cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irradiance Levels Affect Growth Parameters and Carotenoid Pigments in Kale and Spinach Grown in a Controlled Environment

Carotenoids play critical roles in both light harvesting and energy dissipation for the protection of photosynthetic structures. However, limited research is available on the impact of irradiance on the production of secondary plant compounds, such as carotenoid pigments. Kale (Brassica oleracea L.) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) are two leafy vegetables high in lutein and β-carotene carotenoids. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of different irradiance levels on tissue biomass, elemental nutrient concentrations, and lutein β-carotene and chlorophyll (chl) pigment accumulation in the leaves of kale and spinach. ‘Winterbor’ kale and ‘Melody’ spinach were grown in nutrient solution culture in growth chambers at average irradiance levels of 125, 200, 335, 460, and 620 μmol m−2 s−1. Highest tissue lutein β-carotene and chls occurred at 335 μmol m−2 s−1 for kale, and 200 μmol m−2 s−1 for spinach. The accumulations of lutein and β-carotene were significantly different among irradiance levels for kale, but were not significantly different for spinach. However, lutein and β-carotene accumulation was significant for spinach when computed on a dry mass basis. Identifying effects of irradiance on carotenoid accumulation in kale and spinach is important information for growers producing these crops for dry capsule supplements and fresh markets.
Atomic absorption characteristics of germanium

Abstract Using a demountable hollow-cathode lamp and a Jarrell-Ash 0.5 m grating monochromator with associated a.c. electronics, the atomic absorption characteristics of germanium were studied in a nitrous oxide-acetylene laminar flow flame with a Jarrell-Ash Tri-Flame burner and in an oxyacetylene flame with a medium bore Beckman total consumption burner. For the unresolved 2651.18–2651.58 A doublet under optimum operating conditions and utilizing a 50% v v acetone solution, the detection limits were 0.5 and 5.0 ppm in reducing nitrous oxide-acetylene and oxyacetylene flames, respectively. By proper choice of flame and solvent system, an analytical range of from 1 to 1000 ppm germanium was easily obtainable. This study included the effects of organic solvents, fuel-to-oxidant ratios, and the position of the hollow cathode beam in the flame on the absorption of germanium. Elements commonly associated with germanium ores and the common inorganic acids were checked for interference effects for both aqueous and acetone solutions in the two flames studied.
Global climate simulations at 3000-year intervals for the last 21 000 years with the GENMOM coupled atmosphere–ocean model

Abstract. We apply GENMOM, a coupled atmosphere–ocean climate model, to simulate eight equilibrium time slices at 3000-year intervals for the past 21 000 years forced by changes in Earth–Sun geometry, atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), continental ice sheets, and sea level. Simulated global cooling during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is 3.8 °C and the rate of post-glacial warming is in overall agreement with recently published temperature reconstructions. The greatest rate of warming occurs between 15 and 12 ka (2.4 °C over land, 0.7 °C over oceans, and 1.4 °C globally) in response to changes in radiative forcing from the diminished extent of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) ice sheets and increases in GHGs and NH summer insolation. The modeled LGM and 6 ka temperature and precipitation climatologies are generally consistent with proxy reconstructions, the PMIP2 and PMIP3 simulations, and other paleoclimate data–model analyses. The model does not capture the mid-Holocene "thermal maximum" and gradual cooling to preindustrial (PI) global temperature found in the data. Simulated monsoonal precipitation in North Africa peaks between 12 and 9 ka at values ~ 50% greater than those of the PI, and Indian monsoonal precipitation peaks at 12 and 9 ka at values ~ 45% greater than the PI. GENMOM captures the reconstructed LGM extent of NH and Southern Hemisphere (SH) sea ice. The simulated present-day Antarctica Circumpolar Current (ACC) is ~ 48% weaker than the observed (62 versus 119 Sv). The simulated present-day Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) of 19.3 ± 1.4 Sv on the Bermuda Rise (33° N) is comparable with observed value of 18.7 ± 4.8 Sv. AMOC at 33° N is reduced by ~ 15% during the LGM, and the largest post-glacial increase (~ 11%) occurs during the 15 ka time slice.
Is Economic Development Decision Making Rational

Evaluations of economic development programs have raised questions about the logic behind program design and the rationality of decision choices. In response, analysts have justified program choices and structure on the basis of a variety of organizational and political factors influencing decision makers. Although these explanations are consistent with observed outcomes, they are incomplete from a modeler's perspective. This article presents a model of the economic development process that generates seemingly irrational outcomes despite the assumption that all actors are maximizing agents. The key feature of this model is the recognition that economic development subsidy awards influence the likelihood that other firms will demand subsidies.
Glass Dynamics and Anomalous Aging in a Family of Ionic Liquids above the Glass Transition Temperature

The present paper reports the results of a systematic rheological study of the dynamic moduli of 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]), 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium hexafluorop...
An active fragment of DNA polymerase produced by proteolytic cleavage.

