cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Orbital Hemorrhage in Pregnant Women Treated With Subcutaneous Heparin

Purpose To describe two pregnant women who developed spontaneous orbital hemorrhage following treatment with subcutaneous heparin. Method Case histories and subsequent management of spontaneous orbital hemorrhage. Results Both women developed severe unilateral visual loss. Conclusion In spontaneous orbital hemorrhage, anticoagulation therapy such as heparin may contribute to severe hemorrhage and visual loss.
From Author to Protagonist: Stories of Self-Identity Development

Jean Fritz's Homesick and Laurence Yep's Child of the Owl share a lot in common. The two authors are both puzzled by their childhood experiences with acculturative stress and their personal identity. They search for answers to the meaning of the experiences in their stories respectively. Their stories of self-identity development are very different. The difference indicates that children are vulnerable to acculturative stress and often pay the price for cultural conflict.
Software acceleration techniques for the simulation of scanning electron microscope images

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) simulator was developed based on the models used in the MONSEL software. This simulator extends earlier work by introducing an object-oriented framework and adding optimization methods based on precomputation of electron trajectories. Several optimizations enable speedup by factors of 5-100 on a single processor over unoptimized simulations without introducing additional approximations. The speedup for a particular surface depends on the self-similarity of the surface at the scale of the electron penetration depth. We further accelerate by parallelizing the calculations for a total speedup of about 100-2000 on 30 processors. The goal of this work was to create a system capable of simulating a quantitatively accurate SEM image of a relatively unconstrained surface. Results of this work include simulation software, optimization algorithms, performance measurements with various optimizations, and examples of simulated images.
Binocular eye tracking control satisfying Hering's law

Human eye movement can be looked at, as a rotational dynamics on the space SO(3) with constraints that have to do with the axis of rotation. A typical eye movement can be decomposed into two components, that go by the name `version' and `vergence'. Hering's law proposes that the version component of the eye movement is identical in both the eyes, and versional eye movement is used to follow a target located far away. In order to focus on a closer target, the eyes rotate in opposite directions, using the vergence component. A typical eye movement would be regarded as a concatenation of version followed by vergence. In this paper, we shall represent such eye movements using unit quaternion, with constraints. Assuming that the eyes are perfect spheres with their mass distributed uniformly and rotating about their own centers, eye movement models are constructed using classical mechanics. For targets moving in near field, for which both version and vergence eye movements are required, optimal eye movement trajectories are simulated, where the goal is to minimize a quadratic cost function on the energy of the applied control torques.
II. Biochemical mechanisms in the phosphatidylinositol effect

Stimulated labeling of phospholipids from 32Pi is a hallmark of activation of a variety of cell surface receptors. In the case of the central nervous system, the response can reflect muscarinic activation. Recent studies in nerve ending preparations indicate a postsynaptic site of action. Ca2+ is required for the expression of cholinergic stimulation of labeling in nerve ending preparations, but whether it plays a regulatory role is not yet known. While it is inferred that the receptor-ligand interaction leads to increased diacylglycerol availability, its source is not established. In experiments with muscarinic agents and ionophore added to nerve ending preparations, there is a potentiated loss of labeling from prelabeled polyphosphoinositides. It is suggested that phosphodiesteratic cleavage of polyphosphoinositides may be an early consequence of muscarinic receptor activation.
Can governments make credible promises? Insights from infrastructure projects in emerging economies

Abstract Despite deregulation and privatization, governments in emerging economies continue to play important roles in private infrastructure projects, thereby exposing private investors to the risk of government reneging. The government's role as deal maker—and deal breaker—in infrastructure investments stems from its role as financier, customer, supplier, competitor, and/or regulator. (The only role governments have shed as a result of recent economic reforms is that of producer.) Based on the literature, I propose three explanations for government reneging: (1) economic uncertainty, which necessitates contract renegotiation; (2) the logic of the “obsolescing bargain,” which makes deals less attractive to governments ex post than they were ex ante; and (3) political change, which puts new leaders in charge with incentives to renege on old promises. I assert that these risks can be contained, respectively, through contract design, investment strategy, and institutional design. Using this framework, I conclude that Enron's strategy in the controversial Dabhol project in India was sensitive to first of the three factors and relatively less mindful of the other two. The policy implication for MNCs is that they should be attentive to all three factors that cause government reneging rather than just one or two.
Guanidyl-carboxylate interactions: crystal structures of arginine dipeptides*

The crystal structures of the hydrated dipeptides l-arginyl-l-aspartic acid and l-arginyl-l-glutamic acid have been determined from three-dimensional X-ray diffraction data. Each peptide crystallizes as a double-zwitterion with both the main and side-chain carboxyl groups ionized and the amino and guanidyl termini protonated. The peptide backbone conformation in both peptides is remarkably similar. Both peptides adopt a trans conformation for the peptide linkage with the guanidyl and acidic side-chains extended on opposite sides of the peptide backbone. The arginyl side-chain conformations differ between peptides; the conformation observed for arginyl aspartic acid is unique. Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding networks are observed in both structures; however, in neither structure is there evidence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The intermolecular guanidyl-carboxylate interactions are detailed. These interactions include a modified Type A interaction which models the possible bridging of adjacent peptide carbonyl oxygens in an α-helix by the guanidinium moiety.
Note on the correction for continuity in testing the significance of the difference between correlated proportions.

