the decline. Nonetheless, very low densities of viable conidia were still able to cause rapid mortality, suggesting the potential for relatively long re-treatment intervals as fly populations are controlled. Considering abiotic factors, we found that fungal spray treatments remained viable for up to 13 weeks under laboratory conditions. Periodic exposure of flies to the spray residue showed high levels of mortality, with very little decline in mortality rate over time. Equivalent treatments placed in a commercial poultry house showed much more rapid decline. One trial at the end o...
The Physics of Relaxation

The theory of dipole–dipole relaxation of protons in water is described. Both classical and simple quantum viewpoints reveal how water relaxation rates reflect the timescales of motions that modulate the magnetic interactions between nuclei in any medium. Rapid molecular motions in water cause transverse relaxation rates to decrease from the values they have in solids and ice, by over five orders of magnitude, and this motional narrowing of resonance linewidths is key to conventional imaging of water in biological tissues. UTE signals can be partly understood in terms of alterations of these rapid motions. Keywords: relaxation; dipolar interactions; motional narrowing; tissue water; longitudinal relaxation; transverse relaxation
Diversity of retron elements in a population of rhizobia and other gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract Genetic elements called retrons reside on the chromosome of Escherichia coli and the myxobacteria and represent the first reverse transcriptase-encoding element to be found in a prokaryotic cell. All known retrons produce a functionally obscure RNA-DNA satellite molecule called multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA). We report here the presence of msDNA-producing retron elements in a number of new bacterial groups, including strains of the genera Proteus, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Nannocystis, Rhizobium, and Bradyrhizobium. Among a population of 63 rhizobia strains, only 16% contain a retron element. The rhizobia retrons appear to be heterogeneous in nucleotide sequence and show little similarity to previously studied retrons of E. coli and the myxobacteria.
Another endangered species.

Environmental issues continue to occupy a good portion of the news and editorial thinking of contemporary society. No matter what we do, we are asked to think about the environmental impact of our actions. As we build, raze, and change the world around us, we worry about destruction of habitats, conservation of resources, and endangerment of species—and rightly so. In acknowledging the importance of that theme, I would like to discuss some of the factors that currently affect a different kind of environment—the one in which we work—which is facing real pressures from our current economic and political climate. Instead of the rain forest, I am alluding to our own ecosystem, the rather delicately balanced world of academic medicine, and to academic orthopaedics in particular. I think the environmental analogy is reasonable. People already talk routinely about the health-care environment, the managed-care environment, and the medicolegal climate. Also, our academic world does resemble a rather complex and fragile ecosystem, with many interdependent parts and members. It is a system that has thrived for generations because of a favorable climate, and it has been able to support a diverse and vigorous “animal kingdom.” But times have changed. Extrinsic forces have developed that have stressed and challenged the health of our system and have begun to threaten the survival of some of our more exotic and valuable “species.” Hurwitz and Buckwalter, in a recent editorial in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, concisely and eloquently documented the decline and potential extinction of one of the most important members of our community—the orthopaedic scientist1. Any attempt made by me to paraphrase that position would serve no purpose; the case for concern was made clearly and convincingly. Instead, I would like to present my own candidate for our growing “endangered species” list—the orthopaedic …
Optical studies of the stress‐induced crystallization of rubber

The low-angle light scattering by films of stretched natural and synthetic rubbers was investigated. Intense Vv scattering is found under conditions when crystallization occurs which is characteristic of the scattering from aggregates of dimensions comparable with the wavelength of visible light. These were identified with the γ fibrils described by Andrews. The dependence of scattering was studied as a function of light polarization direction, orientation direction, elongation, temperature, degree of swelling, type of swelling liquid, and degree of crosslinking. It was concluded that the scattering unit consists of an assembly of crystals with their chain axes parallel to the stretching direction, but (in the case of natural rubber at high elongations) with the fibril axis at a slight angle to the stretching direction. The scattering is not affected much by swelling but is decreased upon increasing the temperature. Upon recooling the scattering returns, but does so over several hours, indicating that much of the scattering arises from secondary crystallization.
Regulatory T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); role of peptide tolerance

