cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Prandtl number effect near the onset of Bénard convection in a porous medium

Abstract This note focuses on Kladias and Prasad's claim that the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of Benard convection in an infinite horizontal porous layer increases as the Prandtl number decreases, and argues that the critical Rayleigh number (Rac) depends only on the Darcy number (Da), as linear stability analysis indicates. The two-dimensional steady-convection problem is then solved numerically to document the convection heat transfer effect of the Rayleigh number, Darcy number, Prandtl number, and porosity. The note concludes with an empirical correlation for the overall Nusselt number, which shows the effect of Prandtl number at above-critical Rayleigh numbers. The correlation is consistent with the corresponding correlation known for Benard convection in a pure fluid.
The effectiveness of three multi-component binding models in describing the binary competitive equilibrium adsorption of two cytochrome b5 mutants

Abstract Competitive adsorption isotherms for two conservative surface charge-neutralizing mutants of cytochrome b5, E11Q and E44Q, previously measured with competitor concentration held constant over the range of the isotherm, were used to test three widely-used multi-component isotherm models. The extended Langmuir–Freundlich, Langmuir and Jovanovic–Freundlich models each adequately described the weaker infinite dilution adsorption of the E44Q protein in the presence of the strong binding E11Q. The extended Langmuir–Freundlich model generally gave the lowest errors at higher concentrations, and the Jovanovic–Freundlich model gave the best fits when using empirically optimized maximal loading values based on multi-component as well as pure-component isotherm data.
Differential Effects of Neonatal and Adult Androgen Exposure on the Growth Hormone Secretory Pattern in Male Rats

The interactive effects of androgen exposure during neonatal and adult life on the pattern of GH secretion in adult male rats was investigated. Neonatal rats were orchidectomized or sham-operated on days 1–2 of life and injected immediately postoperatively with testosterone propionate (250 μg, sc) or vehicle. At 90–130 days of age the rats were bled every 20 min between 9 and 17 h from an indwelling intraatrial catheter. Some neonatally gonadectomized, testosterone- or vehicle- treated rats were also given depot testosterone (15 mg/kg, im) 5–10 days before blood sampling. Plasma GH concentrations were measured by RIA, and the pulsatile secretory patterns were analyzed by the PULSAR computer program. Neonatal orchidectomy resulted in a marked suppression (50–75%) of both the height and duration of GH secretory episodes, while baseline GH levels were higher in neonatally gonadectomized males than in sham-operated controls. Neonatal testosterone replacement therapy restored high amplitude GH pulses. However,...
Views of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The views of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., provide helpful insights for counselors and clients. King's concepts of human rights, related counseling approaches, and ethics are discussed.
A theoretical investigation of gaseous absorption by water droplets from SO2-HNO3-NH3-C02-HCl mixtures

Abstract A physical-chemical model is developed and used to investigate gaseous absorption by water droplets from trace gas mixtures. The model is an extension of that of Carmichael and Peters (1979) and includes the simultaneous absorption of SO 2 , NH 3 , HNO 3 , CO 2 and HCl. Gas phase depletion is also considered. Presented results demonstrate that the absorption behavior of raindrops is strongly dependent on drop size, fall distance, trace gas concentrations, and the chemical and physical properties of the constituents of the mixture. In addition, when gas phase depletion is considered, the absorption rates and equilibrium values are also dependent on the precipitation rate itself. Also, the trace constituents liquid phase concentrations may be a factor of six or more lower when gas depletion is considered than when the depletion is ignored. However, the hydrogen ion concentration may be insensitive to the gas phase depletion.
A developmental psychopathology perspective on child abuse and neglect

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this review is to conceptualize child abuse and neglect within a developmental psychopathology perspective. Toward this end, issues of definition and epidemiology, etiology, and sequelae are addressed. Method Research and theory on child abuse and neglect with relevance to a developmental perspective is reviewed. Results Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the etiology and consequences of child abuse and neglect. Less progress has been made in utilizing this knowledge to inform treatment efforts. Conclusions Incorporation of a developmental psychopathology perspective into efforts to understand and ameliorate the adverse effects of child abuse and neglect holds considerable promise for advancing research and intervention in the area of child maltreatment. The importance of providing comprehensive and coordinated services that incorporate knowledge of how maltreated youngsters negotiate stage-salient issues of development is stressed. The provision of child-focused treatment, parent-based models of intervention, and ecologically driven approaches to prevention all can benefit from an understanding of the adverse effects that maltreatment exerts on the process of development.
Arrhythmia, an indication for valvotomy in mitral stenosis; concomitant lobectomy for bronchiectasis.