Methods of correcting for continuity in tests of significance of the difference between correlated proportions are presented. These corrections should increase the range of usefulness of the formulas developed by McNemar (1).
Anisotropic diffusion of hydrogen atoms on the Si(100)-2×1 surface

This paper presents first-principles total-energy calculations of hydrogen-adatom diffusion on a Si(100)-2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 reconstructed surface. The transition states for hydrogen-atom-diffusion pathways were established by mapping out the potential energy of a hydrogen atom jumping between the dangling bonds of a Si(100)-2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 surface modeled by embedded finite silicon clusters. The diffusion barriers are high (2--3 eV) and wide (\ensuremath{\sim}3--4 \AA{}), suggesting that H-atom diffusion on Si(100) proceeds via mostly a classical hopping mechanism instead of tunneling. Furthermore, diffusion of hydrogen atoms is predicted to be anisotropic, being preferentially directed parallel to the silicon-dimer rows, with an activation energy of 2.0 eV. Higher activation energies of 2.5 and 2.7 eV are predicted for diffusion perpendicular to dimer rows, for the cases of hydrogen atoms hopping from one dangling bond to a neighboring dangling bond on the same dimer and on an adjacent dimer, respectively. The mechanism for H-atom diffusion along dimer rows is markedly different from that previously proposed for Si-adatom diffusion on Si(100): H atoms are predicted to diffuse along edges of the dimer rows rather than down the middle.
Comparison of statistical extrapolation methods for the evaluation of long-term extreme response of wind turbine

Abstract Prediction of extreme responses with given mean recurrence intervals (MRIs) is an essential task for reliability-based design of wind turbines. It involves statistical extrapolation of extreme response distribution at very upper tail region for the estimation of long-term extreme responses from short-term field or simulation data. In this study, the accuracy and effectiveness of the global maxima method, translation process method and average conditional exceedance rate (ACER) method in evaluating extreme response distribution are examined through comparisons with the predictions from controlled Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The controlled MCS combines the importance splitting (ISp) method with multivariate autoregressive (MAR) modeling of stochastic wind excitations, enables a direct simulation of long-term extreme responses with much reduced computational efforts. The extreme value distribution determined provides a valuable opportunity to verify the adequacy of different statistical extrapolation approaches. This study reconfirms the limitation of global maxima method that the predictions are greatly relying on the prescribed probability distribution model. This study also highlights the challenges in translation process method for strongly non-Gaussian response process when moment-based Hermite model is used for representing the translation function between non-Gaussian response process and underlying Gaussian process. An improved Hermite model that better represents the translation function at upper tail is proposed, and its improved performance in the estimated extreme value distribution of strongly non-Gaussian response process is achieved. The ACER method, which is essentially a method of extrapolating the process crossing rate, is also found to be able to well represent the tail behavior of the extreme value distribution.
Comparative Lithostratigraphy of World's Major Carbonate Reservoirs: ABSTRACT

Although it has been said that "oil is where you find it," yet any regional or worldwide comparative evaluation of producing carbonate lithologies will show that certain lithostratigraphic units have proved to be more prospective than others. Furthermore, it can be demonstrated that certain important time-equivalent reservoir rocks are remarkably similar in lithologic composition on a worldwide basis. This paper focuses on these worldwide time-equivalent developments of lithologically similar or identical reservoir facies. The following different lithofacies constitute the most important types of carbonate reservoir rocks: reefs and banks (i.e. biogenic structures); oolites and calcarenites; detrital accumulations; conglomerates and breccias; and shallow-water shelf limestones. These may occur in the form of unaltered limestones, recrystallized or dolomitized limestones, and replacement dolomites. On a worldwide basis, reefs and banks, together with oolite and calcarenite deposits, form by far the most productive carbonate reservoir facies. At certain periods of geologic time certain specific lithofacies dominate in forming potential reservoir rocks. During Ordovician and Silurian times, replacement dolomites and dolomitized biogenic limestones prevailed. The Devonian System exhibits major reservoir potentials in unaltered or dolomitized reefoid facies. Mississippian, Pennsylvanian, and Lower Permian carbonate reservoirs represent primarily different types of biogenic bank deposits. Middle to Upper Permian producing lithologies encompass reef facies, as well as End_Page 1822------------------------------ dolomitized oolite and calcarenite deposits and dolomitized shallow-water shelf limestones. In Late Jurassic time, oolite and calcarenite accumulations, together with minor occurrences of reefoid facies, predominated in forming important petroleum reservoirs in the Vera Cruz region, Mexico, in the Smackover trend, and in the Arab D limestone of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and in its time equivalent in Israel. In the Cretaceous, reef facies are dominant. In the Tertiary, coral reefs and calcarenite deposits (Asmari Limestone, Iran) form the most important carbonate reservoirs. Such a generalized categorization by lithofacies refers strictly to major producing lithologies and does not exclude simultaneous production from minor carbonate reservoirs on a local basis. A comparative evaluation of the reservoir potentialities of carbonate lithologies likely to be found in prospective new oil provinces should form a basis for more realistic profitability analyses. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1823------------
Class in a Multicultural Age: Organization of American Historians Meeting

