cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left behind by COVID-19: Experiences of “Left-Behind” Girls in Rural China

“Left-behind” children in rural China are those whose parents seek work in urban areas and leave them behind in their hometowns In this article, I focus on the experiences of five young “left-behind” girls who were socially isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic Based on the Chinese authorities’ instruction to schools to “Stop classes, but don’t stop learning,” I examine micro-level data on the tensions and challenges experienced by these girls during the COVID-19 lockdown I look at how the pandemic has affected these girls in relation to school and family life and suggest that it has exposed and magnified gender inequalities, particularly those related to the maltreatment exerted by their guardians and/or brothers, that have left them even further behind © The Author(s)
An emulated target trial analysis based on Medicare data suggested non-inferiority of Dabigatran versus Rivaroxaban.

OBJECTIVES Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran were the first two non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for preventing stroke among non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation patients. This article aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of Rivaroxaban versus Dabigatran. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING An emulated target trial analysis was conducted based on Medicare, in which we constructed three "randomized clinical trials" with well-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, treatment regimens, and analysis procedures. We analyzed the individual trials, examined temporal variations, and generated unified results via pooled analysis. RESULTS With a two-year data collection window (2012-2013), 70,129 subjects were enrolled in the three emulated trials, with 36,269 and 34,089 in the Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran arms, respectively. Dabigatran (the reference group for hazard ratio - HR) was superior regarding time to any primary event (including ischemic stroke, other thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and death; HR 1.232, P-value 0.0025), major bleeding (HR 1.187, P-value <0.0001), and mortality (HR 1.488, P-value <0.0001). Differences regarding stroke and other thromboembolic events were not significant. CONCLUSION Dabigatran was found as superior for the Medicare patients with multiple chronic conditions. Temporal variations, which had been largely neglected in the literature, were observed. This study may provide new insight into treating AF with NOACs.
Lycopene supplementation of maternal and weanling high-fat diets influences adipose tissue development and metabolic outcomes of Sprague-Dawley offspring.

Dietary patterns high in fat contribute to the onset of cardiometabolic disease through the accrual of adipose tissue (AT). Lycopene, a carotenoid shown to exert multiple health benefits, may disrupt these metabolic perturbations. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate AT development and obesity-associated metabolic outcomes in the neonate and weanling offspring of Sprague-Dawley mothers fed a high-fat diet (HFD = 50 % fat) with and without lycopene supplementation. Sprague-Dawley rats consumed either a normal fat diet (NFD; 25 % fat) or HFD throughout gestation. Upon delivery, half of HFD mothers were transitioned to an HFD supplemented with 1 % lycopene (HFDL). At postnatal day 14 (P14), P25, and P35, pups were euthanised, body weight was recorded, and visceral white AT (WAT) and brown AT (BAT) mass were determined. Serum redox status, adipokines, glucose and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated, as well as BAT mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The HFD was effective in inducing weight gain as evident by significantly greater BW and WAT in the HFD group compared to the NFD group across all time points. Compared to HFD, the HFDL group exhibited significantly greater BAT with concomitant reductions in WAT mass, serum lipid peroxides and serum glucose. No significant differences were observed in serum adipokines, inflammatory markers or UCP1 expression despite the aforementioned alterations in AT development. Results suggest that dietary lycopene supplementation may influence metabolic outcomes during the weaning and post-weaning periods. Additional research is warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which lycopene influences AT biology.
Local and Global Strategies in Composition

This chapter sketches the compositional process between paradigmatic selection and syntagmatic combination within the musical sign system. Apart from these semiotic perspectives, the process is characterized by a “dialectic” interrelation of local and global criteria. These features—well known from the general structure theory of global compositions—reappear in the special light of poiesis: The construction of a composition resembles the step-by-step completion of a puzzle of logical units, distributed in syntagmatic time, and selected to optimize association to already placed units. This activity is remunerative and fed back by a successive accumulation of poetical semantics.
Re-aiming the canon.

Abstract Although it is unlikely that the national goals for educational reform--such as that, by the year 2000, U.S. students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement--can be achieved, a vigorous effort must be made to reach those goals as rapidly as possible. Reform will come not from a massive expansion of what we now do but from a basic shift in the manner in which we educate students in grades K-16 in the sciences and mathematics. Important elements in that basic shift must include an increase in teaching of science, mathematics, and technology (SMT), to about 20%-25% of the curriculum; SMT must include rich hands-on experiences, with an emphasis on concepts and understanding, rather than on facts and memorization, and on how science as a way of knowing differs from other ways of knowing; SMT must consider human problems; and SMT must deal with the basic problem facing humanity--how we must adjust our behavior so as not to exceed, on a worldwide basis, the carrying capacity of the environment.
Re-Thinking the Library Pathfinder