Regulatory T cells play an important role in the maintenance and regulation of immune tolerance and in the prevention of autoimmunity. Recent studies have demonstrated a deficiency in number and function of regulatory T cells in lupus and other autoimmune diseases. This may contribute to immune dysregulations and a defect in self-tolerance mechanisms. How to balance and "reset" the immune response from harmful pro-inflammatory to beneficial anti-inflammatory is the current strategy of the research. In this regard, several studies have been performed with various peptides, drugs, steroids and epigenetic agents to induce or modify regulatory cells and some measure of success has been achieved in the animal model of SLE and with lupus patient cells. Challenges ahead include the heterogeneous nature, phenotype and function of regulatory cells and the difficulties in manipulation of regulatory function in healthy versus diseased states. In this review, we will provide some recent findings indicating challenges and potential benefits of targeting of regulatory T cells in lupus.
Metabolic scope, oxygen debt and the diurnal oxygen consumption cycle of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen consumption was measured with an automatic constantly recording electrolysis apparatus in leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) acclimated at 15 and 25°C. All groups acclimated under a photoperiod of LD12: 12 exhibited a distinct diurnal metabolic minimum during the first hour after the onset of the photophase and a significant metabolic maximum rate during the first hour after the onset of the scotophase. 2. 2. Studies of animals conducted under constant light (LL) and darkness (DD) showed a mid-day metabolic maximum cycle with no pronounced metabolic minimum. 3. 3. Aerobic metabolic scope produced by Faradic stimulation for 30-min periods was thermally dependent and varied with the time of the daily cycle of the shocking process. At 15°C, the mean oxygen consumption above routine metabolism (21.0 μ1 g−1 hr−1) was significantly lower than the absolute scope at 25°C (36.0 μ1 g−1 hr−1). 4. 4. Oxygen debt increased with temperature and varied with the time of day the animals were shocked. Mean oxygen debt at 25°C was 80.7 μ1 O2 g−1, 42 per cent higher than at 15°C (56.7 μ1 O2 g−1). Conversion of oxygen debt to lactate yielded corresponding values of 0.98 (15°C) and 1.4 mg g−1 (25dgC). Recovery periods for oxygen debts averaged 3.7 hr. 5. 5. The total energetic expenditures during periods of maximal activity above the routine metabolic level were 0.37 cal g−1 at 15°C and 0.55 cal g−1 at 25°C. Of the energy expended above the routine metabolic rate during strenuous activity, 69 and 73 per cent were supported anaerobically at 25 and 15°C, respectively.
Determination of in-situ engineering properties of soil using response surface methodology

Abstract Since in-situ soils seldom behave like remolded laboratory soils or disturbed field samples, it is important to “identify” or “calibrate” the engineering properties of field soil by means of in-situ tests. A response surface methodology based on an orthogonal regression in the parameter space has been developed to “identify” engineering properties of any material based on in-situ tests. The proposed methodology worked very well (i.e. very little error) in the case of a two parameter hypo-elastic model for soil. When a complex six parameter constitutive model for the soil was used (i.e. nonlinear elastic behavior with extended Drucker-Prager failure criteria and associated flow rule), this back analysis technique worked reasonably well. Although, some parameters were identified with very little error, other parameters contained up to about 25% error. Occasionally, the technique did not converge to a reasonable solution. Inclusion of a third-order correction improved the accuracy of the technique considerably. The technique was not very sensitive to the presence of random normal noise.
Simultaneous selection of extreme populations: a subset selection approach

The problem of selecting a “best” (largest mean, or smallest mean) population from a collection of k independent populations was formulated and solved by Bechhofer (1954). Gupta (1965) solved another important problem, that of selecting a subset of populations containing the “best” population from the original collection of populations. Since then many variations of the problem have been considered. Tong (1969) and Lewis (1980) have investigated the problem of selecting extreme populations (populations with a largest, and populations with a smallest, mean) with respect to one and two standard populations, respectively. In this paper we study the selection of extreme populations in absence of any standard population. We formulate subset-selection procedures when variances are known and equal, and also in the most general case when they are unknown and unequal. Nonexistence of a single-stage procedure is noted for this latter case (even if variances are equal). A two-stage procedure and some of its associated properties are discussed. Tables needed for application are provided, as is a worked example.
The vacuolar Ca2+/H+ exchanger Vcx1p/Hum1p tightly controls cytosolic Ca2+ levels in S. cerevisiae