The April 1997 conference of the Organization of American Historians (OAH) in San Francisco was thematically centered on "the meanings of citizenship." Despite the relatively expansive body of work by labor histor ians which has directly or indirectly addressed this theme over the years, there were relatively few sessions that dealt with labor or working-class history. I attended several of these panels but was most intrigued by a session on "Recasting Citizenship: The Uses of Class in a Multicultural Age." The papers and discussion at this panel incorporated both controver sial issues within the field of labor history and issues pertinent to future labor and social scholarship?not to mention movements. The panelists represented an impressive cross-section of scholars who have written against the grain of a field once centered exclusively on the white, male, organized working class. Elizabeth Faue, Robin Kelley, James Horton, Alice Kessler-Harris, and David Roediger have each in their own way challenged and expanded our understanding of class in relation to community, race, and gender. Their observations and comments at this session both sharpened that challenge and generally moved from a schol arly focus to a broader context of academic and social activism. Specifically, the issue of the uses of class in a multicultural age was approached as a methodological problem, as a political problem within the academy, and as a challenge to building a new and vital labor movement. Elizabeth Faue (Wayne State University) opened the session with the question, "What do we do with class in terms of citizenship?" She identified a fundamental problem in this relationship by noting that although notions of citizenship have historically been rooted in work and work identities, class and citizenship have been articulated in languages which are both reinforcing and competing. She continued with the contention that, gener ally, class has been excluded from the national discourse on the meaning of citizenship, with a few notable exceptions: the rise of the American Federa tion of Labor in the 1920s, which brought to the forefront the idea of the respectable (white, male) citizen-worker; the labor movement of the 1930s led by the Congress of Industrial Organizations, through which class deter mined the scope of claims made on citizenship; and the era from 1979 to the present, in which class has come into competition with race and gender as a primary determiner of identity. In the current era, the relationship of class to citizenship and the state has remained unclear.
Cadmium's disguise dupes the estrogen receptor.

Cadmium is a toxic environmental pollutant that has worrisome estrogenic effects in cell culture. New data from rats show that cadmium can act as an estrogen mimic in the whole animal, inducing conditions ranging from uterine hyperplasia to early onset of puberty ( pages 1081–1084 ).
A stereoselective synthesis of (±)-trans-cycloalkanopiperidines and cycloalkanopyrrolidines via hydroboration

Abstract A highly stereoselective synthesis of trans-cycloalkanopiperidines and cycloalkanopyrrolidines has been achieved via hydroboration of bromocycloalkenes with dichloroboranes. The intermediate bromocycloalkylboronic acids were converted into azidocycloalkylboronates. Addition of two equivalents of boron trichloride in dichloromethane generated dichloroboranes which, by an intramolecular cyclisation gave intermediates 11. These can be readily hydrolyzed to get the corresponding important nitrogen heterocycles in good yields and excellent stereochemical purities.
Consumption habits of pregnant women and implications for developmental biology: a survey of predominantly Hispanic women in California

Background: Healthy post-pregnancy outcomes are contingent upon an informed regimen of prenatal care encouraging healthy maternal consumption habits. In this article, we describe aspects of maternal intake of food, drink, and medication in a population of predominantly Hispanic women in Southern California. Potential implications for unhealthy prenatal dietary choices are discussed. Methods: The Food, Beverage, and Medication Intake Questionnaire (FBMIQ) measures common practices of maternal consumption during pregnancy. The FBMIQ was administered to English and Spanish speaking pregnant and recently pregnant (36 weeks pregnant - 8 weeks post-partum) women over the age of 18 who were receiving care from a private medical group in Downey CA. Results: A total of 200 women completed the FBMIQ. Consumption habits of healthy foods and beverages, unhealthy foods, unhealthy beverages, and medication are characterized in this article. Data indicate widespread consumption of fresh fruit, meats, milk and juice and indicate most women used prenatal vitamin supplements. Studies in developmental neuroscience have shown that certain substances may cause teratogenic effects on the fetus when ingested by the mother during pregnancy. Those potentially harmful substances included in our study were Bisphenol-A (BPA), methylmercury, caffeine, alcohol and certain medications. Our results show that a proportion of the women surveyed in our study consumed BPA, methylmercury, caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications at varied levels during pregnancy. This represents an interesting finding and suggests a disconnect between scientific data and general recommendations provided to pregnant mothers by obstetricians. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate that a proportion of pregnant women consume substances that are potentially teratogenic and may impact the health and well being of the offspring. It is important to appraise healthy and unhealthy consumption habits in order to encourage healthy practices and alleviate future effects of preventable, toxin-induced developmental issues. Prenatal advising should discourage the consumption of dangerous foods, beverages, and medications that women commonly report eating during pregnancy.
Comparison of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and high-frequency jet ventilation in cats with normal lungs