Abstract DNA polymerase from Escherichia coli was cleaved by limited proteolytic action into two fragments of 76, 000 and 34, 000 molecular weight. The cleaved enzyme is still an active polymerase but has a reduced 5′→3′ nuclease activity. The fragments were separated by gel filtration. The isolated larger fragment retains the polymerizing activity and the 3′→5′ nuclease activity present in the native enzyme, but not the 5′→3′ nuclease. This specific proteolytic cleavage was catalyzed most effectively by an extract from Bacillus subtilis or by trypsin.
Filtration of protein in the anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritic rat: A micropuncture study

Filtration of protein in the anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritic rat: A micropuncture study. Production on an anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis in the rat re subts in a 30-fold increase in gbomerubar membrane permeabibity to albumin. The concentration of albumin in gbomerular filtrate, estimated from proximal tubular fluid samples, is ten times the normal value. Tubular reabsorption of albumin is not enhanced so that essentially the filtered load is excreted. A nephrotic syndrome develops rapidly. Total kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is reduced to 40% of normal with a proportional reduction in filtration fraction. Glomerubo-tubular balance is maintained since proximal fractional reabsorption remains constant near control levels. Calculated efferent arteriolar plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) is about one-third normal. Sodium excretion, sharply curtailed in the first days of anti-GBM nephritis, returns to control values after the fourth postinjection day. Restoration of sodium balance despite reduced filtered load and constant proximal fractional reabsorption must be accomplished by adjustments at a distal site in the nephron. Filtration de proteine chez le rat atteint de nephrite anti-GBM: Etude par microfonction. La creation d'une nephrite anti-GBM chez le rat a pour consequence une augmentation de 30 fois de la permeablite glomerulaire a l'albumine. La concentration d'albumine dans le filtrat glomerulaire, evaluee a partirdechantillons tubaluires proximaux, est dix fois la valeur normale. La reabsorption tubulaire de l'albumine n'est pas augmentee de telle sorte que la quantite filtree est pratiguement excretee. Un syndrome nephrotique se developpe rapidement. Le debit de filtration glomerulaire est reduit a 40% de la valeur normale avec une reduction proportionnelle de la fraction filtree. La balance glomerulo-tubulaire est maintenue du fait que la reabsorption fractionnelle proximale reste constante, au voisinage des valeurs controles. La pression colloido osmotique calculee dans l'arteriole efferente est environ 1/3 de le normale. L'excretion du sodium, brusquement diminuee dans les premiers jours de la nephrite anti-GBM, revient aux valeurs controles apres le 4 e jour. La restauration du bilan du sodium malgre une charge filtree diminuee et avec une reabsorption fractionnelle proximale constante doit etre assuree par des ajustements, dans des regions distales du nephron.
Theoretical discussion of the scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract A free-electron model of the device is developed. The electrodes are taken to be plane but with a hemispherical projection on the cathode. The potential energy of the tunneling electron is found numerically by summing, in a special way, over many of the images in the electrodes. The penetration probability is assumed to be the WKB result along the central line, effective over the cross section of the projection. The results are in agreement with the first experimental reports.
Barriers to Outpatient Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Parental Perspectives

Parents (n = 46) of children admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility voluntarily completed demographic information, the Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale, and 3 open-ended questions about their child's prior outpatient treatment. Families with a prior referral for family therapy reported significantly more barriers to treatment. The main categories that emerged from open-ended questions included access issues, family discord or crises, and treatment not meeting expectations. Participants' advice to others in similar circumstances suggested that parents should be proactive and persistent and improve communication with caregivers. The findings are discussed, and recommendations are presented.
A Survey of Clinical Laboratory Immunohematology Performance

The 1966 National Comprehensive Laboratory Survey of the College of American Pathologists was sent to 1.754 laboratories, of which the large majority were in the United States. Replies from 992 laboratories were analyzed. The identification of A erythrocytes was correct in 91 per cent of the laboratories. Antibody identification studies were carried out by 67 per cent of the respondents, and the identification of two different Rh antibodies was correct in 90 per cent of laboratories. Although the Survey indicates good performance by most laboratories, there is a need for continuing education as well as improvement in technical procedures in some laboratories.
New negative tone resists for sub-quarter micron lithography

A new acid amplified negative tone resist system is described which utilizes the formation of tetrahydropyranyl ether group for the crosslinking reaction. In a three component system, the phenolic groups of the matrix resin add to the dihydropyranyl groups of the crosslinker in the imaged areas. N-sulfonyloxy triflate or triphenyl sulfonium triflate are used as photoacid generators. The resist has excellent sensitivity to DUV, E-Beam, and X-Ray and is also used for positive tone surface imaging.
Direct evidence for coherent low velocity axonal transport of mitochondria