1 A 55 year old woman with rheumatic mitral stenosis and chronic bronchiectasis developed atrial tachycardia (flutter) with rapid ventricular rate. This arrhythmia was uncontrollable though considerable treatment with antiarrhythmics, other cardiac drugs, therapy for digitalis intoxication, and antirheumatic treatment had been tried, over a period of three months. 2 On the possibility that distention of the left atrium due to tight mitral stenosis might be contributory in production of arrhythmia, probably through stimulation of stretch receptors and reflex vagal action, reduction of this distention by mitral valvotomy was recommended. 3 The three month old arrhythmia stopped suddenly during surgery, while cardiac neural structures were manipulated just prior to the dilatation of the tight mitral valve. 4 Arrhythmia has remained absent up to the present time, five months after surgery, and the patient improved greatly and has been working regularly for the past two months. 5 Concomitant lobectomy of the left lower lobe, for chronic bronchiectasis, was performed with the valvotomy. 6 This experience would suggest that an uncontrollable arrhythmia need not be a contraindication to mitral valvotomy, and in a suitable case may be an additional indication for it.
Effect of renal decapsulation on cortical hemodynamics in the postischemic kidney.

Abstract Progressive oliguria after severe renal ischemia has been characterized as a compartment syndrome. Some investigators have suggested that renal decapsulation can reverse this process and maintain renal plasma flow at near-normal levels. This investigation was designed to test this hypothesis and document the effects of decapsulation on renal cortical hemodynamics. Anesthetized canines underwent left ventricular injection of 25-μm microspheres ( 125 I) at control conditions. Animals then underwent celiotomy, at which time the left renal capsule was stripped. The suprarenal aorta was occluded for 1 hr, lowering the renal perfusion pressure to 20 mm Hg. Twenty-four hours later animals were reanesthetized and 46 Sc microspheres were injected. After sacrifice, the renal cortex was divided into seven regions and blood flow (ml/min- g) was calculated for each slice. Twenty-four hours after renal ischemia, renal blood flow was decreased significantly in both decapsulated (4.84 ± 1.89 to 2.09 ± 1.65 ml/min-g) and untreated kidneys (5.23 ± 2.28 to 2.45 ± 1.16 ml/min-g). Renal ischemia resulted in significant decreases in outer cortical flow in both decapsulated and untreated kidneys, without any significant change in inner cortical flow. This redistribution of blood flow from the outer cortex was similar in both decapsulated and untreated kidneys ( P = 0.975). Kidney decapsulation did not prevent decreases in outer cortical perfusion in the 24-hr period following an ischemic episode. Interstitial pressure elevations are apparently not responsible for altered intrarenal blood flow in this setting.
Symposium comment: On the new politics of public policy

The process is not the problem, the problem is the problem. Rudolph Penner (1984). …We argue the superiority of the outcome from the process, not of the process from the outcome. The constancy of the economist's objection to this conclusion when applied to governmental rather than market decisions simply often reflects the fact that, while some economists are not disturbed that consumer preferences lead to allocation policies other than best respond to their own tastes, when political preferences lead to governmental policies not consistent with his informed and considered preferences, they are tempted to attribute irrationality to government.
Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystals Induce Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 through the Ras/Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase/c-Fos/AP-1/Metalloproteinase 1 Pathway INVOLVEMENT OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR BINDING SITES AP-1 AND PEA-3

Synovial fluid basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are common in osteoarthritis and are associated with severe degenerative arthropathy. Besides stimulating synovial fibroblast-like cells to proliferate, BCP crystals are a potent inducer of human matrix metalloproteinases (hMMPs), which can speed up the articular joint tissue degeneration of osteoarthritis patients. Here, we report that transfections with hMMP1 luciferase reporter plasmids in fibroblast-like synoviocytes revealed that the induction of hMMP1 promoter by BCP crystals was mainly mediated through the −72AP-1 element. Elimination of the −72AP-1 element either by mutation or deletion abolished the induction of hMMP1 promoter activity by BCP crystals almost completely. Interestingly, a mutation at the −88PEA-3 site also abolished the induction of hMMP1 promoter. Further mutation at the −181AP-1 site resumed the induction, indicating that the −181AP-1 element had an effect opposite to the −72AP-1 element. The effect of −181AP-1 could be inactivated either by a mutation at this −181AP-1 site or by the −88PEA-3 element. In addition, dominant negative Ras, Raf, and MEK1/2 could block the induction of hMMP1, and a MEK1/2-specific inhibitor (UO126) could block the induction of hMMP1 and c-Fos by BCP crystals. Taken together, these data indicate that multiple elements, including at least AP-1 and PEA-3, are involved in the induction of hMMP1 gene expression by BCP crystals and that the induction follows the Ras/MAPK/c-Fos/AP-1/MMP1 signaling pathway.
An S1 nuclease-sensitive region in the first intron of human platelet-derived growth factor A-chain gene contains a negatively acting cell type-specific regulatory element