Four adult cats received alternating high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) at equivalent proximal airway pressures. Physiologic measurements were made before and after each ventilator change. Proximal airway pressures were then adjusted as necessary to reestablish normal pH and PaCO2 values. Aortic, pulmonary artery, and central venous pressures were monitored. Cardiac outputs were measured. Pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, intrapulmonary shunt, and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient were determined. Following the change from HFOV to HFJV at similar proximal airway pressures, HFJV always produced higher pH values (P less than 0.0001), higher PaO2 values (P less than 0.05), lower PaCO2 values (P less than 0.0001), as well as higher cardiac outputs (P less than 0.01), lower pulmonary artery pressures (P less than 0.001), and lower pulmonary vascular resistances (P less than 0.001). Following the reciprocal crossover, from HFJV to HFOV, HFJV pH values were again higher (P less than 0.001), and PaCO2 values were again lower (P less than 0.001). A comparison of HFOV and HFJV at similar pH and PaCO2 values showed that HFOV consistently required higher peak inspiratory pressures (P less than 0.001), higher mean airway pressure (P less than 0.001), and higher pressure wave amplitudes (P less than 0.001). Under the circumstances of this study, HFJV produced better gas exchange at lower proximal airway pressures.
The Impact of Institutionalized Ideas in Coalition Foreign Policy Making: Turkey as an Example, 1991–2002

This study is an attempt to fill an important gap in three distinct yet closely related fields: international relations (IR), comparative politics (CP), and foreign policy analysis (FPA). On a more general level, the study examines the conditions under which domestic ideas influence foreign policy. More specifically, it investigates the role of institutionalized ideas that are represented at the highest levels of the decision-making structure in foreign policy decision outcomes. The theoretical framework advanced in this study calls for three interrelated steps to be taken in examining the relationship between ideas and state action: (1) a clear conceptualization of ideas, (2) a careful analysis of the institutionalization of these ideas, and (3) a methodological exploration of the discord among political actors who represent them. The framework proposes that coalition governments present a potential venue for analyzing and operationalizing how the “battles of ideas” at the decision-making level affect foreign policy choices. The study finds that institutionalized ideas are highly influential in shaping foreign policy choices in coalition government settings when several conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are categorized into three subheadings: (1) reasons to enter into coalition governments, (2) nature of coalition governments, and (3) characteristics of parties. The findings of this study contribute to general IR, CP, and FPA literatures on the role of ideas, coalition government foreign policy making, and comparative foreign policy. The study also contributes to the literature on Turkish politics by entering coalition policy making in Turkish Foreign Policy and showing that Turkish political parties are important actors in foreign policy making.
Thrombolysis for acute stroke in hemodialysis: international survey of expert opinion.

Summary Background and objectives Although data are absent, it has been stated that thrombolysis is probably not safe in the treatment of acute stroke in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The objective of this study was for stroke experts to define the range of management concerning thrombolytic treatment of acute stroke in hemodialysis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Sixty-five stroke experts in thrombolytic therapy of acute ischemic stroke were queried regarding their personal experience in the use of thrombolysis in hemodialysis patients. Hypothetical case scenarios were presented. Results Of the 65 stroke experts who were queried, 40 (62%) responded. One-third of the responders had previously treated hemodialysis patients with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Most favored use of intravenous rt-PA for hemodialysis patients with acute ischemic stroke. When presented with a case of a patient who had recently undergone dialysis with a mildly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), 50% favored immediate intravenous thrombolysis. Seventy-eight percent of the experts would have considered an intra-arterial approach and would have preferred mechanical clot retrieval to thrombolysis. Conclusions Despite the acknowledged absence of data and prevalent concerns about bleeding risk, most surveyed experts favored its use. One-third reported treating hemodialysis patients with this therapy. Although these results do not substitute for data, they usefully define the range of current practice of stroke experts.
Coherent Excitation of Plasma Oscillations in Solids

Considerations are put forth concerning the feasibility of observing the coherent excitation of plasma oscillations in a two-component plasma of electrons and holes in semiconductors or semimetals. By coherent excitation k meant the onset of a high-frequency ("two-stream") instability arising from an appreciable drift of electrons vs holes under the action of an applied electric field. Conditions favorable to coherent excitation include a sizeable difference in electron and hole masses, and long relaxation times for both kinds of particles. The extent to which such conditions are present in InSb is discussed.
Endocardial Atrial Pacing Lead Implantation and Midterm Follow‐Up in Young Patients with Sinus Node Dysfunction After the Fontan Procedure