Axonal growth depends on axonal transport. We report the first global analysis of mitochondrial transport during axonal growth and pauses. In the proximal axon, we found that docked mitochondria attached to the cytoskeletal framework that were stationary relative to the substrate and fast axonal transport fully accounted for mitochondrial transport. In the distal axon, we found both fast mitochondrial transport and a coherent slow transport of the mitochondria docked to the axonal framework (low velocity transport [LVT]). LVT was distinct from previously described transport processes; it was coupled with stretching of the axonal framework and, surprisingly, was independent of growth cone advance. Fast mitochondrial transport decreased and LVT increased in a proximodistal gradient along the axon, but together they generated a constant mitochondrial flux. These findings suggest that the viscoelastic stretching/creep of axons caused by tension exerted by the growth cone, with or without advance, is seen as LVT that is followed by compensatory intercalated addition of new mitochondria by fast axonal transport.
ENERGY BALANCE FOR RANDOM VIBRATIONS OF PIECEWISE-CONSERVATIVE SYSTEMS

Abstract Vibrations of systems with instantaneous or stepwise energy losses, e.g., due to impacts with imperfect rebounds, dry friction forces(s) (in which case the losses may be treated as instantaneous ones by appropriate introduction of the response energy) and/or active feedback “bang–bang” control of the systems' response are considered. Response of such (non-linear) systems to a white-noise random excitation is considered for the case where there are no other response energy losses. Thus, a simple linear energy growth with time between “jumps” is observed. Explicit expressions for the expected response energy are derived by direct application of the stochastic differential equations calculus, which contains the expected time interval between two consecutive jumps. The latter may be predicted as a solution to the relevant first-passage problem. Perturbational analysis of the relevant PDE for this problem for a certain vibroimpact system demonstrated the possibility for using the solution to the corresponding free vibration problem as a zero order approximation. The method is applied to an s.d.o.f. system with a feedback inertia control, designed according to a certain previously introduced “generalized reversed swings law”. Extensive Monte-Carlo simulation results are presented for this system as well as for several previously analyzed ones: system with impacts; system with dry friction; system with stiffness control; pendulum with controlled length. The results are compared with those due to the asymptotic stochastic averaging approach. Both methods are shown to provide adequate accuracy far beyond the expected applicability range of the asymptotic approach (which requires both excitation intensity and losses to be small), with direct energy balance being generally superior.
A computational model for rate-level functions from cat auditory-nerve fibers.

A computationally tractable form of the rate-level model proposed by Sachs and Abbas (1974) is presented. The first stage of the model is a compressive nonlinearity whose input-output function is chosen to reflect current data on basilar-membrane displacement. The output of this nonlinearity is converted to driven discharge rate by the saturating nonlinearity originally used by Sachs and Abbas (1974). In fitting the model to data four model parameters are chosen to minimize the mean squared error between rate functions generated by the model and the data. With parameters chosen in this way, the model provides good fits to the range of rate-level shapes from flat saturations to sloping saturations. One important parameter in the model is the ‘threshold for compression’. For low- and medium-spontaneous rate fibers with similar best frequencies (BFs), the minimum mean squared error compression threshold is roughly constant at about 30 dB above the thresholds of the most sensitive (high-spontaneous rate) fibers at that BF.
The Bladder-Brain Connection: Putative Role of Corticotropin-releasing Factor

The coordination of pelvic visceral activity with appropriate elimination behaviors is a complex task that requires reciprocal communication between the brain and pelvic organs. Barrington's nucleus, located in the pons, is central to a circuit involved in this function. Barrington's nucleus neurons project to both pelvic visceral motorneurons and cerebral norepinephrine neurons that modulate behavior. This circuit coordinates the descending limb of the micturition reflex with a central limb that initiates arousal and shifts the focus of attention to facilitate elimination behavior. The same circuitry that links the bladder and brain enables pathological processes in one target of the circuit to be expressed in the other. Urological disorders can, therefore, have cognitive and behavioral consequences by affecting components of this circuit; and in the opposing direction, psychosocial stressors can produce voiding dysfunctions and bladder pathology. The stress-related neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor, which is prominent in Barrington's nucleus neurons, is a potential mediator of these effects.
Measuring ulnar variance: A comparison of techniques

This study compared three commonly used methods of measuring ulnar variance. The comparison included the project- a-line technique (A), the method of concentric circles (B), and the method of perpendiculars (C). Specific features studied were variations in results generated by each technique as well as the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for each technique. The only significant difference among techniques was between techniques A and B (p = 0.0224), where mean A values were more positive than mean B values. Observers were found to differ significantly (p = 0.0092) independent of technique. All methods studied were highly reliable, although the method of perpendiculars was most reliable for both interobserver (reliability = 0.9801) and intraobserver (reliability = 0.9719) reliability. This study shows that the clinician may choose whichever technique he prefers when measuring ulnar variance.
Some Applications of Accelerators in Chemistry and Biology