Abstract The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A-chain gene is expressed in a tissue- and developmental stage-specific manner. Here we identify an S1 nuclease sensitive region within the first intron that functions as a negative regulatory element in HeLa but not in human glioblastoma (A172) cells in transient transfection assays. A 147 bp DNA fragment that contains this element functions in a position and orientation independent manner to negatively regulate both the PDGF A-chain promoter and the heterologous herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) promoter. The cell-type specific effect of this 147 bp DNA fragment is seen when it is located downstream but not upstream of the reporter gene driven by either the PDGF A-chain or TK promoters. The negative regulatory element has been localized to a 24 bp DNA sequence within the S1 sensitive site that retains negative regulatory activity and recognizes a nuclear protein in HeLa but not in A172 cells. Furthermore, the 24 bp element functions as a cell type-specific negative element independent of its position. These results suggest that a functional silencer within the first intron exhibits a non-B-form DNA structure under superhelical stress in vitro and may contribute to the cell type-specific transcriptional regulation of PDGF A-chain gene in vivo.
Review ■ : Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and Apoptosis in Glial Cell Biology

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a potent trophic factor capable of promoting both survival and differentiation of neurons and glia. This review examines the role of IGF-I and apoptosis in oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell biology in vitro and in vivo. Apoptosis is an essential element of development, homeostasis, and disease. IGF-I protects oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells from apoptosis during development and after apoptotic stimuli. Transgenic mouse models, which ablate or increase expression of IGF-I, have abnormal oligodendrocytes and myelin formation. A more thorough understanding of the protective mechanism of IGF-I in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells will aid in its precise application in treating a variety of neurologic disorders. NEUROSCIENTIST 6:39-47, 2000
Functional expression of CCR2 by human fetal astrocytes.

Astrocytes from different sources bind the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant factor (MCP-1), yet functional expression in these cells of CCR2, the major receptor for this ligand, has been a matter of controversy. Here we show that cultured human fetal astrocytes express CCR2 at the mRNA and protein levels, and display chemotaxis and calcium flux in response to MCP-1. Surface CCR2 protein expression and MCP-1 binding activity were observed to undergo near parallel downmodulation and recovery following MCP-1 exposure, supporting the argument that CCR2, and not another receptor, mediates MCP-1 ligation in these cells. Downmodulation was further determined to occur via receptor internalization, and to apparently proceed via both clathrin-coated vesicles and caveolae, the latter being a novel mode for the endocytosis of chemokine receptors. Insofar as MCP-1 is thought to mediate inflammatory and developmental processes within the central nervous system (CNS), such astrocyte responses to this chemokine are likely to significantly impact physiological and pathophysiological events at the blood-brain barrier and within the CNS parenchyma.
Incidence and Kinetics of CMV Infection After T-Cell Depleted and Unmodified Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A 10-Year Experience at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

III-IV after sUCBT (19%) compared to dUCBT (10%, p1⁄40.06) but increased incidence of grade II aGVHD after dUCBT (28%) compared to 17% after sUCBT (p1⁄40.05). CI of chronic GvHD at 2 years was 21% after dUCBTand 12% after sUCBT (p1⁄40.15). At 2 years, CI of non relapse mortality (NRM) was 28% after dUCBT and 30% after sUCBT (p1⁄40.87). CI of 2y RI was 21% after dUCBT whereas it was 38% after sUCBT (p1⁄40.03). In a multivariate analysis adjusting for the differences between the 2 groups, dUCBT was associated with lower RI compared to sUCBT (HR1⁄40.74, p1⁄40.01). Therefore, there was an improved 2-y LFS after dUCBT (51%) compared to sUCBT (32%; p1⁄40.03). This was confirmed in a multivariate analysis (HR1⁄40.64, p1⁄40.04). Concerning pts transplanted in CR2 (n1⁄4148), there were no differences of outcomes after dUCBT (n1⁄493) or sUCBT (n1⁄455). At 2y, LFS was 40% after dUCBT and 48% after sUCBT (p1⁄40.32). In a subgroup analysis of dUCBT (n1⁄4118) and sUCBT (n1⁄451) recipients using the same conditioning regimen (CYþFLUþTBI2Gy), 2 y LFS were 54% and 33% respectively (p1⁄40.05). In this retrospective comparative based registry analysis, in AL pts transplanted in CR1, neutrophil recovery, GVHD and NRM were not statistically different after RIC-dUCBT or RICsUCBT, however, dUCBT recipients had decreased RI and improved LFS. For AL pts transplanted in CR2, there was no benefit of using dUCBT when compared to sUCBT.
Investigation of thermoelastic martensitic transformation in a CuZnAl alloy

Abstract Thermoelastic martensitic transformation in a Cu-29%Zn-3%Al alloy was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The phase structures and morphological changes occurring during transformation were studied using optical microscopy and high voltage TEM (1000–1200 kV), both equipped with combination heating and cooling stages. A “single crystal pure shear” experiment was designed to measure the relationship between Ms and shear stress, and from these data changes of enthalpy and entropy of the transformation were calculated through the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The changes of enthalpy and entropy were also obtained by using calorimetric measurement. Both results were in good agreement. The kinetic behavior of the transformation in polycrystalline alloy as a function of applied stress was followed using electric resistance measurement. The slope of the transformation rate was constant over the range of 20–70% transformed, which corresponds physically to transformation occurring by plate growth in the unpartitioned parent phase or equivalently, the interphase boundary “moving freely.” A phenomenological theory was suggested to describe the constant slope portion of the transformation. Here, phase boundary motion is related to thermal hysteresis and quantitatively described the effect of applied stress on the transformation behavior.
Use of TimeSlips to Improve Communication in Persons with Moderate–Late Stage Dementia