Pathfinders help library patrons find information, learn about library resources and physical space, and develop research strategies. They can be poorly constructed, excessively detailed, and inconsistently formatted. Some cover too many topics and include forced research strategies that make them difficult to read. This article offers a format and construction guide to aid librarians in preparing readable, useful pathfinders.
Database System Concepts

From the Publisher: This acclaimed revision of a classic database systems text offers a complete background in the basics of database design, languages, and system implementation. It provides the latest information combined with real-world examples to help readers master concepts. All concepts are presented in a technically complete yet easy-to-understand style with notations kept to a minimum. A running example of a bank enterprise illustrates concepts at work. To further optimize comprehension, figures and examples, rather than proofs, portray concepts and anticipate results.
The Advanced Light Source-status report

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) is a third-generation synchrotron light source designed to produce extremely bright beams of synchrotron radiation in the energy range of from a few electronvolts to 10 KeV. The design is based on a 1-1.9-GeV electron storage ring (optimized at 1.5 GeV), and utilizes special magnets, known as undulators and wigglers (collectively referred to as insertion devices), to generate the radiation. The facility is scheduled to begin operating in April 1993. The authors describe the progress in design, construction, and commissioning of the accelerator systems, insertion devices, and beamlines. >
Effective Oxygen Content and Properties of La0.74Ca0.26MnO3+das a Function of Synthesis Conditions

Using the thermogravimetric analysis measurements the effective oxygen content was measured for La0.74Ca0.26MnO3+dsamples synthesized at high oxygen pressure. All samples were single-phase with orthorhombic,Pbnm, structure for the entire range of effective oxygen contents achieved, 0≤3+d≤3.066. The unit-cell volume decreases with increasingd, confirming that the holes are doped uniformly. The magnitoresistive transition temperatures increase intially with increasing effective oxygen contents but decrease for larger amounts ofd>0.008. Magnetic moment per Mn decreases with increasingdin agreement with the hole doping given byh=x+2d. Structural and physical properties are consistent with the defect model of vacancies on the (La, Ca) and Mn sites in equal number,ν∼d/(3+d). Results indicate that a small vacancy concentration on metal sites,ν<0.003, does not produce major structural or electronic effects other than the effective hole doping that increasesTc. For larger vacancy concentrations, scattering on defects may be a cause of observed decrease and broadening ofTc.
Use of streamline chelating for capture and purification of poly-His-tagged recombinant proteins

Expression of recombinant proteins with poly-histidine tags enables their convenient capture and purification using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The 6 × His-tagged protein binds to a chelating resin charged with metal ions such as Ni2+, Cu2+ or Zn2+, and can therefore be separated from proteins which have lower, or no, affinity for the resin. Two recombinant proteins, a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine candidate secreted extracellularly by S. cerevisiae and a modified diphtheria toxin produced intracellularly by E. coli, were expressed with 6×His tags and could therefore be purified using IMAC. In an effort to further simplify the initial capture of these proteins, an expanded bed adsorption technique using a chelating resin (Streamline Chelating) was introduced. It was possible to capture the intracellular diphtheria protein from E. coli directly after cell lysis, without prior centrifugation or filtration. The extracellular malaria vaccine candidate was also directly captured from a high cell density yeast culture. Detailed information on the experimental work performed, and the capture processes developed, is provided.
Comparison of extraction methods for quantitative analysis of core and intact polar glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) in environmental samples

Archaeal membranes are composed of core lipids called glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) that contain polar head groups (intact GDGTs) in living cells. The reliability of Archaeal membrane lipids in studies of paleogeochemistry, population distributions, and physiological state depend on efficient extraction and detection of these lipids. We compare existing methods for extraction of core and intact GDGTs so that they can be used as quantitative indicators of living archaeal biomass. We used an active culture of the marine archaeon, Nitrosopumilus maritimus, to document limitations of methods in current use and as a reference for methodological improvement. We found that all extractable GDGTs in the culture were intact and that acid hydrolysis is the only way to quantitatively recover GDGTs from exponentially growing cells. Because acid hydrolysis removes polar head groups, it is not suitable for analysis of intact lipids. In contrast to the culture, high recovery was achieved for intact and core lipids from environmental samples, including water column particles, sediments, and soils. The high recovery from environmental samples and the large portion of core GDGTs relative to intact GDGTs suggest that lipids in the environment are largely derived from dead or dying cells. Because previous studies measured core GDGTs without acid hydrolysis, lipids contained in living cells were not detected and thus these results do not reflect viable biomass. We present a method to accurately quantify living and relict GDGTs by choosing the most efficient extraction protocol and measuring core GDGTs in extracts before and after acid hydrolysis.
The Stock Option Backdating Litigation: An Empirical Investigation