Some applications of particle accelerators in chemistry and biology are presented and discussed. Accent is placed on the use of electron storage rings to produce synchrotron radiation, the use of electron accelerators to probe the kinetic properties of shortlived chemical entitites and on the radiation biological and biomedical uses of heavy ion beams.
On the Structure of Graphs with Low Obstacle Number

The obstacle number of a graph G is the smallest number of polygonal obstacles in the plane with the property that the vertices of G can be represented by distinct points such that two of them see each other if and only if the corresponding vertices are joined by an edge. We list three small graphs that require more than one obstacle. Using extremal graph theoretic tools developed by Promel, Steger, Bollobas, Thomason, and others, we deduce that for any fixed integer h, the total number of graphs on n vertices with obstacle number at most h is at most $${2^{o(n^2)}}$$. This implies that there are bipartite graphs with arbitrarily large obstacle number, which answers a question of Alpert et al. (Discret Comput Geom doi: 10.1007/s00454-009-9233-8, 2009).
Ophthalmology in the United States at the time of the Revolution

At the time of the American Revolution, understanding of diseases of the eye was rudimentary, treatment of ocular problems was largely ineffective, and American physicians were highly dependent on their European colleagues for training and development. Knowledge of optics, light and color was somewhat more advanced. The author reviews the state of eye care during the Revolutionary period, historically and anecdotally, with references to the literature of that time.
CpG Island Hypermethylation Frequently Silences FILIP1L Isoform 2 Expression in Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Senescence related regulatory pathways serve as barriers to cancer immortalization and progression but they are currently not well defined. FILIP1L is a growth inhibitory gene with multiple isoforms whose expression is increased in senescent prostate and prostate cancer cells, and decreased in many cancers. We investigated whether DNA methylation regulates FILIP1L in senescence and in prostate cancer development.Materials and Methods: FILIP1L mRNA expression was assessed in prostate cancer and associated normal prostate tissues using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A tissue microarray was constructed using 95 prostate cancer specimens and 45 benign prostate specimens. Vectra™ imaging was used to quantitate nuclear and cytoplasmic FILIP1L protein expression. Bisulfite sequencing and Pyrosequencing® were used to assess methylation. Prostate cancer cell lines were treated with 2′-deoxy-5-azacytidine and mRNA expression was assessed.Results: FILIP1L isoform 2 mRNA was increased in replicative...
Optimization of photoconductivity in vacuum-evaporated tin sulfide thin films

Annealing in air and argon each produces an increase of a factor of 5 or more in the photoconductivity/dark conductivity ratio (Gph/Gdark) of vacuum-evaporated tin sulfide (SnS) thin films on glass substrates with copper contacts. No significant increase in Gph/Gdark is observed after annealing SnS thin films with silver contacts. Annealing in air at or above 250 °C for 5 min dramatically increases the dark conductivity of the films. Annealing in Ar produces no significant increase in dark conductivity. It is probable that the rise in dark conductivity that accompanies annealing in air is caused by thermal activation of oxygen acceptors followed at higher temperatures by the conversion of SnS to SnO2. The films display photoconductivity from the near-infrared to the ultraviolet. The thinnest films we have produced (18 nm) display the highest Gph/Gdark and are three times more photoconductive at 400 nm than they are at 700 nm.
Pathology of Articular Cartilage and Synovial Membrane From Elbow Joints With and Without Degenerative Joint Disease in Domestic Cats

The elbow joint is one of the feline appendicular joints most commonly and severely affected by degenerative joint disease. The macroscopic and histopathological lesions of the elbow joints of 30 adult cats were evaluated immediately after euthanasia. Macroscopic evidence of degenerative joint disease was found in 22 of 30 cats (39 elbow joints) (73.33% cats; 65% elbow joints), and macroscopic cartilage erosion ranged from mild fibrillation to complete ulceration of the hyaline cartilage with exposure of the subchondral bone. Distribution of the lesions in the cartilage indicated the presence of medial compartment joint disease (most severe lesions located in the medial coronoid process of the ulna and medial humeral epicondyle). Synovitis scores were mild overall and correlated only weakly with macroscopic cartilage damage. Intra-articular osteochondral fragments either free or attached to the synovium were found in 10 joints. Macroscopic or histologic evidence of a fragmented coronoid process was not found even in those cases with intra-articular osteochondral fragments. Lesions observed in these animals are most consistent with synovial osteochondromatosis secondary to degenerative joint disease. The pathogenesis for the medial compartmentalization of these lesions has not been established, but a fragmented medial coronoid process or osteochondritis dissecans does not appear to play a role.
A high sensitivity hydrostatic piezoelectric transducer based on transverse piezoelectric mode honeycomb ceramic composites