The purpose of the study was to investigate the results of endocardial lead implantation, lead performance, and follow-up in young patients after the Fontan procedure. A retrospective study was conducted with patients who had endocardial atrial pacing for SND and intact AVN function after Fontan from two pediatric centers. Patient demographics, pacing, and sensing data of endocardial atrial leads were analyzed at the time of pacemaker implantation and follow-up visits. Fifteen patients (weight 42.6 +/- 35 kg) had transvenous endocardial atrial lead implantation at an average age of 11.4 +/- 6.5 years. Active-fixation leads were used in all patients and steroid elution was present in 12 (80%) patients. Adequate P wave sensing was obtained in patients with sinus rhythm (n = 10); the remaining four patients had junctional rhythm without measurable P waves. Lead failure was not observed in any patient during the follow-up period of 2.9 +/- 2.1 years. The energy threshold at implantation was 1.46 +/- 1.5 microJ, 1.54 +/- 0.75 microJ at 3 months, 0.62 +/- 0.45 microJ at 1 year, 0.72 +/- 0.65 microJ at 2 years, 0.75 +/- 0.55 microJ at 3 years, and 0.8 +/- 0.85 microJ at 5 years postimplant. The lead impedance was 648 +/- 298 omega at implantation, 714 +/- 163 omega at 3 months, 744 +/- 195 omega at 1 year, 734 +/- 198 omega at 2 years, 800 +/- 142 omega at 3 years and 830 +/- 200 omega 5 years postimplant. Anticoagulation therapy (aspirin n = 5, warfarin n = 8) was continued by 13 patients. Complications consisted of a pneumothorax at implantation and a transient ischemic attack in one patient 4 years after pacemaker implant. Endocardial atrial leads offer low energy thresholds and can be implanted relatively safely in Fontan patients.
Impact of multiple fires on stand structure and tree regeneration in central Appalachian oak forests

Abstract The National Guard Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap (NGTC-FIG) near Harrisburg, PA, has experienced frequent fires since the 1950s on the ridges and 1980s in the valleys as a result of military training exercises. This represented a unique opportunity to investigate the role of recent and repeated fire in oak ( Quercus ) forests in the eastern USA. We investigated four frequently burned and two unburned sites replicated in ridge and valley ecosystems. Burned sites generally had lower tree density and a higher proportion of overstory oak species (64–92% relative importance value) than unburned stands (47–49% importance). Oak saplings averaged 875 ha −1 in burned forests and 31 ha −1 in unburned forests. Red maple ( Acer rubrum , L.), the most aggressive oak replacement species in the eastern USA, had overstory importance of 7% and 24% in burned and unburned stands, respectively. Oak saplings ranged from 824 to 1545 ha −1 in three of the four burned stands and 0–62 ha −1 in the unburned stands. Oak sapling density was only 62 ha −1 one recently (2002) burned stand where fire had not resulted in reduced tree density; this stand had the highest tree density of all sampled stands. There were no red maple saplings in three of the four burned stands. Oak saplings were most abundant when overstory density was less than 400 trees/ha and understory tree density was less than 200 trees/ha. When overstory or understory tree density exceeded 400 and 200 trees/ha, respectively, oak regeneration was virtually absent. The results of this study suggest that periodic fire often reduces overstory and understory stand density and promotes successful regeneration of relatively shade intolerant oak species in the eastern USA. However, high tree density in forests will retard the development of oak understories and subsequent recruitment, even if periodic burning occurs.
Experimental Law and Economics

Over the past 30 years, experimental economics has grown as a specialization and is now viewed as an appropriate methodology with which to study economics questions. This methodology has been applied to law and economics as well. This article reviews three streams of research in experimental law and economics: the Coase Theorem, Legal Institutions, and the Foundations of Law. The hope is to provide some examples of how experimental research can inform law and economics and to highlight avenues for future research.
Molecular dissection of the mechanism by which EWS/FLI expression compromises actin cytoskeletal integrity and cell adhesion in Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is the second-most-common bone cancer in children. Driven by an oncogenic chromosomal translocation that results in the expression of an aberrant transcription factor, EWS/FLI, the disease is typically aggressive and micrometastatic upon presentation. Silencing of EWS/FLI in patient-derived tumor cells results in the altered expression of hundreds to thousands of genes and is accompanied by dramatic morphological changes in cytoarchitecture and adhesion. Genes encoding focal adhesion, extracellular matrix, and actin regulatory proteins are dominant targets of EWS/FLI-mediated transcriptional repression. Reexpression of genes encoding just two of these proteins, zyxin and α5 integrin, is sufficient to restore cell adhesion and actin cytoskeletal integrity comparable to what is observed when the EWS/FLI oncogene expression is compromised. Using an orthotopic xenograft model, we show that EWS/FLI-induced repression of α5 integrin and zyxin expression promotes tumor progression by supporting anchorage-independent cell growth. This selective advantage is paired with a tradeoff in which metastatic lung colonization is compromised.
The measurement of civic scientific literacy