There is currently a lack of published research on the effectiveness of a creative expression (CE) program known as TimeSlips (TS), which has the goal of improving quality of life and social connectedness for individuals in the mid to late stages of dementia. This study focused on measuring the impact of TS on the frequency and type of communicative exchanges and the relationship to social connectedness. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in a single long-term care facility with seven participants in the mid to late stages of dementia. A time-series analysis was used to assess change in communicative output and interactions. Positive communication changes in addition to maintained or improved quality of life were observed. Implementing a creative expression program such as TS for those in the middle to late stages of dementia improves social connectedness and communicative interactions.
PLZT-based electro-optic modules for micromachined biophotonics systems

In this paper we present the development and characterization of Lanthanum modified Lead Zirconate Titanate (PLZT)-based Electro-optic (EO) devices for micromacined bio-photonics systems. Spatial light modulator and Dynamic programmable microlens array have been designed, fabricated and initial results have been obtained for such applications. Fully integrating light sources, detectors and dynamic filtering in recently emerging bio-photonics and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) systems is of immediate need. An optical module that contains such devices was made using microfabrication technologies on the optically active PLZT ceramic wafer. A PLZT wafer was polished and sandwiched and bonded between 2 plastic wafers to form such optical module. Laser micromachining was implemented to etch precise, and well aligned via holes in the plastic wafers to provide windows for light sources and electrical connections to our devices. The electro-optic coefficient for the PLZT was measured in the longitudinal configuration, where light propagates in the direction of the applied field. A mathematical expression was derived for the lens effect on the far field diffraction pattern of the dynamic microlens. Such diffraction pattern can be used to measure the focal length variation with the applied voltage. Preliminary results show the variation of focal lens with the applied voltage that ranges from 50 to 300 volts.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Monoclonal antibody αIR-3 inhibits the ability of insulin-like growth factor II to stimulate a signal from the type I receptor without inhibiting its binding

Abstract We have previously shown that the protein encoded by a human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor cDNA binds both IGF-I and II with high affinity. In the present studies, we show that a monoclonal antibody to the IGF-I receptor, αIR-3, inhibits the binding of IGF-I but not IGF-II to the expressed receptor in intact cells and after solubilization. Surprisingly, this monoclonal antibody inhibits the ability of both IGF-I and II to stimulate thymidine synthesis in cells with the expressed receptor. Moreover, this antibody inhibits the ability of both IGF-I and II to stimulate the kinase activity of the IGF-I receptor in intact cells. These results indicate that αIR-3 binds to the IGF-I receptor in such a way that it does not inhibit the binding of IGF-II but does inhibit the subsequent ability of the receptor to be activated to transmit a signal.
Dark matter induced neutrinos from the sun: Theory versus experiment

Abstract We analyse the restrictions from experimental data on high-energy neutrinos from the sun due to the annihilation of cold dark matter. We pay particular attention to uncertainties in the neutrino-, particle- and astro-physics. We conclude that photinos and higgsinos cannot be ruled out by the present IMB data. However, it appears safe to say that muon sneutrinos are not a viable candidate.
Evidence that Antibody-Mediated Neutralization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by Sera from Infected Individuals Is Independent of Coreceptor Usage

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) uses a variety of chemokine receptors as coreceptors for virus entry, and the ability of the virus to be neutralized by antibody may depend on which coreceptors are used. In particular, laboratory-adapted variants of the virus that use CXCR4 as a coreceptor are highly sensitive to neutralization by sera from HIV-1-infected individuals, whereas primary isolates that use CCR5 instead of, or in addition to, CXCR4 are neutralized poorly. To determine whether this dichotomy in neutralization sensitivity could be explained by differential coreceptor usage, virus neutralization by serum samples from HIV-1infected individuals was assessed in MT-2 cells, which express CXCR4 but not CCR5, and in mitogenstimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), where multiple coreceptors including CXCR4 and CCR5 are available for use. Our results showed that three of four primary isolates with a syncytiuminducing (SI) phenotype and that use CXCR4 and CCR5 were neutralized poorly in both MT-2 cells and PBMC. The fourth isolate, designated 89.6, was more sensitive to neutralization in MT-2 cells than in PBMC. We showed that the neutralization of 89.6 in PBMC was not improved when CCR5 was blocked by having RANTES, MIP-1a, and MIP-1b in the culture medium, indicating that CCR5 usage was not responsible for the decreased sensitivity to neutralization in PBMC. Consistent with this finding, a laboratory-adapted strain of virus (IIIB) was significantly more sensitive to neutralization in CCR5-deficient PBMC (homozygous D32CCR5 allele) than were two of two SI primary isolates tested. The results indicate that the ability of HIV-1 to be neutralized by sera from infected individuals depends on factors other than coreceptor usage.
Efficacy and dose-dependent safety of intra-arterial delivery of mesenchymal stem cells in a rodent stroke model