A new piezoelectric composite transducer based on the ceramic honeycomb structure is introduced. The transducer is operated in the transverse piezoelectric (TP) d/sub 31/ mode. The ceramic honeycomb configuration enables one to fabricate a TP honeycomb transducer by either embedding a honeycomb ceramic skeleton into a soft polymer matrix to form a composite or by blocking the openings of the honeycomb cells with thin layers of epoxy to form an end-capped honeycomb structure. With the unique honeycomb configuration and TP operation mode, the piezoelectric d/sub 33/ response of the ceramic is nearly eliminated and the piezoelectric responses from the three orthogonal directions add together when the transducer is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure. As a result, the transducer exhibits exceptionally high hydrostatic piezoelectric response.
On the Origins of SLE Research, Questions, Outstanding, and Other Research Traditions

Summary This brief article discusses important topics not addressed elsewhere in this special issue of EER. First, by documenting the true origins of significant life experiences (SLE) research, it corrects certain misinformation appearing in recent years. It goes on to raise some questions about past research techniques and interpretation of results. It concludes by recommending certain authors and titles from other research traditions, which could inform future SLE investigations.
Which one is more sensitive to carrier frequency offsets - OFDMA or SC-FDMA?

Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) has been adopted for multi-user systems due to its low peak to average power ratio and improved bit error rate performance as compared to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) with minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalization. In this paper, we investigate the robustness of these two technologies in the presence of carrier frequency offsets (CFOs) for uplink transmissions. We present a generalized system model for SC-FDMA and OFDMA uplink transmissions and compare the bit error rate performance of different sub-carrier allocation and CFO compensation schemes. We show that surprisingly, SC-FDMA is more sensitive to CFOs as compared to OFDMA, so the performance gains offered by SC-FDMA with MMSE equalization are lost in the presence of CFOs. On the other hand, the performance degradation due to CFO is relatively small for SC-FDMA with zero forcing equalization. We also show that the performance of grouped allocation and interleaved allocation becomes similar in the presence of CFOs as opposed to the perfect synchronization scenario.
Crystal structure of SsfS6, the putative C-glycosyltransferase involved in SF2575 biosynthesis

The molecule known as SF2575 from Streptomyces sp. is a tetracycline polyketide natural product that displays antitumor activity against murine leukemia P388 in vivo. In the SF2575 biosynthetic pathway, SsfS6 has been implicated as the crucial C-glycosyltransferase (C-GT) that forms the C-C glycosidic bond between the sugar and the SF2575 tetracycline-like scaffold. Here, we report the crystal structure of SsfS6 in the free form and in complex with TDP, both at 2.4 A resolution. The structures reveal SsfS6 to adopt a GT-B fold wherein the TDP and docked putative aglycon are consistent with the overall C-glycosylation reaction. As one of only a few existing structures for C-glycosyltransferases, the structures described herein may serve as a guide to better understand and engineer C-glycosylation. Proteins 2013; 81:1277–1282. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases

Abstract The anterior horn cell diseases, with the exception of polio, are progressive degenerative diseases of the motor neurons. These disorders include SMA types I to III in children and familial and sporadic ALS and its variants (PMA, PLS, and PBP), Kennedy's disease, and SMA type IV in adults. The electrodiagnostic study is a crucial step in the diagnostic process for all of these disorders. In general, motor NCS may be normal or reveal low CMAP amplitudes with relatively normal conduction velocities. Sensory NCS, except in the case of Kennedy's disease, are normal. The NEE is notable for the often abundant presence of abnormal spontaneous activity, including fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves, fasciculation potentials, and complex repetitive discharges. Motor unit morphology is abnormal, with polyphasic motor units and large amplitude and duration MUAPs when the disease is slowly progressive. Recruitment in affected muscles is reduced with abnormally rapidly firing motor units. To diagnose a widespread disorder of the motor neurons, abnormalities must be present in multiple muscles with different nerve root and peripheral nerve innervation in multiple limbs. The Lambert Criteria and the El Escorial Criteria are the two most widely accepted sets of electrodiagnostic criteria for ALS. The electrodiagnostic diagnosis must be supported by appropriate history and physical examination findings and the exclusion, via neuroimaging and laboratory testing, of other diseases that may mimic a generalized disorder of the motor neurons.
The Art of Teaching Radiology [letter]

Editor: I am pleased that Radiology is featuring articles on the art of teaching radiology. Most of us in academics learn to teach through trial and error, and there are many techniques that can be taught formally to make us more effective teachers. Unfortunately, the article by Dr Gunderman and colleagues in the April 2003 issue of Radiology (1) violates two important rules of pedagogy. The first rule they violate is to never make assumptions about the proclivities of your audience. The second is to never insult your audience. Dr Gunderman and colleagues attack a model where “the teachers are active participants . . . and the learners [are] passive receptacles” (1). In 18 years in radiology, both as a student and as a teacher, having attended numerous courses, I have not encountered that attitude on the part of educators. Nor have I encountered residents who are “treated as if they were children and are given little or no responsibility for their own education” (1). I am sure Dr Gunderman and colleagues will reply that I must have been fortunate in my teachers. I know I was fortunate. At least weekly, as I try to be the best teacher I can be, I am helped by the memory of something one of the teachers at my residency program said or did. My personal experience aside, I think that the vast majority of teachers view teaching as a team effort between instructor and pupil. I have found that some students expect to be passive learners, and that one of my most important jobs is to pull them into an active partnership. The helpful suggestions of Dr Gunderman and colleagues in this regard are unfortunately undermined by their negative tone. I believe the comments of Dr Gunderman and colleagues represent an unmerited attack on teachers. As all good teachers know, if you attack the people you wish to teach, they are unlikely to learn much. We in academics are struggling under difficult circumstances to maintain the highest possible level of quality in academic radiology. We accept clinical workloads equal to or greater than those in many private practices at salaries considerably lower than those in private practices because we care about teaching, our residents, and the future of radiology. We will happily accept constructive criticism, but I do not think we deserve attacks that are not well founded.
Origin of Clay Minerals In Alluvial Paleosols, Prince Creek Formation, North Slope, Alaska, U.S.A.: Influence of Volcanic Ash On Pedogenesis In the Late Cretaceous Arctic

