cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Continued Reduction in Dense Fog in the Southern California Region: Possible Causes

Dense fog appears to be decreasing in many parts of the world, especially in western cities. Dense fog (visibility <400 m) is disappearing in the urban southern California area also. There the decrease in dense fog events can be explained mainly by declining particulate levels, Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST), and increased urban warming. Using hourly data from 1948 to the present, we looked at the relationship between fog events in the region and contributing factors and trends over time. Initially a strong relationship was suggested between the occurrence of dense fog and the phases of an atmosphere–ocean cycle: the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). However, closer analysis revealed the importance to fog variability of an increasing urban heat island and the amount of atmospheric suspended particulate matter. Results show a substantial decrease in the occurrence of very low visibilities (<400 m) at the two airport stations in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, LAX (Los Angeles International) and LGB (Long Beach International). A downward trend in particulate concentrations, coupled with an upward trend in urban temperatures were associated with the decrease in dense fog occurrence at both LAX and LGB. LAX dense fog that reached over 300 h in 1950 dropped steadily, with 0 h recorded in 1997. Since 1997, there has been a slight recovery with both 2008 and 2009 recording over 30 h of dense fog at both locations. In this study we examine whether the upturn is a temporary reversal of the trend. To remove the urban effect, we also included fog data from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VBG), located in a relatively sparsely populated area approximately 200 km to the north of metropolitan Los Angeles. Particulates, urban heat island, and Pacific SSTs all seem to be contributing factors to the decrease in fog in southern California, along with large-scale atmosphere–ocean interaction cycles. Case studies of local and regional dense fog in southern California point to the importance of strong, low inversions and to a lesser contributor, Santa Ana winds. Both are associated with large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, which have changed markedly over the period of studied. These changes point to continued decreases in dense fog in the region.
What Does it Mean to be Market‐Driven?

Searching behind the slogans, and with a wealth of reference to real-life corporate experience, this article starts by outlining some of the traps which managers can fall into in their search for market orientation. It then identifies specific capabilities and behaviours which go towards making a firm market-driven in practice and concludes with an analysis of how the parts fit together to generate extra effectiveness.
Alternation of analysis and synthesis for concept generation

Abstract Concept generation involves both analysis and synthesis activities interchangeably. In current practice, these two activities are often loosely defined and randomly performed. This paper presents a new method, called the Analysis Synthesis Alternation (ASA) approach, which treats concept generation as a proposition-making process and adapts the formal logic definitions of analytic and synthetic propositions to generate new concepts via two stages: ideation and validation. Both stages involve systemic alternations between analytic and synthetic propositions, but the alterations are performed in reverse reasoning directions. Experiment shows that ASA outperforms traditional brainstorming technique in both novelty and functionality.
Microgeographic variation in the diets of garter snakes

Diets of the terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) and the common garter snake (T. sirtalis) were studied at 22 sites in an area of about 250 km2 in northern California, during the summers of 1978–80. Overall, T. sirtalis consumed mostly amphibian and T. elegans ate an equal mixture of amphibians, fish, and leeches. However, this was more an effect of differential distribution of the two species among sites than of habitat partitioning within sites. Site was 5 times better as a predictor of diet than was species of snake. The relative frequency of T. sirtalis at the sites was correlated with the number of amphibian species.
MgB2 superconducting particles in a strong electric field

Abstract The electric-field induced ball formation has been observed with MgB 2 powder in a strong static or quasi-static electric field. The effect of temperature and magnetic field on the ball formation shows surprising features. For quite a wide range of temperature from T c =39 K and below, the ball size is proportional to (1− T / T c ). As the temperature further goes below 20 K, the ball size becomes almost a constant. If MgB 2 particles are in a strong electric field and a moderate magnetic field, the electric-field induced balls align in the magnetic-field direction to form ball chains.
Teleology without a Telos?: Constitutive Absence in Leopold Bloom's Pilgrimage

The central argument of this paper highlights a search for the elusive centre in James Joyce's Ulysses. Joyce, through the figure of Leopold Bloom (and other characters), portrays pilgrimage whose ...
LFQC: a lossless compression algorithm for FASTQ files.