This paper adds to the stock option backdating literature by examining the litigation it spawned. The stock option backdating litigation ("SOBL"), compared to the contemporaneous typical financial reporting litigation, is negatively associated with auditor defendants, bankruptcy, and the amount of the aggregate settlements paid directly to the shareholders. It is positively associated with the computer industry, stock option backdating restatements, and US companies. In comparing the derivative lawsuit-only SOBL to the SOBL with related securities class actions, it was found that the derivative lawsuit-only SOBL is negatively associated with auditor defendants, fraud, revenue restatements, and the forced departure of executives implicated in stock option backdating. In the final analysis – of the factors associated with the amount of the SOBL securities class action settlement with the shareholders – the forced departure of executives implicated in stock option backdating was positively associated with the settlement amount. The results suggest that securities class actions may be more effective than derivative lawsuits in deterring fraud, and that their effectiveness is positively associated with their successful prosecution.
Living the Dream of No Restenosis

“If I am in a dream, please don’t wake me” are the now-fabled words spoken by Patrick Serruys while viewing follow-up intravascular ultrasound images of sirolimus-eluting stents. The dream of an effective treatment for restenosis has eluded decades of effort by an army of investigators. Scores of devices, hundreds of drugs, and innumerable revascularization “strategies” have failed to eliminate the 10% to 50% risk of recurrence after angioplasty. The wasteland of failed anti-restenosis trials was expanded this summer by the 11 500-patient, hundred million dollar, mega-trial Prevention of REstenosis with Tranilast and its Outcomes (PRESTO), which demonstrated that tranilast (a cytokine inhibitor showing superb results in smaller pilot studies) was no better than placebo. When you take out a gallbladder, it doesn’t grow back. Yet, no matter how much skill, experience, time, and effort the interventionist brings to the table, restenosis can entirely reverse a perfect procedural result within months. Until now, only the efficacy provided by vascular brachytherapy has offered hope to patients with in-stent restenosis. See p 2007 In the present issue of Circulation , Sousa et al1 provide a first glimpse at the 1-year data after the implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents. The report describes a very small, noncontrolled registry, yet the results are striking. After 12 months of follow-up in 30 patients and 6 months of follow-up in an additional 15 patients, the authors demonstrate a uniquely stable result. Using the highly sensitive technique of intravascular ultrasound, only a very minor proliferative response to injury was observed (<3% luminal volume obstruction). By angiography, the percent diameter stenosis increased only slightly from a mean of near 10% at the procedure’s conclusion to ≈20% at 1 year. By the 12-month follow-up time point, not a single patient had sustained clinical or angiographic restenosis. These results are amplified by …
[19] Integrated methods for the construction of three-dimensional models and computational probing of structure-function relations in G protein-coupled receptors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the integrated methods for the construction of three-dimensional models and computational probing of structure–function relations in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). The rapid pace of cloning and expression of G protein-coupled receptors offers attractive opportunities to probe the structural basis of signal transduction mechanisms at the level of these cell-surface receptors. Major insights have emerged from comparisons and classifications of the amino acid sequences of GPCRs into families defined by evolutionary developments and adapted to perform selective functions. Structural data on GPCRs, based on biochemical, immunological, and biophysical approaches have validated consensus architecture of GPCRs with an extracellular N-terminus, a cytoplasmic C-terminus, and a transmembrane portion comprised of seven-transmembrane helical domains connected by loops. Developments in the molecular modeling and computational exploration of GPCR proteins indicate a tantalizing potential to alleviate some of these difficulties. These expectations are based on the increased rate of success achieved by molecular modeling and computational simulation methods in providing structural insights relevant to the functions of biological molecules.
Field dependence study of in vivo brain 31P MRS up to 16.4 T

In vivo 31P MRS provides a unique tool for studying bioenergetics of living organs. Although its utility has been limited by the relatively low 31P NMR sensitivity, increasing magnetic field strength (B0) could significantly improve the quality and reliability of the 31P MR spectra for biomedical research. To quantitatively understand the field dependence of in vivo 31P MRS for brain applications, 31P NMR sensitivity of phosphocreatine (PCr) in rat brains was measured and compared at 9.4 T and 16.4 T. Additionally, the linewidths and T1 relaxation times of PCr and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) resonances obtained from human and animal brains over a wide B0 range from 4 T, 7 T, and 9.4 T to 16.4 T were examined and their field dependences were quantified. The results indicate an approximate 1.74-fold 31P signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain for PCr at 16.4 T compared with 9.4 T. An approximate power 1.4 dependence of 31P SNR on B0 was concluded. Substantial improvements in spectral resolution and significantly shortened T1 values of brain PCr and ATP were observed at high/ultrahigh fields, contributing to an additional sensitivity gain and spectral improvement. In summary, the overall findings from this study suggest that in vivo 31P MRS should greatly benefit from high/ultrahigh fields for noninvasive assessment of altered bioenergetics and metabolic processes associated with brain function and neurological diseases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing Recombinant Proteins Using HPLC Gel Filtration and Mass Spectrometry