Intra-arterial (IA) delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for acute ischemic stroke is attractive for clinical translation. However, studies using rat model of stroke have demonstrated that IA MSCs delivery can decrease middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow, which may limit its clinical translation. The goal of this study is to identify a dose of IA MSCs (maximum tolerated dose; MTD) that does not compromise MCA flow and evaluate its efficacy and optimal timing in a rat model of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (rMCAo). We sought to determine if there is a difference in efficacy of acute (1 h) versus sub-acute (24 h) IA MSCs treatment after rMCAo. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent rMCAo (90 min) and an hour later a single dose of MSCs (at de-escalating doses 1 × 10(6), 5 × 10(5), 2 × 10(5), 1 × 10(5) and 5 × 10(4)) was given using IA route. MSCs were suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and PBS alone was used for control experiments. We measured the percent change in mean laser Doppler flow signal over the ipsilateral MCA in de-escalating doses groups to determine MTD. The results demonstrated that the lowering of IA MSC dose to 1 × 10(5) and below did not compromise MCA flow and hence an IA MSC dose of 1 × 10(5) considered as MTD. Subsequently, 1 h and 24 h after rMCAo, rats were treated with IA MSCs or PBS. The 24 h delivery of IA MSCs significantly improved neurodeficit score and reduced the mean infarct volume at one month as compared to control, but not the 1 h delivery. Overall, this study suggests that the IA delivery of MSCs can be performed safely and efficaciously at the MTD of 1 × 10(5) delivered at 24 hours in rodent model of stroke.
Compressed Sensing for Energy-Efficient Wireless Telemonitoring of Noninvasive Fetal ECG Via Block Sparse Bayesian Learning

Fetal ECG (FECG) telemonitoring is an important branch in telemedicine. The design of a telemonitoring system via a wireless body area network with low energy consumption for ambulatory use is highly desirable. As an emerging technique, compressed sensing (CS) shows great promise in compressing/reconstructing data with low energy consumption. However, due to some specific characteristics of raw FECG recordings such as nonsparsity and strong noise contamination, current CS algorithms generally fail in this application. This paper proposes to use the block sparse Bayesian learning framework to compress/reconstruct nonsparse raw FECG recordings. Experimental results show that the framework can reconstruct the raw recordings with high quality. Especially, the reconstruction does not destroy the interdependence relation among the multichannel recordings. This ensures that the independent component analysis decomposition of the reconstructed recordings has high fidelity. Furthermore, the framework allows the use of a sparse binary sensing matrix with much fewer nonzero entries to compress recordings. Particularly, each column of the matrix can contain only two nonzero entries. This shows that the framework, compared to other algorithms such as current CS algorithms and wavelet algorithms, can greatly reduce code execution in CPU in the data compression stage.
Species turnover on a protected subtropical barrier island: a long-term study

The commercial development that threatens the biodiversity of coastal habitats is particularly severe along the sandy shores of subtropical Florida. The objective of our study was to test the applicability of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography to Cayo-Costa Island, the largest protected barrier island remaining in peninsular Florida. Our null hypothesis was that there would be no change in the number and composition of native vascular plant species on Cayo-Costa 15 years after the first inventory of the island's flora. Our reinventory documents a total of 230 native species in 1990-92 compared to 255 native species in 1975-77. Immigrants were represented by twenty-eight new species, while extinctions totalled fifty-three species. These results indicate a turnover rate of approximately 2.7 species yr -1 with an extinction rate of 3.5 species yr -1 and an immigration rate of 1.9 species yr -1 . The net loss of 1.6 species yr -1 suggests a non-equilibrium condition that is not readily explained by changes in habitat diversity associated with the documented patterns of shoreline erosion and deposition. Cayo-Costa's net loss of twenty-five native species (including one tree species and four shrub species) was localized mainly in those habitats where there had been a significant increase in the relative abundance of the naturalized weedy exotic species Schinus terebinthifolius and Casuarina equisetifolia. We conclude that the spread of naturalized weedy species limits the applicability of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography to species-rich subtropical barrier islands, even in cases where the islands are protected from human disturbance.
Escaping Homelessness: The Influences of Self-Efficacy and Time Perspective on Coping With Homelessness1

This study explored whether self-efficacy and time perspective of homeless adults (N = 82) living in a shelter affected their coping strategies related to obtaining housing and employment. Participants with high self-efficacy searched more for housing and employment and stayed at the shelter for a shorter duration, whereas participants with low selfefficacy were more likely to request an extension of their stay at the shelter. Those high on future orientation had shorter durations of homelessness and were more likely to enroll in school and to report gaining positive benefits from their predicament. whereas those with a high present orientation had more avoidant coping strategies. Despite the predictive power of self-efficacy and future orientation of proactive search behaviors, there were no predictors of obtaining stable housing, which is a scarce resource in the area. However, a high present orientation predicted obtaining temporary housing. A present temporal perspective may be adaptive in finding short-term solutions to an unstable situation, such as homelessness. The role of time perspective in crisis situations is discussed, as well as the severe environmental constraints on the exercise of personal control over reality dictated by social, economic, and political forces.
Preoperative Noncontrast Chest Computed Tomography Identifies Potential Aortic Emboli