MOTIVATION Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized genomic research by reducing the cost of whole genome sequencing. One of the biggest challenges posed by modern sequencing technology is economic storage of NGS data. Storing raw data is infeasible because of its enormous size and high redundancy. In this article, we address the problem of storage and transmission of large FASTQ files using innovative compression techniques. RESULTS We introduce a new lossless non-reference based FASTQ compression algorithm named Lossless FASTQ Compressor. We have compared our algorithm with other state of the art big data compression algorithms namely gzip, bzip2, fastqz (Bonfield and Mahoney, 2013), fqzcomp (Bonfield and Mahoney, 2013), Quip (Jones et al., 2012), DSRC2 (Roguski and Deorowicz, 2014). This comparison reveals that our algorithm achieves better compression ratios on LS454 and SOLiD datasets. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The implementations are freely available for non-commercial purposes. They can be downloaded from http://engr.uconn.edu/rajasek/lfqc-v1.1.zip. CONTACT rajasek@engr.uconn.edu.
The Politics of Everyday Life in Twenty-First Century Myanmar

Myanmar has been conventionally regarded as one of the most repressive countries in the world. As a result, many scholars, journalists, and human rights organizations understandably focus their attention on the draconian policies of the Myanmarese military regime. When the country makes headlines, the story of events taking place is typically framed in terms of state oppression and direct popular opposition. This leads to a restrictive view of the “political” dimensions of life in Myanmar, an approach to the topic that deals with only a small number of admittedly important subjects: authoritarian governance, organized efforts to bring about systemic change, and the fate of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate whose latest release from house arrest put Myanmarese politics back in the headlines in November 2010. What is left out of the picture—or given only glancing attention—are a host of social, economic, and cultural issues that also have political dimensions and implications, namely the efforts by Myanmarese citizens to carve out space for independent, meaningful action on a personal level. These actions, which have political aspects but stop short of being outright forms of dissent, will be my focus in this essay.
The Classic: The Bulkley Lecture: The Modern Attitude Toward Traumatic Cancer

This Classic Article is a reprint of the original work by J. Ewing, The Bulkley Lecture: The Modern Attitude Toward Traumatic Cancer. An accompanying biographical sketch of J. Ewing is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-011-2234-y. The Classic Article is ©1935 and is reprinted courtesy of the New York Academy of Medicine from Ewing J. The Bulkley Lecture: The Modern Attitude Toward Traumatic Cancer*. Bull N Y Acad Med. 1935;11:281–333.
Comparison of Computer Algebra Systems for Closed Form Stiffness Matrix Generation

Computer algebra systems (CAS) have been advantageously employed to generate closed form expressions for finite elements. The advantages relate to the time improvements or savings realized by employing closed form generated expressions as compared to numerical integration. However as the element order increases, the size of the closed form generated expressions become unmanageable causing the source code files to possibly become unusable due to their size. One approach to reducing the size of the source files is to take advantage of the utilities found in CAS to identify common expressions or sub-expressions. In this manuscript we present on-going research by comparing two widely used CAS, Mathematica and Maple, as they relate to identifying common expressions in low order tetrahedral finite element stiffness matrices generated in symbolic form, associated time savings and possible issues. The results indicate that the use of CAS could be advantageously employed to identify common subexpressions through pattern matching to further reduce the size of the generated source files and realize time improvements during execution of the source codes. In addition, the developed procedures could be easily applied to higher order elements with much larger number of entries of closed form expressions where even more savings could be realized.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Bootstrapping a method of phylogenetic inference

Abstract The performance of the bootstrap in estimating the error rate in a phylogenetic inference procedure known as ‘evolutionary parsimony’ is studied. It is shown that resampling the data leads to inconsistent bootstrap estimates. Appropriately centering the data before resampling restores consistency, but seems to increase bias for small samples. A parametric version of the bootstrap is also considered.
Responses of alloplasmic (cytoplasm- Triticum timopheevii) and euplasmic wheats (Triticum aestivum) to photoperiod and vernalization*