Abstract Paleosols formed from weathering of alluvial mudstones in the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Prince Creek Formation, North Slope Alaska, are dominated by detrital smectite, discrete illite, kaolinite, chlorite, quartz, and pedogenic illite–smectite (I/S) mixed-layer clays. In the fine clay fraction ( 80%), low bulk density, phosphorus accumulation, Fe and Al mass-balance trends, and the presence of Fe–Al–humus complexes in one paleosol profile is interpreted as evidence of andic soil properties, and these paleosols are interpreted, therefore, as Andept-like alluvial soils. These results demonstrate that clay mineralogical studies, in conjunction with geochemical data of paleosols, can be used to identify paleo-andic soil properties which have not been widely recognized in the ancient rock record. Alternating wetting and drying conditions, required to form pedogenic I/S in these alluvial paleosols, resulted from a highly seasonal moisture regime in the Late Cretaceous Arctic.
A new method for estimating the weight of very heavy objects

We propose and study a new technique for estimating the weight of very heavy objects. This new technique is based on measurements made by a device, a gravity gradiometer, that is capable of measuring subtle changes in the gravitational field produced by an object with respect to distance. The physical observables, known as gravity gradients, depend upon the mass density distribution of an object and the relative distance between the object and the measurement device. We show that for very heavy objects gravity gradient measurements can be used to form least squares estimates for the object's mass. This technology is potentially important in the implementation of arms control agreements or for application in the transportation industry. >
The Unraveling of Representative Democracy in Venezuela

The Unraveling of Representative Democracy in Venezuela. Edited by Jennifer L. McCoy and David J. Myers. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004. 368p. $49.95.The replacement of a “stable” democracy with an elected self-proclaimed “revolutionary” government—especially in a major petroleum-exporting country—demands the attention of comparative politics. Thus, this volume is a welcome addition to the rather thin body of scholarship on Venezuela. Comprised of essays by several leading students of Venezuelan politics, it locates the preconditions for Hugo Chavez's rise in the vulnerabilities of the previous regime. Some chapters, including the conclusion, also attempt to explain the nature of the new government under Chavez. However, given the origins of the book in conference papers from 2000, the latter task is quite underdeveloped. A fuller analysis of the nature and structure of the Chavez government, now into the final year of its first full constitutional term, would have made the book all the more valuable. Nonetheless, its question about democracy's “unraveling” is of great importance.
Interaction Surfaces of Reinforced-Concrete Sections in Biaxial Bending

A method for the computation of the interaction surface of reinforced-concrete sections subjected to axial load and biaxial bending is developed. The method is analytically exact and it is based on using Green's theorem to transform the double equilibrium integrals into line integrals along the compressive perimeter of the concrete section. For up to third-degree polynomial stress-strain relations for concrete, Gauss integration with only three sample integration points yields exact results. This is the reason the method is computationally efficient. Note that the concrete stress-strain relations recommended by the American Concrete Institute and by Eurocode 2 of the European Union both fall within the above limitation. The method is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Phospholipid Scramblase 1, an interferon-regulated gene located at 3q23, is regulated by SnoN/SkiL in ovarian cancer cells

Treatment of advanced stage ovarian cancer continues to be challenging due to acquired drug resistance and lack of early stage biomarkers. Genes identified to be aberrantly expressed at the 3q26.2 locus (i.e. SnoN/SkiL) have been implicated in ovarian cancer pathophysiology. We have previously shown that SnoN expression is increased in advanced stage ovarian cancers and alters cellular response to arsenic trioxide (As2O3). We now demonstrate increased DNA copy number levels (TCGA data) of phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1, located at 3q23) whose transcript expression in ovarian cell lines is highly correlated with SnoN mRNA. Interestingly, SnoN can modulate PLSCR1 mRNA levels in the absence/presence of interferon (IFN-2α). Both IFN-2α and As2O3 treatment can modulate PLSCR1 mRNA levels in ovarian carcinoma cells. However, SnoN siRNA does not lead to altered PLSCR1 protein implicating other events needed to modulate its protein levels. In addition, we report that PLSCR1 can modulate aspects of the As2O3 cellular response. Our findings warrant further investigation into the role of PLSCR1 in ovarian cancer development and chemoresistance.
Energy and quality of life