Background Intraoperative epiaortic scanning identifies aortic atheroma. Avoiding atheroma manipulation reduces cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). Unfortunately, epiaortic scanning can only be performed after the time of sternotomy. We sought to determine whether (1) preoperative noncontrast chest computed tomography (CT) identifies areas of aorta at risk for embolization in high-risk patients, and (2) operative strategies designed at the reduction of aortic manipulation of these areas can reduce permanent strokes. Methods The rate of permanent strokes was examined at a single institution between two time periods using the χ 2 method. From January 2002 through June 2003 (pre-CT) 230 patients underwent elective cardiac procedures. All patients received routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography but only selective epiaortic scanning. From July 2003 through December 2005 (post-CT), 273 patients underwent cardiac operations and 114 patients at high risk for a stroke (history of CVA or transient ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease, end-stage renal disease, age >70 years old or calcifications on cardiac catheterization) also received a preoperative noncontrast chest CT. Results In the pre-CT period, 7 patients received epiaortic scans that resulted in a change in operative strategy in only 1 patient. In the post-CT period, the 114 CT scans identified 20 patients with significant calcifications in the ascending aorta. Operative strategy was altered in 19 patients, including 12 axillary artery cannulations, four off-pump, no-touch aorta coronary bypasses, and three ascending aortic replacements. The CVA rate was 3.04% in the pre-CT period and 0.73% in the post-CT period ( p = 0.05). Conclusions Aggressive screening and avoidance of ascending aortic atheroma reduces stroke. Preoperative CT scans in patients at high risk may help identify aortic areas at risk before entering the operating room, lead to more thorough screening in the operating room, and result in a more aggressive strategy to avoid calcified areas.
Proteogenomic Mapping for Structural Annotation of Prokaryote Genomes

Structural annotation of genomes is one of major goals of genomics research. Most popular tools for structural annotation of genomes are determined by computational pipelines. It is well-known that these computational methods have a number of shortcomings including false identifications and incorrect identification of gene boundaries. Proteomic data can used to confirm the identification of genes identified by computational methods and correct mistakes. A Proteogenomic mapping method has been developed, which uses peptides identified from mass spectrometry for structural annotation of genomes. Spectra are matched against both a protein database and the genome database translated in all six reading frames. Those peptides that match the genome but not the protein database potentially represent novel protein coding genes, annotation errors. These short experimentally derived peptides are used to discover potential novel protein coding genes called expressed Protein Sequence Tags (ePSTs) by aligning the peptides to the genomic DNA and extending the translation in the 3' and 5' direction. In the paper, an enhanced pipeline, has been designed and developed for discovering and evaluating of potential novel protein coding genes: 1) a distance-based outlier detection method for validating peptides identified from MS/MS, 2) a proteogenomic mapping for discovery of potential novel protein coding genes, 3) collection of evidence from a number of sources and automatically evaluate potential novel protein coding genes by using machine learning techniques, such as Neural Network, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes etc.
Why Pastors Should be Counselors (of a Sort): A Response to Richard L. Krebs

In responding to a previously published article, the author argues that although parish clergy may not be in an ideal context for a certain kind of long-term counseling due especially to transferen...
HOW SIMILAR ARE P450S AND WHAT CAN THEIR DIFFERENCES TEACH US

Cytochromes P450 form a very large superfamily of proteins which metabolize substrates from steroids to fatty acids to drugs and are found in organisms from protists to mammals. P450s all appear to take on a similar structural fold, yet frequently having less than 20% sequence identity and having vastly different substrates. Within the structural fold there appears to be a highly conserved core, as determined from the comparison of the structures of the six crystallized, soluble P450s. There are also variable regions which by and large appear to be associated with substrate recognition, substrate binding, and redox partner binding. Molecular dynamics simulations of motion in P450cam and P450BM-3 indicate that substrate binding and product release require substantial motion around the "substrate access channel." Additionally, at the 11th International Conference on Cytochrome P450 Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology and briefly here, the first structure of a microsomal eukaryotic P450 will be presented and compared to the already determined structures by Drs. Johnson and McRee. Finally, with a better understanding of the structure/function relationship of P450s, one will be better able to modify P450s to metabolize the substrates of choice or produce needed valuable chemicals.
A \REGULAR" PENTAGONAL TILING OF THE PLANE