Studies were conducted to determine the influence of the male sterility-inducing cytoplasm of Triticum timopheevii (Zhuk.) Zhuk. on response of several common winter wheat (T. aestivum L.) nuclear genotypes to photoperiod and vernalization. Comparative studies of cytoplasmic substitution lines provide information on the role of the cytoplasmic genetic mechanism in growth and development. In the case of cytoplasmic male sterility-based hybrid production systems, ubiquity of sterility-inducing cytoplasm in derived hybrids warrants thorough characterization of its influence on plant phenotype. Factorial combinations of cytoplasm (T. timopheevii and T. aestivum), nuclear genotype, and photoperiod or vernalization treatments were evaluated under hydroponic conditions in controlled environment chambers. Interaction of cytoplasm, photoperiod, and nuclear genotype was significant in one or more experiments for days to anthesis and potential spikelet number, and interaction of cytoplasm, vernalization, and nuclear genotype was significant for days to spike emergence. Long day length was associated with increased percentage seed set in one study, but interactions of photoperiod and cytoplasm were not detected for percentage seed set. Interactions involving cytoplasm and photoperiod or vernalization were interpreted as evidence of the existence of genetic factors in cytoplsam of T. timopheevii which alter photoperiod or vernalization responses of alloplasmic plants relative to responses exhibited by euplasmic plants. Since photoperiod and vernalization responses are critical to adaptation, T. timopheevii cytoplasm can alter adaptability of T. aestivum. The specific effect would be nuclear genotype dependent, and does not appear to be of a magnitude greater than that induced by nuclear genetic variability at loci conditioning photoperiod or vernalization responses or other adaptation-determining characteristics. Normal multilocation/year testing of alloplasmic hybrids should therefore adequately identify zones of adaptation.
Field-Dependent Photoinjection Efficiency of Carriers in Amorphous Se Films

A concept of a field-dependent photoinjection process has been developed and applied to the low-energy light data from photodischarge measurements reported by Pai and Ing, and by Tabak and Warter. The model involves a field-dependent photogeneration of free carriers based on a Poole-Frenkel-type effect. Comparison with data tends to support the idea that the intermediate states are excitons. It is shown that the derived expression for the photoinjection efficiency fits the available experimental data on holes rather well for the entire range of field at room temperature. Indications are that the expression is valid down to about 250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The low-field data is shown to be highly dependent upon the mobility and the recombination velocity. Based on the reported experimental data, the recombination velocity and the effective band gap are found to be 200 cm/sec and 2.65 eV, respectively.
Quantitative immuno-electron microscopic analysis of depolarization-induced expression of PGC-1α in cultured rat visual cortical neurons

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC- 1α) is a coactivator of nuclear receptors and other transcription factors that regulate several metabolic processes, including mitochondrial biogenesis, energy homeostasis, respiration, and gluconeogenesis. PGC-1α plays a vital role in stimulating genes that are important to oxidative metabolism and other mitochondrial functions in brown adipose tissue and skeleton muscles, but the significance of PGC-1α in the brain remains elusive. The goal of our present study was to determine by means of quantitative immuno-electron microscopy the expression of PGC-1α in cultured rat visual cortical neurons under normal conditions as well as after depolarizing stimulation for varying periods of time. Our results showed that: (a) PGC-1α was normally located in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In the nucleus, PGC-1α was associated mainly with euchromatin rather than heterochromatin, consistent with active involvement in transcription. In the cytoplasm, it was associated mainly with free ribosomes. (b) Neuronal depolarization by KCl for 0.5 h induced a significant increase in PGC-1α labeling density in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm (P
Three-Month-Old Infants' Categorization of Animals and Vehicles Based on Static and Dynamic Attributes

Three-month-old infants' categorization of animals and vehicles based on static and dynamic attributes was investigated using a multiple-exemplar habituation-test paradigm. Half of the infants viewed static color images of animals and vehicles, and the other half viewed dynamic point-light displays of the same animals and vehicles. Following habituation, infants viewed a novel exemplar from the habituation category and an exemplar from a novel category. Regardless of whether they viewed static or dynamic displays, infants showed habituation to varying exemplars from the same category, generalized habituation to a novel exemplar from the habituation category, dishabituated to an exemplar from a novel category, and showed a significant novelty preference for a novel-category exemplar. These findings suggest that infants categorize animals and vehicles using either static or dynamic information.
Nationality Population Trends in Belarus during the Recent Intercensal Period, 1989-1999