Recombinant proteins are subject to many forms of heterogeneity, including aggregation, proteolytic degradation, chemical modification, mutation, and incorrect translation. This unit describes methods for the detection and identification of these problems using analytical HPLC gel filtration and MALDI-MS. Preliminary characterization of recombinants is necessary before the structure or function of the protein can be investigated.
THE MOUSE bpk MUTATION, A MODEL OF AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE (ARPKD) and jcpk, A PHENOTYPICALLY DISTINCT PKD MUTATION, ARE ALLELIC. • 2151

THE MOUSE bpk MUTATION, A MODEL OF AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE (ARPKD) and jcpk , A PHENOTYPICALLY DISTINCT PKD MUTATION, ARE ALLELIC. • 2151
Short- and long-term responses to fescue toxicosis at different ambient temperatures

Abstract Intake of endophyte-infected tall fescue by cattle results in fescue toxicosis, which is characterized by increased hyperthermia during heat stress and concomitant reductions in feed intake and growth. Rats were monitored at 21 or 31 °C for short- or long-term periods to determine temporal changes associated with the intake of endophyte-infected ( E +) or uninfected ( E −) fescue seed diets. Core temperature only changed in rats fed E + diet at 31 °C. Intake of E + diet reduced feed intake, daily gain, and serum prolactin. There were temporal and thermal differences in the response to endophytic toxins, with short-term changes diminishing over time at 21 °C, but increasing for certain parameters at 31 °C.
Comparison of modelling and reinforcement procedures in increasing question-asking of mildly retarded children.

Questioning is an important skill, particularly for retarded children with deficits in accumulated information. Recent strategies for modifying a variety of verbal behaviors have included both token reinforcement systems and modelling procedures. However, the relative effectiveness (i.e., the rate of behavior change) of certain reinforcement procedures, especially with low base-rate behavior (used alone) have recently been questioned. The present study, using an ABAB design, compared the effect of a Token reinforcement system, a Trainer-Model procedure, and a combination of the two procedures on increasing the rate of question-asking. Each condition was in effect for six sessions. Groups of four mildly retarded children (mean age: 10.1 yr) were prompted to ask questions about large photographs, and each of their questions was immediately answered. For the Model group, the Trainer modelled four questions for each subject for each photograph. For the Token group, each question earned the subject a point, which was exchangeable after the session for various items (e.g., candy, ice cream) from a “store”. For the Modelling plus Token group, the procedures were combined. The Model and the Control groups were yoked to receive the same amount of candy as the Token and the Model plus Token groups for behaviors other than question-asking (i.e., being polite). The results indicated that during Baseline conditions, performance across groups was comparable and that the performance of the Control group did not change across time. The Model procedure had only minimal effects on the rate of question-asking, while both the Model plus Token and the Token groups showed significant performance increments. The only significant difference between the Model plus Token and the Token groups was a faster rate of increase early in the first Training condition for the Model plus Token group. This difference, and the low level of performance change for the Model group, was interpreted as suggesting a facilitory effect of modelling procedures on reinforcement contingencies. The discrepancy between previous findings showing relatively minimal changes following reinforcement of low base-rate responses and the present results were discussed in terms of various procedural differences. Educational implications of the present results were also discussed.
Microwaves and the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Review

The research conducted during the past decade on the interaction of microwaves with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is reviewed. The structure and function of the BBB is briefly described, the major results of experimental studies are summarized, and directions for future research are suggested.
Sensitivity and specificity of a new bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale

Objective: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of a self-report questionnaire for bipolar disorder, the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS). Methods: The BSDS was administered to 68 consecutive patients with bipolar illness and 27 consecutive patients with unipolar major depressive disorder. Created by Ronald Pies, it consists of a descriptive story that captures subtle features of bipolar illness, to which patients may assent on a sentence-by-sentence basis. BSDS scores were compared to clinicians' DSM-IV-based diagnoses. Results: Sensitivity of the BSDS was 0.76, approximately equal in bipolar I and II/NOS subjects (0.75 and 0.79, respectively). The BSDS identified 85% of unipolar-depressed patients as not having bipolar spectrum illness. A shift in the threshold of the BSDS resulted in a large increase in specificity (from 0.85 to 0.93), without a significant loss of sensitivity. Conclusions: The BSDS was highly sensitive and specific for bipolar spectrum illness, especially with the amended threshold for positive diagnosis.
A note on estimation in bernoulli trials with dependence