The paper introduces conformal tilings, wherein tiles have spec- ied conformal shapes. The principal example involves conformally regular pentagons which tile the plane in a pattern generated by a subdivision rule. Combinatorial symmetries imply rigid conformal symmetries, which in turn illustrate a new type of tiling self-similarity. In parallel with the conformal tilings, the paper develops discrete tilings based on circle packings. These faithfully reflect the key features of the theory and provide the tiling illustra- tions of the paper. Moreover, it is shown that under renement the discrete tiles converge to their true conformal shapes, shapes for which no other ap- proximation techniques are known. The paper concludes with some further examples which may contribute to the study of tilings and shinglings being carried forward by Cannon, Floyd, and Parry.
Controller performance assessment based on minimum and open-loop output variance

Abstract The need to achieve reliable and effective automatic control systems has directed numerous research efforts towards the development of monitoring and assessment methods of the closed-loop performance. A new controller assessment index, called relative variance index (RVI) is introduced in this work, according to which the closed-loop performance is compared with the best theoretical control action (minimum variance control) and no control action. For the estimation of RVI, an identification method is employed to extract the system models and an estimate of the process unit delays. The proposed index, RVI, is in agreement with the classical deterministic closed-loop assessment measures and thus can be utilized for the controller performance evaluation more effectively.
LEXLUTHER: an algorithm for detecting roads and obstacles in radar images

This paper describes LEXLUTHER (likelihood-based experiments evaluating the efficacy of radar), an algorithm for detecting roads and obstacles in radar data taken from an imaging platform mounted on a stationary automobile. Such an algorithm would be useful in systems that provide all-weather driving assistance. Road boundaries are detected first. The prior shape of the road boundaries is modeled as a deformable template that describes the road edges in terms of its curvature, orientation and offset. This template is matched to the underlying gradient field of the road data using a new and novel matching criteria. The Metropolis algorithm is used to deform the template so that it "best" matches the underlying gradient field. Obstacles are detected next The radar returns from image pixels that are identified by LEXLUTHER as being part of the road are processed again and their power levels are compared to a threshold. Pixels belonging to the road that return a significant (greater than threshold) amount of incident radar power are identified as potential obstacles. The performance of LEXLUTHER on a large all-weather data set is documented. The road edges and obstacles detected are consistently closer to groung truth over the entire data set.
Self-tunable transformation function for enhancement of high contrast color images

A new image enhancement technique based on a self-tunable transformation function to improve the visual quality of images captured with low dynamic range devices in extreme lighting conditions is presented. This technique consists of four processes: histogram adjustment, dynamic range compression, contrast enhancement, and nonlinear color restoration. Histogram adjustment on each spectral band is performed to minimize the effect of illumination. Dynamic range compression is accomplished by a newly designed inverse sine nonlinear function that provides various nonlinear curvatures with an image dependent parameter. A nonlinear curve generated by this parameter is used to modify the intensity of each pixel in the luminance image. A nonlinear color restoration process based on the chromatic information and luminance of the original image is employed. The effectiveness of this technique is evaluated on various natural images and aerial images, and compared with other state-of the art techniques. A quantitative evaluation is performed by estimating the number of Harris corners and speeded up robust features on wide area motion imagery data. The application of the proposed algorithm on face detection is also demonstrated. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed method holds significant benefits for surveillance and security applications and also as a preprocessing technique for object detection and tracking applications.
Isolation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 cores: retention of Vpr in the absence of p6(gag)

Mature human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virions contain a typically cone-shaped core that encases the viral genome. In this study, we established conditions which allowed the efficient isolation of morphologically intact HIV-1 cores from virions. The isolated cores consisted mostly of cones which appeared uniformly capped at both ends but were heterogeneous with respect to the shape of the broad cap as well as the dimensions and angle of the cone. Vpr, a nonstructural virion component implicated in the nuclear import of the viral genome, was recovered in core preparations of HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency viruses from African green monkeys. Unexpectedly, p6(gag), a structural protein required for the incorporation of Vpr, was absent from HIV-1 core preparations. Taken together, our results indicate that the incorporation of Vpr into the virion core is a conserved feature of primate lentiviruses and that the interactions required for the uptake of Vpr into assembling particles differ from those which confine Vpr within the core.
Postoperative ambulation in thoracic surgery patients: standard versus modern ambulation methods

Aim: A single-subject study of two methods of postoperative ambulation of patients recovering from thoracic surgery. Background: During the postoperative setting, patients are often burdened by their condition that reduces their ability to ambulate. This problem is compounded by the addition of devices that make walking more cumbersome. To simplify the process of ambulation during the postoperative period, an intravenous pole/walker (IVPW) was specifically designed to allow all patient devices and attachments to accompany the patient during ambulation, without the need for supplemental caregiver assistance. Methods: The IVPW method of ambulation was compared with standard method of ambulation (SMA) in a single-subject clinical trial. Thirty-nine consecutive thoracic surgery patients with at least an IV and chest tube were ambulated using alternatively either the IVPW or the SMA. Immediately following the ambulation periods, the patient and patient’s health care worker assessed both methods using satisfaction surveys consisting of several questions about the episodes of ambulation and the number of health care workers needed to assist during ambulation. Results: Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the ability of the IVPW to provide support and assist in ambulation in comparison with the SMA (p < 0·001). Nurses felt the IVPW both facilitated and provided a safer method for ambulation compared with the SMA (p < 0·001). On average, one less employee was required during ambulation with the IVPW (p < 0·001). Conclusion: The IVPW provided better support and was perceived as a safer method for ambulation compared with the SMA. The IVPW also required one less person to assist with ambulation. Relevance to clinical practice: Facilitation of ambulation in the postoperative setting can impact nursing care and patient satisfaction.
Salinity Variations in the Southern California Current