It is well established that the vacuole plays an important role in the cellular adaptation to growth in the presence of elevated extracellular Ca2+ concentrations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Ca2+ ATPase Pmc1p and the Ca2+/H+ exchanger Vcx1p/Hum1p have been shown to facilitate Ca2+ sequestration into the vacuole. However, the distinct physiological roles of these two vacuolar Ca2+ transporters remain uncertain. Here we show that Vcx1p can rapidly sequester a sudden pulse of cytosolic Ca2+ into the vacuole, while Pmc1p carries out this function much less efficiently. This finding is consistent with the postulated role of Vcx1p as a high capacity, low affinity Ca2+ transporter and suggests that Vcx1p may act to attenuate the propagation of Ca2+ signals in this organism.
Absolute state-selected total cross sections for the ion–molecule reactions O+(4S,2D,2P)+H2(D2)

Absolute total cross sections for the state-selected reactions of O+(4S,2D,2P)+H2 (D2) have been measured in the center-of-mass collision energy (Ec.m.) range of 0.02–12 eV. The cross sections for OH+ (OD+) from O+(2D)+H2 (D2) are slightly higher than those from O+(4S)+H2 (D2), whereas the OH+ (OD+) cross sections from O+ (2P)+H2 (D2) are ≈40% lower than those from O+(4S)+H2 (D2) and O+ (2D)+H2 (D2). At Ec.m.<0.5 eV, the total cross sections for OH+ (OD+) from O+ (4S)+H2 (D2) and O+(2D)+H2 (D2) are in accord with those predicted by the Langevin–Gioumousis–Stevenson model. Significantly higher cross sections are observed for H+ (D+) and H2+ (D2+) from O+(2D)+H2 (D2) and O+(2P)+H2 (D2), as compared to those from O+(4S)+H2 (D2). The exothermic nature of the O+(2D,2P)+H2 (D2) charge transfer collisions accounts for the high cross sections observed for H2+ (D2+). While the H+ (D+) ions observed in the O+(4S)+H2 (D2) reaction are identified with the H+ (D+)+O+H channel, the H+ (D+) ions from the reactions invol...
The adaptive chin

E. Lloyd DuBrul, Harry Sicher. The Adaptive Chin. Charles C Thomas, Spring-field, Illinois, ix plus 97 pp., frontispiece, 47 figs. 1954. Price, $3.50. This little book, which seems to have escaped the notice of most if not all zoological bibliographical services deserves to be rescued from such oblivion. The book is co-authored by a dentist and an M. D., but both are primarily anatomists, and they have produced a small but fine evolutionary study on the functional anatomy of mammals. Man is an actor on their stage, true, but so are several other Primates, as well as representatives of the Lagomorpha, Carnivora, and Notoungulata. Skillfully, the authors have chosen evolutionary experiments, that have …
Structural changes in the vacuole and cytoskeleton are key to development of the two cytoplasmic domains supporting single-cell C 4 photosynthesis in Bienertia sinuspersici

Bienertia sinuspersici Akhani has an unusual mechanism of C4 photosynthesis which occurs within individual chlorenchyma cells. To perform C4, the mature cells have two cytoplasmic compartments consisting of a central (CCC) and a peripheral (PCC) domain containing dimorphic chloroplasts which are interconnected by cytoplasmic channels. Based on leaf development studies, young chlorenchyma cells have not developed the two cytoplasmic compartments and dimorphic chloroplasts. Fluorescent dyes which are targeted to membranes or to specific organelles were used to follow changes in cell structure and organelle distribution during formation of C4-type chlorenchyma. Chlorenchyma cell development was divided into four stages: 1-the nucleus and chloroplasts occupy much of the cytoplasmic space and only small vacuoles are formed; 2-development of larger vacuoles, formation of a pre-CCC with some scattered chloroplasts; 3-the vacuole expands, cells have directional growth; 4-mature stage, cells have become elongated, with a distinctive CCC and PCC joined by interconnecting cytoplasmic channels. By staining vacuoles with a fluorescent dye and constructing 3D images of chloroplasts, and by microinjecting a fluorescence dye into the vacuole of living cells, it was demonstrated that the mature cell has only one vacuole, which is traversed by cytoplasmic channels connecting the CCC with the PCC. Immunofluorescent studies on isolated chlorenchyma cells treated with cytoskeleton disrupting drugs suspended in different levels of osmoticum showed that both microtubules and actin filaments are important in maintaining the cytoplasmic domains. With prolonged exposure of plants to dim light, the cytoskeleton undergoes changes and there is a dramatic shift of the CCC from the center toward the distal end of the cell.
Black student, White campus: Structural, interpersonal, and psychological correlates of success.