Finite sample properties of estimators for the parameters of a dependent Bernoulli process are investigated using Monte Carlo techniques. A ratio estimator is proposed for the dependence parameter of the model and is compared to the approximate maximum likelihood estimator given by Klotz. It is shown that both estimators have a downward bias that is extreme in certain cases and that samples well in excess of 200 may be necessary before the asymptotic theory can be applied.
The influence of the number of presented symptoms in product-claim direct-to-consumer advertising on behavioral intentions

Purpose – In order to improve the effectiveness of product‐claim direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA), the current research examines the effect of a presentational element – the number of treatable symptoms for the advertised medical condition featured in the ad – on consumers' intentions to seek treatment.Design/methodology/approach – Ninety‐five participants recruited at a mall in the northeastern US provided data on behavioral and attitudinal intentions regarding a product‐claim print DTCA for an antidepressant.Findings – Featuring a high (vs low) number of symptoms improved the effectiveness of the product‐claim DTCA. Seeing more symptoms led to heightened perceptions of informativeness, lower persuasive intent, and higher intentions to discuss the advertised ailment and the advertised drug with the doctor. Perceptions of disease prevalence mediated this influence. The perceived impact of each symptom featured in the DTCA was controlled across experimental conditions.Research limitations/implications...
Aporphines 24. The synthesis of N-alkylderivatives of bulbocapnine and isoeorydine

The synthesis of three new racemic aporphine alkaloids (1b, 1c and 2) is reported and these alkaloids are fully characterized. The method of synthesis involved either a Bischler-Napieralski-Psehorr sequence or a Reissert alkylation-Pschorr cyclization route. The Pschorr cyclization also gave the morphinandienones 7a and 7b, respectively.
Ferromagnetism and Spin-Glass-Like Behavior of BiFeO3 Nanoparticles

BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicate no secondary phases are present, and the composition of the BiFeO3 nanoparticles was stoichiometric. Magnetic measurements show that the BiFeO3 nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetism with spin-glass-like behavior. The results were found to be related to size effects, which partially destroy the long-wavelength cycloid spin structure, and which induce ferromagnetism and spin-glass-like behavior due to diffusion of domain walls and pinning at the nanoparticle surface.
Confirming the Cognition of Rising Scores: Fox and Mitchum (2013) Predicts Violations of Measurement Invariance in Series Completion between Age-Matched Cohorts

The trend of rising scores on intelligence tests raises important questions about the comparability of variation within and between time periods. Descriptions of the processes that mediate selection of item responses provide meaningful psychological criteria upon which to base such comparisons. In a recent paper, Fox and Mitchum presented and tested a cognitive theory of rising scores on analogical and inductive reasoning tests that is specific enough to make novel predictions about cohort differences in patterns of item responses for tests such as the Raven’s Matrices. In this paper we extend the same proposal in two important ways by (1) testing it against a dataset that enables the effects of cohort to be isolated from those of age, and (2) applying it to two other inductive reasoning tests that exhibit large Flynn effects: Letter Series and Word Series. Following specification and testing of a confirmatory item response model, predicted violations of measurement invariance are observed between two age-matched cohorts that are separated by only 20 years, as members of the later cohort are found to map objects at higher levels of abstraction than members of the earlier cohort who possess the same overall level of ability. Results have implications for the Flynn effect and cognitive aging while underscoring the value of establishing psychological criteria for equating members of distinct groups who achieve the same scores.
Lis1 Is Necessary for Normal Non-Radial Migration of Inhibitory Interneurons

Type I lissencephaly is a central nervous system (CNS) malformation characterized by mental retardation and epilepsy. These clinical features suggest a deficit in inhibitory neurons may, in part, underlie the pathogenesis of this disorder. Mutations in, or deletions of, LIS1 are the most commonly recognized genetic anomaly associated with type I lissencephaly. The pathogenesis of type I lissencephaly is believed to be a defect in radial neuronal migration, a process requiring LIS1. In contrast the inhibitory neurons migrate non-radially from the basal forebrain to the neocortex and hippocampus. Given that Lis1 is expressed in all neurons, we hypothesized that Lis1 also functions in non-radial migrating inhibitory neurons. To test this hypothesis we used a combination of in vivo and in vitro studies with Lis1 mutant mice and found non-radial cell migration is also affected. Our data indicate Lis1 is required for normal non-radial neural migration and that the Lis1 requirement is primarily cell autonomous, although a small cell non-autonomous effect could not be excluded. These data indicate inhibitory neuron migration is slowed but not absent, similar to that found for radial cell migration. We propose that the defect in non-radial cell migration is likely to contribute to the clinical phenotype observed in individuals with a LIS1 mutation.
Simulated big sagebrush regeneration supports predicted changes at the trailing and leading edges of distribution shifts