Energy is required to sustain life. A human-centered analysis of the worldwide energy situation is conducted in terms of quality of life-related variables that are affected, but not directly determined, by energy consumption. Data since 1980 show a continuous global increase in both energy consumption and quality of life, and lower population growth in countries with higher quality of life. Based on these trends, we advance non-linear energy consumption predictions and identify various plausible scenarios to optimally steer future energy demands, in order to maximize quality of life. The scenarios consider the coupling between energy consumption rate per capita, quality of life, population growth, social inequality, and governments’ energy-for-life efficiency. The results show the energy cost of increasing quality of life in the developing world, energy savings that can be realized by limiting overconsumption without impacting quality of life, and the role of governments on increasing energy-for-life efficiency and reducing social inequality.
The effects of audit technology on auditor efficiency: Auditing and the timeliness of client earnings announcements

Abstract The organizational theory and sociology literatures have long been concerned with the concept of structure, both as a dependent and an independent variable. Relatively recently, auditing researchers have found that public accounting firms differ in the degree of structure their audit technologies exhibit, and that the voting pattern of the Auditing Standards Board appears to be influenced by its members' firm affiliations with respect to their structure orientation. To date, however, the influence of accounting firm structure on client financial reporting characteristics has not been to subjected study. The purpose of this article is to examine hypothesized relationships between the structure orientation of public accounting firms and client earnings announcement dates, expressed in terms of “early” vs “late”. In addition, the impact of the nature of information conveyed, expressed in terms of surprise “good news” or “bad news”, is studied. Empirical evidence drawn from the Wall Street Journal Index , COMPUSTAT and a prior classification of Big Eight firm audit technologies with respect to structure, suggests that systematic relationships do exist. Implications for future research and audit practice are discussed.
Protein folding and intracellular transport: evaluation of conformational changes in nascent exocytotic proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes various assays that have been developed to analyze the in vivo process of protein folding or oligomerization within the ER. These assays are divided into two groups—namely, (1) assays that probe conformational changes in the nascent polypeptide chain and (2) assays that follow the assembly of the polypeptides into oligomers. To determine the time course in vivo of folding and assembly of membrane or secretory proteins, it is necessary to label the nascent polypeptides with a radioactive amino acid, usually [35S]methionine or [35S]cysteine. Optimally, the period of incorporation of isotope should be short relative to the time course of folding so that only the completely unfolded polypeptide will be labeled at the start of the chase period. However, in practice it may be difficult to achieve, because initial folding of the polypeptide may commence even before translation and translocation of the chain is completed. The assays for analysis of protein folding using antibodies specific for different conformational states depend on the availability of antibodies that recognize different conformational forms of the protein of interest, and in particular antibodies that discriminate between unfolded and fully folded forms of the polypeptide chain. Polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies raised against reduced and alkylated polypeptides are likely to recognize the fully unfolded conformations and may not recognize the folded molecule.
The Role of Media as a Supporting Institution: Implications for Development Policy

In democracies, the presence of an independent media not only heightens voter awareness of important policy issues but also provides them with accurate information about the behavior of political agents. This enables voters to monitor politicians who are thus made more accountable to the public. For core economic and political institutions to be effective, a free media must support them. The degree of private ownership and the ease for new entrants to establish themselves in the media industry influence the effectiveness of media in providing the feedback required to maintain core liberal democratic institutions, thereby enabling prosperity. As a general rule, the larger the share of private ownership and the freer the entry, the more effective the media industry will be in this role. Many countries maintain barriers to private ownership ranging from an outright ban on private ownership of media outlets to intimidation of media employees, heavy regulation, and licensing. When such barriers exist, the effectiveness of media in promoting social, economic, and political change is constrained. Where media is under the control of government, democracy is generally stifled and reforms are slow.
The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914

Margaret MacMillan's The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 shares a good deal with Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War. It offers a lively and engaging account of the origins of one ...
Evaluation of Four Qualitative Third-Generation HIV Antibody Assays and the Fourth-Generation Abbott HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test