Over the past twenty years, significant changes have occurred in Black student college attendance patterns in the United States. Whereas in 1964, 60 percent of Black students attended historically Black institutions, by 1973 the proportion had declined to roughly 25 percent. Until 1968, 80 percent of all undergraduate degrees awarded to Blacks were earned at Black colleges or universities.1 In contrast, during 1978-79 an estimated 56 percent of all bachelor's degrees awarded to Black students were conferred by predominantly white schools.2 Far too little research is available about the consequences and implications of this rapid societal change. Research findings suggest that Black students have not fared well on predominantly white college campuses. Relative to white students, they have lower persistence rates, lower academic achievement levels, less likelihood of enrollment in advanced degree
Seismological identification and characterization of a large hurricane

Abstract Much debate within the weather, climate, disaster mitigation, and insurance communities centers on whether rising sea-surface temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean due to anthropogenic global warming are resulting in discernible trends in hurricane frequency or energy. However, some of the apparent increase in hurricane frequency may be due to the recent availability of aircraft- and satellite-based observations. A possible approach to this issue is via microseisms, seismic signals traditionally thought of as noise because they are not generated by earthquakes. These surface waves generated by ocean storms are detected even in continental interiors far from source regions. Here we show that the August 1992 Saffir/Simpson category 5 Hurricane Andrew can be detected using microseisms recorded at the Harvard, Massachusetts, seismic station even while the storm is as far as ∼2000 km away and still at sea. When applied to decades of existing analog seismograms, this methodology could yield a seismically identified hurricane record for comparison to the pre-aircraft and pre-satellite observational record.
Utility and evaluation of biochemical markers of alcohol consumption

Biochemical markers of alcohol consumption have a variety of clinical and research applications. Currently available markers such as the serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), serum transaminases, and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used for screening of alcoholism in ambulatory patients. However, these tests can be helpful in corroborating a clinical suspicion of alcoholism. A number of special laboratory markers of alcoholism recently have been developed which may have increased diagnostic accuracy. Promising potential markers include serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), red blood cell acetaldehyde, and acetaldehyde adducts. The application of reliable and practical markers of alcohol consumption could lead to significant improvements in the treatment of alcoholism and in the assessment of clinical trials.
Workers, Managers, and Customers Triangles of Power in Work Communities

The sociology of service work has blossomed in the 10 years since Work and Occupations first published a special issue on this subject. This introductory essay chronicles developments and new debates around emotional labor, worker–customer relationships in the service triangle, and the nexus of gender and control in service work. Several neglected themes are highlighted, including the relationship between race and the organization of work on the shop floor, as well as a number of themes that were once prominent in industrial sociology but which have fallen into relative neglect in the sociology of service work despite their continuing relevance.
Syndrome of protein C deficiency and anterior wall acute myocardial infarction at a young age from a single coronary occlusion with otherwise normal coronary arteries

Findings in a 19-year-old man with anterior wall acute myocardial infarction and total occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery associated with protein C deficiency are described. In addition, 5 previously reported patients with similar findings are summarized.
Evaluation of the structural proteins of the hamster neurotropic strain of measles virus with monoclonal antibodies

The virus-specified proteins produced by cells persistently infected with hamster neurotropic strain (HNT) of measles virus were assessed by a panel of monoclonal antibodies. In comparison to the Edmonston strain a number of differences were detected. The HA protein lacks epitopes identified by certain monoclonal antibodies. Some of the absent epitopes may relate to agglutination, because this biological phenomenon is not produced by HNT virus. Phosphoprotein (P) of the usual size (70 kDa) was not detected. Instead a protein with an approximate MW of 36 kDa which reacted with one monoclonal anti-P was identified. Although matrix protein (M) was not detected, mRNAs for P and M proteins were present. However, these in contrast to the mRNAs from Edmonston strain, did not translate in vitro. These abnormalities may relate to neurotropism and the capacity of HNT to produce persistent CNS infection.
Preservatives in topical ophthalmic medications: historical and clinical perspectives

Patients may be subject to a variety of different topical medications when undergoing treatment for ocular disease. Preservatives are added to multidose medication bottles to inhibit microbial contamination. An assortment of different preservative formulations has been used in ophthalmic medicines and many of these preservatives have been linked to unwanted ocular surface side effects. Benzalkonium chloride in particular has been linked to a number of different adverse effects, such as disruption of the tear film as well as damage to ocular surface epithelial cells. As a result, the manufacturers of ocular medications have developed innovative new preservative systems in an attempt to limit these toxic side effects. This article reviews the different ophthalmic preservative formulations, their benefits, detriments, mechanisms of action and historical aspects. Future prospects and clinical objectives with regard to ophthalmic preservatives are also discussed.
Thermal Regulation of Methane Hydrate Dissociation: Implications for Gas Production Models