Many semi-arid plant communities in western North America are dominated by big sagebrush. These ecosystems are being reduced in extent and quality due to economic development, invasive species, and climate change. These pervasive modifications have generated concern about the long-term viability of sagebrush habitat and sagebrush-obligate wildlife species (notably Greater Sage-Grouse), highlighting the need for better understanding of the future big sagebrush distribution, particularly at the species' range margins. The leading and trailing edges of potential climate-driven distribution shifts are likely to be areas most sensitive to climate change. Although several processes contribute to distribution shifts, regeneration is a fundamental requirement, especially for species with episodic regeneration patterns, such as big sagebrush. We used a process-based regeneration model for big sagebrush to simulate potential germination and seedling survival in response to climatic and edaphic conditions. We estima...
3-D stator-rotor interaction of the SSME

The time-dependent stator-rotor interaction pattern of the Space Shuttle Main Engine's High-Pressure Fuel-Side Turbopump is presently studied by a multiple-zone solution algorithm, for both a two-dimensional case with 2:3 stator-rotor blade ratio and a three-dimensional case with a 1:1 ratio. A time-centered differencing scheme is used for temporal discretization, together with a sliding-grid multiple-zone solution method and an extended two-equation turbulence model with a wall function approach. The algorithm's accuracy is tested against experimental data.
The transmission of HIV and factors influencing progression to AIDS

T he human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-l and HIV-2) have been shown to be the etiologic agents of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [l-3]. The known routes of transfer of the AIDS virus are blood, blood products, intimate sexual activity, and transmission from mother to child in utero, during delivery, or shortly after birth [4]. The nature of HIV, a retrovirus, indicates that following infection, its replication depends on the copying of its viral genome from the RNA molecule (present as two copies) into a DNA form that can integrate into the cellular chromosome (Figure 1). This process is achieved by using the viral reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme. It is this reversal of the normal genetic pathway that gives RT-containing viruses the name retrovirus (Greek retro, backward). The replicative cycle of retroviruses locks the viral genome into the cellular genetic makeup [5]. Elimination of the virus depends on its dislocation from the cell chromosome (a rare if ever occurring event) or killing the infected cell. Subsequent replication of the infectious virus follows the normal genetic pathway of proviral DNA =+ RNA =+ protein and the budding of infectious virus particles from the cell surface (Figure 1). In general, this release of virus incorporates some cellular proteins (e.g., HLA) on the surface of the virion [5-71. For this reason, individuals with antibodies to normal cellular proteins may have falsely positive results on serologic screening assays for HIV [8]. Moreover, the immune response against the virus might elicit antibodies that cross-react with cellular proteins and thereby cause cell death [9]. In the case of CD4+ lymphocytes and some macrophages, virus infection itself leads over time to the death of the infected cell. Other cells that do not replicate the virus to the same extent may serve as viable reservoirs for months to years with persistent but limited production of infectious virus [lo]. The means by which HIV is transmitted to the host,
A mobile-agent-based wireless sensing network for structural monitoring applications

A new wireless sensing network paradigm is presented for structural monitoring applications. In this approach, both power and data interrogation commands are conveyed via a mobile agent that is sent to sensor nodes to perform intended interrogations, which can alleviate several limitations of the traditional sensing networks. Furthermore, the mobile agent provides computational power to make near real-time assessments on the structural conditions. This paper will discuss such prototype systems, which are used to interrogate impedance-based sensors for structural health monitoring applications. Our wireless sensor node is specifically designed to accept various energy sources, including wireless energy transmission, and to be wirelessly triggered on an as-needed basis by the mobile agent or other sensor nodes. The capabilities of this proposed sensing network paradigm are demonstrated in the laboratory and the field.
Optical imaging with a high-resolution microendoscope to identify cholesteatoma of the middle ear.