Building on two decades of national surveys in the United States and two Eurobarometer studies, the history, rationale, and structure of a measure of civic scientific literacy are described. Estima...
Animating rotation with quaternion curves

Solid bodies roll and tumble through space. In computer animation, so do cameras. The rotations of these objects are best described using a four coordinate system, quaternions, as is shown in this paper. Of all quaternions, those on the unit sphere are most suitable for animation, but the question of how to construct curves on spheres has not been much explored. This paper gives one answer by presenting a new kind of spline curve, created on a sphere, suitable for smoothly in-betweening (i.e. interpolating) sequences of arbitrary rotations. Both theory and experiment show that the motion generated is smooth and natural, without quirks found in earlier methods.
AIPL1, A protein linked to blindness, is essential for the stability of enzymes mediating cGMP metabolism in cone photoreceptor cells

Defects in the photoreceptor-specific gene encoding aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein like-1 (AIPL1) are linked to blinding diseases, including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and cone dystrophy. While it is apparent that AIPL1 is needed for rod and cone function, the role of AIPL1 in cones is not clear. In this study, using an all-cone animal model lacking Aipl1, we show a light-independent degeneration of M- and S-opsin containing cones that proceeds in a ventral-to-dorsal gradient. Aipl1 is needed for stability, assembly and membrane association of cone PDE6, an enzyme crucial for photoreceptor function and survival. Furthermore, RetGC1, a protein linked to LCA that is needed for cGMP synthesis, was dramatically reduced in cones lacking Aipl1. A defect in RetGC1 is supported by our finding that cones lacking Aipl1 exhibited reduced levels of cGMP. These findings are in contrast to the role of Aipl1 in rods, where destabilization of rod PDE6 results in an increase in cGMP levels, which drives rapid rod degeneration. Our results illustrate mechanistic differences behind the death of rods and cones in retinal degenerative disease caused by deficiencies in AIPL1.
Life testing of LSM–YSZ composite electrodes under reversing-current operation

Durability testing of solid oxide cell electrodes in reversing-current and constant-current operation modes is presented. (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3−δ–Zr0.84Y0.16O2−γ (LSM–YSZ) symmetric cells were tested at 800 °C in air with current densities of 0.5 and 1.5 A cm−2, with current cycle periods of 1 and 12 h. A continuous increase in both ohmic and polarization resistance was observed, via Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), for cells tested with a reversing current of 1.5 A cm−2, whereas cells tested at 0.5 A cm−2 showed no measurable resistance increase. The resistance degradation was explained by delamination in the electrode, observed by post-test Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), near the interface with the electrolyte for the 1.5 A cm−2 cells, but not for those tested at 0.5 A cm−2. Current cycle period also impacted the degradation observed at 1.5 A cm−2: both the rate of resistance increase and the extent of post-test delamination decreased on going from constant current mode to a 12 h period to a 1 h period. The results indicate that lower current densities and reversing-current operation are desirable to maximize the lifetime of solid oxide cells.
Seeing Organizational Learning: A `Cultural' View:

What sight does a `cultural' approach to organizational learning enable? In an earlier essay my co-author and I argued that such an approach made it possible to bypass certain conceptual problems i...
Echocardiographic features of genetic diseases: Part 7. Complex genetic disorders

Alagille syndrome, or arteriohepatic dysplasia, is a well-defined genetic disorder affecting the liver, heart, face, eyes, and vertebrae.An autosomal dominant mode of transmission with reduced penetrance has been suggested.1,2 The Alagille syndrome gene has been localized to chromosome 20p12.2 This syndrome includes a paucity of interlobular bile ducts with associated cholestasis.3 Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis or other complex cardiovascular malformations are estimated to occur in 85% of patients.3
Mapping QTL main and interaction influences on milling quality in elite US rice germplasm.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) head-rice yield (HR) is a key export and domestic quality trait whose genetic control is poorly understood. With the goal of identifying genomic regions influencing HR, quantitative-trait-locus (QTL) mapping was carried out for quality-related traits in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from crosses of common parent Cypress, a high-HR US japonica cultivar, with RT0034, a low-HR indica line (129 RILs) and LaGrue, a low-HR japonica cultivar (298 RILs), grown in two US locations in 2005–2007. Early heading increased HR in the Louisiana (LA) but not the Arkansas (AR) location. Fitting QTL-mapping models to separate QTL main and QTL × environment interaction (QEI) effects and identify epistatic interactions revealed six main-effect HR QTLs in the two crosses, at four of which Cypress contributed the increasing allele. Multi-QTL models accounted for 0.36 of genetic and 0.21 of genetic × environment interaction of HR in MY1, and corresponding proportions of 0.25 and 0.37 in MY2. The greater HR advantage of Cypress in LA than in AR corresponded to a genomewide pattern of opposition of HR-increasing QTL effects by AR-specific effects, suggesting a selection strategy for improving this cultivar for AR. Treating year–location combinations as independent environments resulted in underestimation of QEI effects, evidently owing to lower variation among years within location than between location. Identification of robust HR QTLs in elite long-grain germplasm is suggested to require more detailed attention to the interaction of plant and grain development parameters with environmental conditions than has been given to date.
Mendel, Mechanism, Models, Marketing, and More