Thermal self-regulation of methane hydrate dissociation at pressure, temperature conditions along phase boundaries, illustrated by experiment in this report, is a significant effect with potential relevance to gas production from gas hydrate. In surroundings maintained at temperatures above the ice melting point, the temperature in the vicinity of dissociating methane hydrate will decrease because heat flow is insufficient to balance the heat absorbed by the endothermic reaction: CH 4 .nH 2 O (s) = CH 4 (g) + nH 2 O (1). Temperature decreases until either all of the hydrate dissociates or a phase boundary is reached. At pressures above the quadruple point, the temperature-limiting phase boundary is that of the dissociation reaction itself. At lower pressures, the minimum temperature is limited by the H20 solid/liquid boundary. This change in the temperature-limiting phase boundary constrains the pressure, temperature conditions of the quadruple point for the CH 4 -H 2 O system to 2.55 ± 0.02 MPa and 272.85 ± 0.03 K. At pressures below the quadruple point, hydrate dissociation proceeds as the liquid H2O produced by dissociation freezes. In the laboratory experiments, dissociation is not impeded by the formation of ice byproduct per se; instead rates are proportional to the heat flow from the surroundings. This is in contrast to the extremely slow dissociation rates observed when surrounding temperatures are below the H 2 O solid/liquid boundary, where no liquid water is present. This anomalous or self' preservation behavior, most pronounced near 268 K, cannot be accessed when surrounding temperatures are above the H20 solid/liquid boundary.
An evolutionary approach for robust adaptation of robot behavior to sensor error

Evolutionary algorithms can adapt the behavior of individual agents to maximize the fitness of populations of agents. We use a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize behavior in a team of simulated robots that mimic foraging ants. We introduce positional and resource detection error models into this simulation, emulating the sensor error characterized by our physical iAnt robot platform. Increased positional error and detection error both decrease resource collection rates. However, they have different effects on GA behavior. Positional error causes the GA to reduce time spent searching for local resources and to reduce the likelihood of returning to locations where resources were previously found. Detection error causes the GA to select for more thorough local searching and a higher likelihood of communicating the location of found resources to other agents via pheromones. Agents that live in a world with error and use parameters evolved specifically for those worlds perform significantly better than agents in the same error-prone world using parameters evolved for an error-free world. This work demonstrates the utility of employing evolutionary methods to adapt robot behaviors that are robust to sensor errors.
Storming the gatekeepers: Digital disintermediation in the market for books

Abstract Digitization is transforming the market for books. Lower marginal costs have reduced prices by 10–15% in the past four years, and digitization has given creators the ability to circumvent traditional gatekeepers and publish their work directly. The number of self-published works has grown by almost 300% since 2006 and now exceeds the number of traditionally published works. While e-book data are not systematically available, we are able to document that falling prices have increased consumer surplus by $2–3 billion per year. Given the inherent difficulty in predicting the ex post appeal of creative products at the time of investment, a growth in available new products can substantially expand the appeal of available products. Using bestseller lists in conjunction with title-level data on physical sales and our best estimates of e-book sales, we document that many self-published books have substantial ex post appeal to consumers. Works that began their commercial lives through self-publishing began to appear on bestseller lists in 2011 and by 2013 such works accounted for a tenth of both bestseller listings and estimated unit sales. In romantic fiction, self-published works account for almost a third. These changes challenge the role of gatekeepers while benefiting consumers.
Coherent backscattering from high-gain scattering media.

We report on experimental observations of coherent backscattering signals from high-gain scattering media in the regime where significant amplification takes place over one transport length. Our samples consist of polymer sheets containing optically pumped dyes as the amplifying medium, with TiO2 nanoparticles providing the scattering. The width of the backscattering cones narrows with increasing amplification, while the enhancement factor remains unchanged.
A total synthesis of (±)-cannabisativine

Abstract A synthesis of racemic cannabisativine is reported. Intramolecular opening of an erythro -acetoxy epoxide by a secondary amino group provided the side chain containing the desired stereochemistry.
Removal of mercury from sediment by ultrasound combined with biomass (transgenic Chlamydomonas reinhardtii).