Objectives/Hypothesis: High-resolution optical imaging is an imaging modality that allows visualization of structural changes in epithelial tissue in real time. Our prior studies using contrast-enhanced microendoscopy to image squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck demonstrated that the contrast agent, proflavine, has high affinity for keratinized tissue. Thus, high-resolution microendoscopy with proflavine provides a potential mechanism to identify ectopic keratin production, such as that associated with cholesteatoma formation, and distinguish between uninvolved mucosa and residual keratin at the time of surgery. Study Design: Ex vivo imaging of histopathologically confirmed samples of cholesteatoma and uninvolved middle ear epithelium. Methods: Seven separate specimens collected from patients who underwent surgical treatment for cholesteatoma were imaged ex vivo with the fiberoptic endoscope after surface staining with proflavine. Following imaging, the specimens were submitted for hematoxylin and eosin staining to allow histopathological correlation. Results: Cholesteatoma and surrounding middle ear epithelium have distinct imaging characteristics. Keratin-bearing areas of cholesteatoma lack nuclei and appear as confluent hyperfluorescence, whereas nuclei are easily visualized in specimens containing normal middle ear epithelium. Hyperfluorescence and loss of cellular detail is the imaging hallmark of keratin, allowing for discrimination of cholesteatoma from normal middle ear epithelium. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of high-resolution optical imaging to discriminate cholesteatoma from uninvolved middle ear mucosa based on the unique staining properties of keratin. Use of real-time imaging may facilitate more complete extirpation of cholesteatoma by identifying areas of residual disease. Laryngoscope, 2012
Linguistic intergroup bias tells ingroup/outgroup orientation of bicultural Asian Americans

Abstract Traditional studies of ethnic relations focus on racialization between Whites and Blacks, or ethnic stratification between Whites and people of color. This study aims at broadening conventional studies of interethnic relations to examine racial attitudes among people who have internalized more than one culture – i.e., the biculturals and multiculturals. Social psychological research suggests that bicultural individuals are capable of switching between two cultural meaning frames depending on contextual demands. Bicultural individuals vary in how well they integrate the two cultural identities internalized in them – i.e., their bicultural identity integration levels (BII levels). Their BII levels lead to either culturally congruent or culturally incongruent behaviors among bicultural individuals. The underlying assumption of linguistic intergroup bias indicates that people tend to describe more abstractly observed positive ingroup behaviors and negative outgroup behaviors and describe more concretely observed negative ingroup behaviors and positive outgroup behaviors. In this study, bicultural Asian American participants are hypothesized to use language of either higher or lower abstraction to describe actions of positive and negative valence performed by either ethnic Asians or European Americans depending on the cultural priming they received and their BII levels. The demonstrated pattern of ingroup enhancement and outgroup derogation of the bicultural participants point out the perceived ingroup/outgroup orientation of these biculturals towards their coethnics and people of the mainstream culture. Effects of the cultural priming and impact of BII levels are also discussed.
Restoration of turbulence degraded underwater images

The ability to image underwater is highly desired for scientific and military applications, including optical communications, submarine awareness, diver visibility, and mine detection. Underwater imaging is severely impaired by scattering and optical turbulence associated with refractive index fluctuations. This work introduces a novel approach to restoration of degraded underwater imagery based on a multi-frame correction technique developed for atmospheric distortions. The method represents synthesis of "lucky-region" fusion with nonlinear gain and optical flow-based image warping. The developed multiframe image restoration algorithm is tested on underwater imagery collected in a laboratory tank and in a field exercise. Reliance of image restoration on accuracy of the optical flow algorithm is revealed. The developed algorithm demonstrates significant resolution improvement of the restored image in comparison to any single frame or the mean of the underwater image sequence.
Mechanical Drive Steam Turbine Efficiency Improvement

Special purpose steam turbine driver efficiency improvements offer significant energy saving incentives, particularly in today’s environment of soaring energy costs. Efficiency gains of up to ten percentage points are possible over past designs with up-to-date technology and can provide substantial operating cost savings for current energy costs. This paper reviews (1) governing factors for turbine efficiency improvement, (2) currently implemented design modifications, and (3) recommended approach to developing the “next generation” steam turbine technology.Copyright © 1982 by ASME
Minimally invasive surgery for inguinal hernia

The use of minimally invasive techniques in surgery for inguinal hernias has become an established approach to inguinal hernia repair. A brief history of laparoscopic hernia surgery is presented, including evolution of techniques. Several prospective randomized trials comparing open repairs with laparoscopic procedures are reviewed, and the results of the experience at the authors' institution are presented. Studies on the advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair vary, many showing advantages of the laparoscopic approach over open techniques. With continuing refinement of technique and efforts to minimize the cost differential, there should be a continuing role for minimally invasive hernia repair.
NOS Test Beds and Model Evaluation Environments

NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) has supported the development of several new test beds patterned after those employed to advance meteorological forecast models. Here, we review the Integrated Ocean Observing System/Southeastern Universities Research Association (IOOS)/SURA Test Bed for the evaluation of hypoxia and coastal inundation models as a supplement to the Joint Hurricane Test Bed used to further advance hurricane track and intensity forecasting. The review will focus on present approaches toward forecast model skill assessment and improvement. Recently, the concept of a model evaluation environment has been explored within NOS’s Coast Survey Development Laboratory and has been initially implemented in the Delaware River and Bay (Patchen, 2008). The restoration of NOS historical circulation survey datasets was used to provide dense spatial coverage of current, conductivity-temperature and conductivity-temperature-depth datasets for model evaluation. A set of common skill metrics was employed to compare multiple hydrodynamic models under common forcing conditions. We review these skill metrics and suggest some additional ones to further aid in the comparisons. The efforts to restore additional NOS historical circulation survey datasets are discussed in the context of the development of additional model evaluation environments in other coastal and estuarine regions. In conclusion, plans for further development of model test beds and evaluation environments are presented in the context of the IOOS goal to quantitatively assess model forecast improvements.
1,10-Phenanthroline and Xenopus laevis teratology.