Abstract Hydrographic observations southwestward of the Southern California Bight in the period 1937–99 show that temperature and salinity variations have very different interannual variability. Temperature varies within and above the thermocline and is correlated with climate indices of El Nino, the Pacific decadal oscillation, and local upwelling. Salinity variability is largest in the surface layers of the offshore salinity minimum and is characterized by decadal-time-scale changes. The salinity anomalies are independent of temperature, of heave of the pycnocline, and of the climate indices. Calculations demonstrate that long-shore anomalous geostrophic advection of the mean salinity gradient accumulates along the mean southward trajectory along the California Current and produces the observed salinity variations. The flow anomalies for this advective process are independent of large-scale climate indices. It is hypothesized that low-frequency variability of the California Current system results from u...
The menace of momentum: Dynamic forces on flexible organisms

It has been proposed that the mechanical flexibility of many wave-swept organisms reduces the hydrodynamic forces imposed on these plants and animals. For example, reorientation of the organism can render it more streamlined, and by “going with the flow” a flexible organism can reduce the relative velocity between itself and the surrounding water, thereby reducing drag and lift. Motion of the body allows the organism to gain momentum, however, and this momentum can apply an inertial force when the organism’s motion is slowed by the deformation of the body’s supporting structures. Through a series of mathematical models we show that the inertial forces imposed on flexible plants and animals can be large enough to increase the overall force on the organism, more than offsetting the advantages of moving with the flow. A dimensionless index, the jerk number, is proposed as a tool for predicting when inertial forces will be important, and the utility of this index is explored through an examination of the forces applied to kelps and mussels. The tendency for inertial loading to peak at certain frequencies raises the possibility that the structure of organisms can be tuned (either by evolution or physiological response) to avoid potentially damaging loads.
The Trajectory of Popularity Goal During the Transition to Middle School

The trajectory of early adolescents’ popularity goal during the transition to middle school was examined in a diverse sample of 401 students. Popularity goal was assessed at five time points from t...
Father, brother, and father-in-law as III-w nouns in Semitic

In this paper, I argue that the Semitic kinship terms *ʔab-‘father’, *ʔaḫ- ‘brother’, and *ḥam- ‘father-in-law’ originally ended in a w, which left traces in several of their forms. In the singular, the w contracted with the case vowels leaving a distinctive pattern of short and long vowels in the unbound, bound, and suffixal forms. In the plural, the w was retained in several languages due to the insertion of an a-vowel between the final two root consonants, a common Afro-Asiatic pluralization strategy: *ʔabw- > *ʔabaw. I further suggest that the West Semitic plural morpheme -aw was derived by analogy with the plurals *ʔabaw and *ʔaḫaw, and is not, as commonly suggested, an inherited Semitic or Afro-Asiatic plural marker.
Guest Editors’ Introduction: The State of Teachers of Color

The current teaching environment for teachers of Color is troublesome and often contentious. Teacher preparation programs worry too often about the discomfort of White teachers, who make up the maj...
Randomized Study of Single-Dose, Three-Day, and Seven-Day Treatment of Cystitis in Women

We evaluated the following five treatment regimens for acute cystitis in nonpregnant women: cefadroxil, 1,000 mg single-dose; cefadroxil, 500 mg twice a day for three days; cefadroxil, 500 mg twice a day for seven days; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), 320-1,600 mg single-dose, and TMP-SMZ, 160-800 mg twice a day for three days. At four weeks after the end of treatment, 25%, 58%, 70%, 65%, and 88% of patients, respectively, remained cured of infection. The results indicated that three-day treatment (1) might improve cure rates (over single-dose), (2) would reduce incidence of relapse (vs. single-dose), and (3) may be as curative as seven-day treatment. The results of the antibody-coated bacteria test did not predict treatment failure or relapse.
The complement-fixing antigen of rubella virus.

SummaryA complement-fixing antigen for rubella virus has been produced by concentration of infected RK-13 cell culture fluids 100-fold by dialysis against polyethylene glycol. The antigen was shown to be separable from the intact viral particle by centrifugation (soluble antigen), and could be rendered non-infectious by ether treatment without undergoing a change in specific reactivity. The complement fixation test was found to be comparable to the neutralization test for detecting significant increases in antibody level in rubella virus infections. Individuals showing significant rises in antibody titer to myxo-virus antigens or Mycoplasma pneumoniae did not show antibody rises with the rubella complement-fixing antigen.