The author, a U.S. geographer specializing in issues of population change and urbanization in the countries of the former USSR, extends an earlier study of the population of Belarus (Rowland, 2003) by focusing on trends of change in the nationality composition of that country's population revealed by the most recent (1999) census. More specifically, the paper analyzes trends and patterns of the nationality composition of the total, urban, and rural Belarusian population at both the national and regional levels for the period 1989-1999. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: J11, O18, R23. 3 figures, 10 tables, 10 references.
Tight Clustering of Extracellular BP180 Epitopes Recognized by Bullous Pemphigoid Autoantibodies

Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering skin disease associated with autoantibodies against the BP180 antigen, a transmembrane component of the hemidesmosome. Anti-BP180 antibodies have been demonstrated to be pathogenic in a passive transfer mouse model. One extracellular site on human BP180 (MCW-1) was previously shown to be recognized by 50–60% of bullous pemphigoid sera. To facilitate the identification of additional autoantibody-reactive epitopes, recombinant forms of the BP180 ectodomain were generated using both bacterial and mammalian expression systems. One recombinant protein, sec180e, that was expressed in COS-1 cells and that contained the entire BP180 ectodomain, provided us with a tool to detect conformational epitopes. Bullous pemphigoid sera immuno-adsorbed against the major noncollagenous NC16A domain no longer reacted with sec180e, indicating that autoantibody reactivity to the BP180 ectodomain is restricted to the NC16A region. Immunoblot analysis of bullous pemphigoid sera immunoadsorbed with a series of recombinant NC16A peptides revealed the presence of three novel autoantigenic sites that, along with the MCW-1 epitope, are clustered within the N-terminal 45 amino acid stretch of NC16A. All 15 bullous pemphigoid sera tested reacted with a recombinant protein containing this BP180 segment. No disease-associated epitopes were detectable within the remaining 28 amino acids of NC16A. Thus, bullous pemphigoid patient autoantibodies react with a set of epitopes on the BP180 ectodomain that are highly clustered. This autoantibody-reactive region on human BP180 shows overlap with the corresponding murine BP180 site that is targeted by antibodies that are pathogenic in the mouse model of bullous pemphigoid. These findings suggest new directions for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this disease.
The transcriptional basis of adipocyte development

Adipogenesis is the developmental process by which a multipotent mesenchymal stem cell differentiates into a mature adipocyte. This process involves a highly regulated and coordinated cascade of transcription factors that together lead to the establishment of the differentiated state. In the presence of the correct hormonal cues, committed pre-adipocytes express the bZIP factors C/EBPb and C/EBPd. These factors in turn induce the expression of C/EBPa and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPARg). C/EBPa and PPARg together promote differentiation by activating adipose-specific gene expression and by maintaining each others expression at high levels. We have investigated the relative contributions of PPARg and C/EBPa to adipogenesis by selectively ablating these genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). MEFs that lack C/EBPa are able to undergo adipogenesis, but only when PPARg is ectopically expressed. Interestingly, these cells are not sensitive to the metabolic actions of insulin. By way of contrast, cells that lack PPARg are utterly incapable of adipogenic conversion, even when supplemented with high levels of C/EBPa. Our current investigations are centered on the identification of novel adipogenic transcription factors, utilizing a variety of techniques, ranging from BAC transgenics to computational approaches. These approaches will be discussed, along with the roles of some new transcriptional players in adipogenesis, including the O/E family of proteins.
An Adaptive Assistant-Aided Clustering Scheme for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