This year marks the 150(th) anniversary of the presentation by Gregor Mendel of his studies of plant hybridization to the Brunn Natural History Society. Their nature and meaning have been discussed many times. However, on this occasion, we reflect on the scientific enterprise and the perception of new discoveries.
Spousal Violence in 5 Transitional Countries: A Population-Based Multilevel Analysis of Individual and Contextual Factors

Objectives. I examined the individual- and community-level factors associated with spousal violence in post-Soviet countries.Methods. I used population-based data from the Demographic and Health Survey conducted between 2005 and 2012. My sample included currently married women of reproductive age (n = 3932 in Azerbaijan, n = 4053 in Moldova, n = 1932 in Ukraine, n = 4361 in Kyrgyzstan, and n = 4093 in Tajikistan). I selected respondents using stratified multistage cluster sampling. Because of the nested structure of the data, multilevel logistic regressions for survey data were fitted to examine factors associated with spousal violence in the last 12 months.Results. Partner’s problem drinking was the strongest risk factor associated with spousal violence in all 5 countries. In Moldova, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan, women with greater financial power than their spouses were more likely to experience violence. Effects of community economic deprivation and of empowerment status of women in the community on spousa...
High-dose intravenous rituximab for multifocal, monomorphic primary central nervous system posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder.

Primary central nervous system (CNS) posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-recognized but rare complication of solid organ transplantation. Most of these disorders are B-cell in origin and generally carry poor prognosis. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been used effectively in patients with systemic PTLD. However, its role in primary CNS PTLD is doubtful because it does not cross blood–brain barrier efficiently (<5%). Also, mechanisms, by which rituximab operates are not optimally effective in CNS. Here, we describe a renal transplant patient with monomorphic, multifocal, CD20-positive, primary B-cell CNS PTLD, who was treated with high-dose intravenous rituximab given in dose-escalation protocol, which has been used effectively for the patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. At 1-year follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed complete resolution. High-dose rituximab may have a role in highly selected patients with primary CNS PTLD.
Improved understanding of gene expression regulation using systems biology.

This article reviews the current state of systems biology approaches, including the experimental tools used to generate ‘omic’ data and computational frameworks to interpret this data. Through illustrative examples, systems biology approaches to understand gene expression and gene expression regulation are discussed. Some of the challenges facing this field and the future opportunities in the systems biology era are highlighted.
Materials and Process Development for ZnMgO/ZnO Light-Emitting Diodes

We report on the fabrication of UV LEDs based on a p-n junction p-ZnMgO/n-ZnO/n-ZnMgO double heterostructure. Pulsed-laser deposition was used to grow the complete heterostructure on c -plane sapphire templates. The LEDs were patterned by simple wet etching. Band-edge electroluminescence emission most likely associated with ZnO excitonic transitions was observed at room temperature. However, the devices show sensitivity to the presence of hydrogen in the measurement ambient due to formation of a surface conduction layer. The results show the potential of ZnO-based materials for UV emitters of potentially lower cost and with comparable or higher emission intensity than AlGaN/GaN devices provided adequate surface passivation techniques are developed.
Simulation of Salt Cedar Evapotranspiration

The use of the Penman equation, as modified by Van Bavel and Monteith, for simulating evapotranspiration from dry plant surfaces requires prior knowledge of the surface albedo, surface roughness height and stomatal resistance. These variables were determined for salt cedar using measured values of salt cedar evapotranspiration. It was found that the equation was insensitive to variations in albedo so that values normally ascribed to vegetated surfaces could be used. The surface roughness height for salt cedar, 10 ft (305 cm) to 13 ft (396 cm) in height, was found to be 37 cm. The relative insensitivity of the equation to small variations in surface roughness height allowed for deviations of 10 cm to 15 cm without appreciable error. Stomatal resistance was found to vary seasonally from 0.3 sec per cm to over 5 sec per cm and to be indirectly related to temperature and directly related to wind speed. Stomatal resistance was found to be related to water depth only during seasons when the plants were inactive.
Brief Severity Index for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Initial Validation of a Self- Report Measure