Abstract Frog oocytes and embryos have long served as traditional subjects of embryological research providing structural and functional information for the interpretation of the biological processes underlying development. A large number of various chemical agents induce typical teratological changes in frog embryos. However, the effects of metal deficiency of the first transition and IIB series or of chelating agents specific for these metals have never been examined in the frog. Multidentate chelating agents, including 1,10-phenanthroline (OP), which coordinate metals through N, O or S donor atoms are teratogenic also but in a manner characteristic for this class of reagents and completely different from those referred to above. Exposure to 10−5 M OP causes maximal malformations with minimal mortality inducing craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities with failure of eye, head and other organ formation in 74% of frog embryos. In contrast, the non chelating analogue 1,7-phenanthroline (MP) has no effect at this concentration. A concentration of 10−3 M OP is lethal. The known characteristics of either zinc and/or iron complexes with OP as well as the concentrations of these elements in frog oocytes and embryos are consistent with the hypothesis that the teratological observations are due to an effect of OP on either zinc or iron proteins.
Network scheduling for data archiving applications in sensor networks

Since data archiving in sensor networks is a communication intensive application, a careful power management of communication is of critical importance for such networks. An example is FPS, an adaptive power scheduling algorithm that combines slotted scheduling with a CSMA MAC [7]. In this paper, we first propose a new global power scheduling protocol called Multi-Flow Power Scheduling (MPS) that delivers more data and consumes less energy than existing power scheduling protocols. MPS sets up a transmission schedule through standard data aggregation and dissemination operations, however since it creates a global schedule it does not scale to large networks. We then present a new power scheduling protocol called Hybrid Power Scheduling (HPS) that retains the scalability of FPS while maintaining the energy efficiency and high data delivery rate of MPS. In a thorough simulation study, we compare HPS and MPS, and our results show the efficacy of HPS.
Evaluation of Vanillin Assay for Tannin Analysis of Dry Beans

Several parameters that might influence the vanillin assay for tannin analysis of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgatis L.) varieties were investigated. The assayable tannin content decreased with decreasing particle size of the bean flours. Time elapsed after grinding as well as storage under high humidity conditions markedly influenced tannin assays. The solubihty of tannins was dependent on the type of solvent used, with methanolic extraction requiring shorter periods as compared to extraction with acidified methanol. Color differences within the bean samples appeared to be the prime cause of variation in tannin analysis of beans. Extractions on seed coats alone increased the assayable tannin by 1.1-2.5 times compared to extractions of bean flours.
Visual evoked potential characterization of rabbit animal model for retinal prosthesis research

Visual evoked potentials (VEP) are used to confirm the function of prosthetic devices designed to stimulate retinas with damaged photoreceptors in vivo. In this work, we focus on methods and experimental consideration for recording visual evoked potential in rabbit models and assesses the use for retinal prosthesis research. We compare both invasive and noninvasive methods for recording VEPs, the response of the rabbit retina to various light wavelengths and intensities, focal vs. full field stimulation, and the effect of light bleaching on the retinal response.
Multiparticle Adhesive Dynamics. Interactions between Stably Rolling Cells

A novel numerical simulation of adhesive particles (cells) reversibly interacting with an adhesive surface under flow is presented. Particle--particle and particle--wall hydrodynamic interactions in low Reynolds number Couette flow are calculated using a boundary element method that solves an integral representation of the Stokes equation. Molecular bonds between surfaces are modeled as linear springs and stochastically formed and broken according to postulated descriptions of force-dependent kinetics. The resulting simulation, Multiparticle Adhesive Dynamics, is applied to the problem of selectin-mediated rolling of hard spheres coated with leukocyte adhesion molecules (cell-free system). Simulation results are compared to flow chamber experiments performed with carbohydrate-coated spherical beads rolling on P-selectin. Good agreement is found between theory and experiment, with the main observation being a decrease in rolling velocity with increasing concentration of rolling cells or increasing proximity between rolling cells. Pause times are found to increase and deviation motion is found to decrease as pairs of rolling cells become closer together or align with the flow.