Objective: Compare the agreement between four third-generation rapid or automated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests vs the fourth-generation Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay (Combo Test) (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) in 7 clinical laboratories located throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, metroplex area. Methods: We tested a total of 220 specimens from the general population of patients being screened for HIV antibody status, including Western blot (WB) and HIV-1 RNA viral load by NAAT in patients with initially positive HIV screening tests. We performed a method precision study of the Combo Test and evaluated the agreement between the 4 comparative methods (CMs) against the Combo Test method (TM) using a 2 × 2 contingency table to determine values for positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percent agreement (NPA), and overall percent agreement (OPA) according to the guideline (EP12-A2) for the evaluation of qualitative assays published by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: The Combo Test yielded consistent (reproducible) results when the HIV antibody (or p24 antigen) concentration was 20% away or more from C50. In addition, values for PPA, NPA, and OPA for CM vs TM results were all 100%, or not significantly different from 100%. Conclusion: The high detection rate of the Combo Test, when coupled with its high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, rapid TAT (<30 minutes) of test results using a fully automated instrument (ARCHITECT), and excellent agreement with HIV-1/2 antibody results by several commercially available HIV-1/2 screening tests and with WB and NAAT results, indicate that the Abbott HIV-1/2 Ab/Ag Test is a useful screening test in the identification of HIV-infected individuals. * HIV : human immunodeficiency virus CM : comparative method TM : test method PPA : positive percent agreement NPA : negative percent agreement OPA : overall percent agreement CLSI : Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute AIDS : acquired immunodeficiency syndrome UNAIDS : United Nations Programme on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome CDC : Centers for Disease Control gag : group-specific antigen EIAs : enzyme immunoassays CAP : College of American Pathologists WB : Western blot NAAT : nucleic acid amplification test AMH : Arlington Memorial Hospital BAS : Baylor All-Saints BUMC : Baylor University Medical Center THD : Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas THFW : Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital THP : Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital THSW : Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest R : reactive NR : nonreactive EDTA : ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid LL : lower limits UP : upper limits S/CO : signal-to-cutoff %pos : percentage of positive %neg : percentage of negative FP : false positive FN : false negative POC : point-of-care TAT : turnaround time
A Comparison of Nationally Ranked High Schools and Their Music Curricula

This study compared selected musical, educational, and social characteristics of high schools ranked highest in Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report. Questions addressed were (a) How are the top-r...
Primitive streak mesoderm-like cell lines expressing Pax-3 and Hox gene autoinducing activities.

Differentiating P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells transiently express an endogenous activity capable of inducing Pax-3 expression in adjacent P19 stem cells (Pruitt, Development 116, 573–583, 1992). In the present study, expression of this activity in mesodermal cell lineages is demonstrated. First, expression of the mesodermal marker Brachyury correlates with expression of Pax-3-inducing activity. Second, the ability of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to block mesoderm differentiation at two different points is demonstrated and correlated with the inhibition of Pax-3-inducing activity. Finally, two mesodermal cell lines that express Pax-3-inducing activity were derived from P19 EC cells. Each of these lines expresses high levels of the mesodermal marker Brachyury and high levels of Oct-3/4 (which is down-regulated at early times during mesoderm differentiation) suggesting that these lines are early mesodermal derivatives. Unlike EC or embryonic stem cell lines, each of the two mesodermal derivatives autoinduces Hox gene expression on aggregation even in the presence of LIF. Following aggregation, anterior-specific genes are expressed more rapidly than more posterior genes. These observations directly demonstrate the ability of murine mesodermal derivatives to autoinduce Hox gene expression in the absence of signals from other cell lineages. Similar to the Pax-3-inducing activity, signals from mesodermal cell lines were sufficient to induce HOX expression in adjacent P19 stem cells in cell mixing assays. These observations are consistent with the previous suggestion (Blum, M., Gaunt, S. J., Cho, K. W. Y., Steinbeisser, H., Blumberg, B., Bittner, D. and De Robertis, E. M. (1992) Cell 69, 1097–1106) that signals responsible for anterior-posterior organizer activity are localized to the anterior primitive streak mesoderm of the mouse embryo.
Potential energy surfaces for oxygen adsorption, dissociation, and diffusion at the Pt(321) surface.

We report a first-principles, periodic supercell analysis of oxygen adsorption, diffusion, and dissociation at the kinked Pt(321) surface. Binding energies and binding site preferences of isolated oxygen atoms and molecules have been determined, and we show that both atomic and molecular oxygen prefer binding in bridge sites involving coordinatively unsaturated kink Pt atoms. Binding energies of atomic and molecular oxygen in different sites correlate well with the average metallic Pt coordination number of Pt atoms forming each site, although differences exist between adsorbates in symmetrically similar sites due to the inherent chirality of the surface. Atomic O in the strongest binding bridge sites experiences relatively small energy barriers for diffusion to neighboring sites compared to O on Pt(111). However, due to the structure of the surface, O diffusion is only rapid between different sites around the kink Pt atom, whereas the effective long-range tracer diffusion, as determined from a simple cou...
The Http-flood Detection Methods Based on User Browsing Behavior

With the traditional DDoS attacks based on low-level protocol than the application layer DDoS attacks have a more pronounced effect, but also more difficult to detect. Existing solutions include: feature detection, traffic restrictions, hidden semi-Markov model. These methods in the detection of application layer DDoS attacks (eg, http-get flood) attack detection rate is low or the detection of slow. Presented in this paper based on user browsing behavior of the detection method of the http flood attack detection results significantly improved.