The aim of this study was to develop and provide validation evidence for a self-report measure of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the Brief Severity Index for NSSI (BSI-NSSI). We developed items to tap the new diagnostic classification for NSSI in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association.[APA], 2013). We also designed the measure to distinguish among gradations of NSSI severity. Data were collected from a sample of 843 young adults, 72 of whom had performed NSSI in the past year. Using Rasch analysis, we reached initial support for the validity and reliability of the BSI-NSSI. Implications for counseling and research are discussed.
Maritime Accounts in the European Union: Coping with Limited Information

The European Commission's effort to define the scope and components of the maritime economy was initially motivated by the Integrated Maritime Policy (2007). This policy package, principally based on coastal environment protection, maritime safety and security, and the European marine observation and data network, also included the development of an EU-wide economic and social database on maritime activities. The IMP database (2009) used experience from EU member states in terms of maritime database development, and conversely was an opportunity to update national contributions. Later, two other packages contributed to broadening EC's approach. 1) The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008) was a legislation on marine environment protection. Among other things, it required from member states an economic assessment of marine water uses. 2) The Blue Growth Strategy (2012) was launched to analyse and stimulate the potential for growth and job creation in maritime sectors, in line with EU's strategy for 2020. The preparation phase included studies assessing the economic significance of blue sectors. These studies were an opportunity to consider the growth potential of maritime sectors and raise the question of how to describe this in the framework of a database. On the basis of national experiences and of the main steps of EC's policy, the present article will address in turn: - The development of maritime databases in member states and at the EC, and their definition of the maritime economy; - Methodological issues concerning the sectoral and geographical approach to an EU maritime database, including the problem of partially maritime sectors, data quality issues, and options for coping with limited information; - The analysis of blue sectors with high growth potential, the methodology used for such analysis based on present and expected growth rates and job creation, and the issues limiting the applicability of this methodology.
Evolution of neuronal changes in metachromatic leukodystrophy. An electron microscopic study.

The ultrastructural findings of the metachromatic granules in the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord in a case of metachromatic leukodystrophy are presented. The typical neuronal inclusions are concentrically laminated bodies of approximately 1 μ. In addition various morphological variations of the abnormal inclusions are seen side by side in the same neuron and give the impression that the highly organized laminated bodies are formed as a result of progressive deposition of membranous material upon a nidas which is initially amorphous, which then becomes granular, fibrillar or horizontally striped and finally multilaminated. Material capable of binding colloidal iron particles is demonstrated in these inclusions, and suggests the presence of mucopolysaccharides.
Effect of just-in-time simulation training on provider performance and patient outcomes for clinical procedures: a systematic review

Background Providing simulation training directly before an actual clinical procedure—or ‘just-in-time’ (JiT)—is resource intensive, but could improve both provider performance and patient outcomes. Objectives To assess the effects of JiT simulation training versus no JiT training on provider performance and patient complications following clinical procedures on patients. Study selection We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, ClinicalTrials.gov, simulation journals indexes and references of included studies during October 2014 for randomised trials, non-randomised trials and before-after studies comparing JiT simulation training versus no JiT training among providers performing clinical procedures. Findings were synthesised qualitatively. Findings Of 1805 records screened, 8 studies comprising 3540 procedures and 1969 providers were eligible. 5 involved surgical procedures; the other 3 included paediatric endotracheal intubations, central venous catheter dressing changes, or infant lumbar puncture. Methodological quality was high. Of the 8 studies evaluating provider performance, 5 favoured JiT simulation training with 18–48% relative improvement on validated clinical performance scales, 16–20% relative reduction in surgical time and 12% absolute reduction in corrective prompts during central venous catheter dressing changes; 3 studies were equivocal with no improvement in intubation success, lumbar puncture success or urological surgery clinical performance scores. 3 studies evaluated patient complications; 1 favoured JiT simulation training with 45% relative reduction in central line-associated blood stream infections; 2 studies found no differences following intubation or laparoscopic nephrectomy. Conclusions JiT simulation training improves provider performance, but currently available literature does not demonstrate a reduction in patient complications.
Catalytic Upgrading of Switchgrass-Derived Pyrolysis Oil Using Supported Ruthenium and Rhodium Catalysts

Upgrading of fast pyrolysis oils produced from swtichgrass was carried out using 5 wt % Ru and 5 wt % Rh on a carbon support as catalysts slurried in a polyethylene glycol solvent in a 300 mL Parr batch reactor in the presence of hydrogen. A hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction was evaluated in the temperature range of 200–280 °C under hydrogen pressure of 300–1000 psig. The raw pyrolysis oil and the upgraded products were characterized by gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques to establish the effectiveness of the hydrogenation process. With Ru/C at 280 °C and 1000 psig, the GC/MS data showed the absence of acetic acid and the principal liquid product slate included alcohols, hydrocarbons, cyclic compounds, and phenolics at a relative concentration of 5.2, 21.2, 3.8, and 35.7%, respectively.