Abstract As one of the most pervasive environmental problems, Hg pollution in sediment is particularly difficult to remediate because it cannot be decomposed. The application of ultrasound combined with biomass (transgenic Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii), a green alga) for the removal of Hg from model and contaminated sediments (Al2O3, α-HgS, and PACS-2 marine sediment) was investigated in this study. Ultrasound was found to enhance Hg release from Al2O3, α-HgS, and PACS-2 marine sediment into the aqueous phase compared to mechanical shaking. A transgenic C. reinhardtii (2AMT-2) expressing a plasmamembrane-anchored metallothionein polymer effectively recovered Hg(II) released into the aqueous phase by sonication over a broad pH range from 2.0 to 9.0. The results showed that this combined technique of ultrasound and alga biomass (2AMT-2) engineered for enhanced metal recovery was effective to remove Hg from solids and sediments, especially from Al2O3 and α-HgS with no natural organic matter. The results of this study are discussed with respect to the development of in situ remediation techniques for Hg-contaminated sediments.
A Kinetic Theory for Solutions of Nonhomogeneous Nematic Liquid Crystalline Polymers With Density Variations

The kinetic theory developed in [1] for solutions of nonhomogeneous nematic liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) of spheroidal molecular configurations is extended to account for the translational diffusion and the related spatial density variation. The new theory augments the effect of the density variation to the intermolecular potential, Smoluchowski equation and the elastic stress. It accounts for the molecular aspect ratio as well as the finite range molecular interaction so that it is applicable to liquid crystals ranging from rodlike liquid crystals at large aspect ratios to discotic ones at small aspect ratios. It also exhibits enhanced shape effects in the viscous stress and warrants a positive entropy production, thereby, the second law of thermodynamics. Moment averaged, approximate, mesoscopic theories for complex flow simulations are obtained via closure approximations. In the limit of weak distortional elasticity, weak translational diffusion, and weak flows, the theory yields the torque balance equation of the well-known Ericksen-Leslie theory.
A Bayesian approach to state space multivariate time series modeling

Abstract Time series modeling is mainly a model specification exercise. Recognizing this fact, a new Bayesian procedure is developed that takes full advantage of the subjective probability foundations of the Bayesian approach, allowing logical consistency in the face of an unknown model. The computational demands of this new procedure have been greatly reduced relative to earlier techniques through the application of linear systems theory. Linear systems theory substitutes a formal model approximation based on the rank of an autocovariance matrix of the time series for the more arbitrary model selection processes of some other procedures. This formalization ensures that the most important elements of the series' dynamics are included in the model. Model selection procedures and an approach to the construction of optimal composite forecasts are derived using Bayesian methodologies. Two empirical applications demonstrate the tractability and the accuracy of the new procedure.
Luminal morphology of the avian lower intestine: evidence supporting the importance of retrograde peristalsis for water conservation.

Tissue from the lower intestine of two species of sparrow, the house sparrow Passer domesticus and savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis was sectioned in an unbiased manner and examined quantitatively using stereology. The tissue was processed for light microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy to examine the extent to which microvilli enhanced the epithelial surface area of the cecae, rectum, and coprodeum. Parameters measured included individual microvillus surface area, microvilli packing density, and absolute surface area. In both species, the average surface area, packing density, and absolute surface area of microvilli decreased distally along the rectum and coprodeum. All three measured variables were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) between species. Surface area amplification on the cecae due to microvilli was low, and approximated values equivalent to distal regions of the rectum and coprodeum. In the cecae, microvilli within the savannah sparrow had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) individual surface area, packing density, and absolute surface area than in the house sparrow. The functional implications of a change in microvilli population are discussed in relation to retrograde peristalsis within the lower intestine of birds.
Genetic basis of age-dependent synaptic abnormalities in the retina

Understanding the normal aging process will help us determine the mechanisms of how age-related diseases are caused and progress. A/J inbred mice have been shown to exhibit accelerated aging phenotypes in the retina including increased inflammation and photoreceptor cell degeneration, which resemble human aging symptoms. C57BL/6J (B6) inbred mice are less susceptible for these abnormalities, indicating the existence of genetic factor(s) that affect their severity. In this study, we determined that another age-dependent phenotype, ectopic synapse formation, is also accelerated in the A/J retina compared to the B6 retina. Through genetic mapping utilizing recombinant inbred strains, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosome 7 and 19, which contribute to abnormal retinal synapses as well as other age-dependent phenotypes. Using consomic single chromosome substitution lines where a single chromosome is from A/J and the rest of the genome is B6, we investigated the individual effect of each QTL on retinal aging phenotypes. We observed that both QTLs independently contribute to abnormal retinal synapses, reduction in the number of cone cells, and an up-regulation of retinal stress marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Mice with a single chromosome substitution on chromosome 19 also exhibited an increase in inflammatory cells, which is characteristic of aging and age-related macular degeneration. Thus, we identified QTLs that are independently capable of affecting the severity and progression of age-dependent retinal abnormalities in mice.
The nature of the central parsec of the Galaxy

Observations of infrared fine-structure line emission from compact clouds of ionized gas in the galactic center have been reported by Lacy et al (1979, 1980). These observations suggest the existence of a central black hole of nearly 3,000,000 solar masses and require mechanisms to generate, ionize, and dispose of the gas clouds. It is found that the best model to fulfill these requirements involves cloud generation through disruption of red giants by stellar collisions, ionization by a population of stars which is affected either by enhanced metal abundances or the death of the most massive stars, and gas disposal by star formation. Although the existence of a massive black hole cannot be ruled out, it would play no necessary role in this model and may cause the tidal disruption of stars at a rate such that their accretion into the black hole would produce more radiation than is observed.
Stochastic Optimization Algorithms for Pricing American Put Options Under Regime-Switching Models

This work provides a Markov-modulated stochastic approximation based approach for pricing American put options under a regime-switching geometric Brownian motion market model. The solutions of pricing American options may be characterized by certain threshold values. Here, a class of Markov-modulated stochastic approximation (SA) algorithms is developed to determine the optimal threshold levels. For option pricing in a finite horizon, a SA procedure is carried out for a fixed time T. As T varies, the optimal threshold values obtained via SA trace out a curve, called the threshold frontier. Numerical experiments are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Our approach provides us with a viable computational tool and has advantage in terms of the reduced computational complexity compared with the variational or quasivariational inequality methods for optimal stopping.
Mutations in the hairless gene underlie APL in three families of Pakistani origin.

Summary Background Atrichia with papular lesions (APL) (OMIM#209500) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited form of irreversible alopecia characterized by papular lesions of keratin-filled cysts on various regions of the body. Males and females are equally affected and present with a distinct pattern of total hair loss on scalp, axilla and body. It begins shortly after birth with the development of hair loss, and patients are normally devoid of eyelashes and eyebrows. Mutations in the hairless ( HR ) gene have been previously shown to be responsible for APL. Objective In this study, we studied the molecular basis of APL in three unrelated families of Pakistani origin. Method Molecular analysis of the HR genes was performed on genomic DNA from probands and family members. Results DNA sequencing of the HR gene in family A revealed a novel homozygous 2 bp deletion in exon 6 leading to a frameshift and a downstream premature termination codon in exon 8 (1782-83delAG). In family B, we identified a novel homozygous deletion of a G nucleotide at the exon 15–intron 15 boundary, termed 3097delG. Family C carries a previously reported missense mutation consisting of an A-to-G transition at nucleotide 276 resulting in the mutation N970S in exon 14. Conclusion Two mutations identified in this study are novel mutations in the HR gene and extend the body of evidence implicating the hairless gene family in the pathogenesis of human skin disorders. The one previously reported mutation suggests it may represent a recurrent mutation, or alternatively, an allele that is widely dispersed around the world.
Rothbard on V Shaped Average and Total Cost Curves

Rothbard (1993, pp. 638-45) refuted the important economic fallacy that excess capacity is a normal consequence of profit maximizing behavior by businesses in some industries when they are in long-run equilibrium. And, in so doing provided a manifest example of misuse of mathematics in modern economics.According to standard theory, given a U-shaped, average-cost curve (ACC), in equilibrium, a firm whose demand is perfectly competitive will operate at the point where its horizontal demand curve is just tangent to the ACC; i.e., at the point where average cost (AC) is at its minimum. Alternatively, a firm in an industry characterized by monopolistic competition will face a downward-sloping demand curve. In that case, again in equilibrium, the firm will operate where the demand curve is just tangent to the U-shaped ACC. However, in that case, the point of tangency will occur at lesser quantity than that at which AC is at its minimum.
Maneuvering Your Serials Troops Through the Mine Fields of Change

SUMMARY This workshop allowed participants to assess their current means of dealing with change. It provided methods for planning the process of change, suggestions for handling the psychological aspects of organizational change, and opportunities for sharing positive and negative experiences related to change.
Three-dimensional cavity nanoantenna coupled plasmonic nanodots for ultrahigh and uniform surface-enhanced Raman scattering over large area

We propose and demonstrate a new SERS substrate architecture that couples a dense three-dimensional (3-D) cavity nanoantenna array, through nano-gaps, with dense plasmonic nanodots; and a new nanofabrication that combines nanoimprint, guided self-assembly and self-alignment and has fabricated the architecture precisely, simply, inexpensively and over large area (4-inch wafer). We experimentally achieved not only high area-average SERS enhancement (1.2 × 109) but also excellent uniformity (22.4% variation) at the same time over the entire large-area sample by measuring 90 points with a regular mapping distance. The best uniformity achieved is 15% variation over 1.6 mm by 1.6 mm area at slightly lower enhancement factor and is independent of the excitation laser probe size, which had an area varying from ~1 to 10,000 μm2.
Direct observation of surface crack initiation and crack growth in the scanning electron microscope

Abstract An electron microscope stage was adapted for the observation of crack propagation on the surface of notched specimens. Sequential pictures of the fracture process were found useful for studying the microstructural aspects of crack initiation and crack growth.
Response Error in Earnings Functions for Nonblack Males

Biases due to measurement errors in an earnings function for nonblack males are assessed by estimating unobserved variable models with data from the Income Supplement Reinterview program of the March 1973 Current Population Survey and from the remeasurement program of the 1973 Occupational Changes in a Generation-II survey. We find that reports of social origins, educational and occupational attainments, labor supply, and earnings of nonblack males are subject to primarily random response errors. Logarithmic earnings is one of the most accurately measured indicators of socioeconomic success. Further, retrospective reports of status variables are as reliable as contemporaneous reports. When measurement errors are ignored for nonblacks, the total economic return to schooling is underestimated by about 16% and the effects of some background variables are underestimated by as much as 15%. The total effects offirst and current job status are underestimated by about 20% when measurement errors are ignored, as a...
A test for correlation based on Kendall's tau

A consistent estimator for the variance of Kendall's tau is proposed which allows for testing the hypothesis of no correlation in a bivariate distribution. The null distribution of the test statistic is tabulated under independence, and the properties of the test are discussed.
Examining the profession through the lens of social justice: two music educators’ stories and their stark realizations

How do issues of equity inform music teaching and learning? What does it mean to teach music through the lens of social justice with social consciousness? The two authors of this paper challenged each other to reflect on these questions and how they pertain, past and present, to their lives as performers, pedagogues, and researchers in various educational settings. In our examination, we explored evidence, if any, of social justice within spaces that typically define school-based music programs and classrooms, and Schools of Music practices.
Self-disclosure in romantic relationships and friendships among American and Japanese college students.

The author examined whether the level of self-disclosure would differ across four types of relationships—passionate love relationships, companionate love relationships, same-sex friendships, and cross-sex friendships—and across cultures: American culture and Japanese culture. Participants were 145 college students (64 Americans and 81 Japanese). The results supported three hypotheses: (a) Japanese students scored lower in self-disclosure than American students, regardless of relationship types, (b) self-disclosure was higher in same-sex friendships than in cross-sex friendships both among American participants and among Japanese participants, and (c) self-disclosure was higher in romantic relationships than in friendships both among American students and among Japanese students. However, the correlation between self-disclosure and passionate love was not stronger than the correlation between self-disclosure and companionate love. The author discussed the present study's findings and contribution.
Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis

The effect of clinical trials on clinical practice has been especially notable in the field of cerebrovascular surgery, and carotid endarterectomy in particular. Extensive data have been published from retrospective studies in cerebrovascular disease; the current focus on prospective randomized trials does not discount the validity of these prior studies. Nevertheless, prospective randomized trials have several distinct scientific advantages in showing causality, or the cause-and-effect relationship between treatment (eg, surgery) and outcome (eg, stroke or perioperative death). Retrospective analyses, however, are subject to a number of factors that may bias the interpretation of data. Prospective randomized trials have become one standard by which surgical procedures are judged and from which practice guidelines and reimbursement schedules are derived, thus ultimately determining their application in clinical practice.