For large mobile ad hoc networks, a cluster-based architecture can facilitate many services, such as routing selection and security management. In this paper, an adaptive clustering scheme in mobile ad hoc networks is proposed. The cluster head is chosen according to the connection degree and mobility of each node. Moreover, a cluster assistant is set inside each cluster to take charge part of duties of the cluster head and storage part of cluster information. Unlike other clustering algorithms, the diameter of clusters is adaptive and determined by the processing ability of cluster heads and member change frequency. During the runtime, clusters can split or merge according to member change frequency to maintain the cluster stable. Simulation results show that this clustering method is efficient and have a less change rate of cluster heads compared with some existing schemes
Potentiation by quipazine of adrenergic transmission in mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effect of quipazine on vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial sympathetic nerve stimulation (NS: 8 Hz, 2 ms, 30 s) and to exogenous norepinephrine (NE) were investigated in the isolated perfused mesenteric arteries of the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Quipazine (100 nM) potentiated the pressor response to NS significantly more than that to NE in both SHR and WKY. This agent (30 and 100 nM) also significantly increased the NS-evoked 3H overflow in the [3H]NE pretreated mesenteric vasculature of SHR, but not of WKY, suggesting facilitation of transmitter release. The summation of the pre- and postsynaptic effects of quipazine may account for its greater amplifying effects on NS in SHR, while this agent may act mainly postsynaptically in WKY. The presynaptic action is not attributable to alpha-adrenoceptor blockade but probably to a serotonin-like agonistic action, and the postsynaptic action appears to be mediated by ketanserin-sensitive (5HT2) receptors.
Raman Spectra of M2(OR)6 and M2R6 (M = Mo, W) Compounds: Assignment of the M⋮M Stretching Frequency in M2X6 Dimers

Through comparison of the Raman spectra of a series of homologous compounds of the type M2X6 (M = Mo, W; X = OR, R) containing a metal−metal triple bond, we have assigned bands at approximately 365...
Direct interaction of antifungal azole-derivatives with calmodulin: A possible mechanism for their therapeutic activity

Azole derivatives, such as ketoconazole and bifonazole, are well-established antifungal drugs. Recently, these compounds have been reported to have therapeutic efficacy also in inflammatory skin disorders. These is increasing evidence that calmodulin is involved in fungal infections as well as in inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effects of various antifungal drugs on calmodulin activity, using calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase as an indicator for the calmodulin activity. All azole derivatives tested competitively inhibited calmodulin activity with 50% inhibitory concentration values in the low micromolar range. In contrast, antifungal drugs belonging to other chemical classes did not display inhibitory activity. Thus, this study provides evidence that direct interaction with calmodulin might contribute to the therapeutic activity of azole derivatives, particularly to their efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.
Presence of endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and protease activities in the commercial neuraminidase preparations isolated from Clostridium perfringens

Summary Commercial neuraminidase preparations isolated from Clostridium perfringens were found to be contaminated with endoglycosidase and protease activities. The preparations release oligosaccharide fragment(s) with G1cNAc at the reducing end, from the intact ovalbumin. The enzymes also converted Asn-(GlcNAc)2(Man)5 isolated from ovalbumin into Asn-GlcNAc and an oligosaccharide with G1cNAc at the reducing end. Similar results were obtained when Taka-amylase A and its glycopeptide were used as substrates. These results identify the endoglycosidase activity as endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Furthermore, the commercial neuraminidase preparations contain a protease activity which hydrolyzes Azocoll, hemoglobin, casein, ovalbumin, human serum albumin, and α1-acid glycoprotein.
A 3-dimensional Vernier ring time-to-digital converter in 0.13µm CMOS

A 3-dimensional Vernier ring time-to-digital converter (TDC) is presented for the first time that greatly improves the measurement time and power consumption and achieves large detectable range and fine resolution simultaneously. The TDC prototype chip achieves 16.5-ps resolution and an 8-bit detectable range with 0.16 mm2 die area in a 0.13µm CMOS technology. The power consumption for the entire TDC is only 4.5mW with 1.5V power supply at 15MSps sample rate.
Longitudinal Exposure to Selected Pesticides in Drinking Water

The presence and temporal fluctuations of concentrations of insecticides and herbicides in natural waters has been well documented. Little, however, is known about exposure to pesticides through drinking water for the general population. Concentrations often pesticides, including 4,4′DDE and atrazine, were measured up to six times at equally spaced intervals over a 1-year period in drinking water of 80 randomly selected residences in Maryland. Atrazine was detected in 228 (57.9%) of the drinking water samples with a mean of 0.15 µg/L, with standard deviation 0.12 µg/L, median 0.17 µg/L, and range <0.037 to 0.46 µg/L. 4,4′DDE was found in 22 (5.6%) water samples; no other target analytes were detected. Concentrations of atrazine in drinking water were found to vary over a 12-month period with the greatest concentrations in the late summer and fall and the lowest in the early spring. Atrazine concentrations in drinking water were influenced more by differences in levels among residences than by time of year...
College health as a partner in the care of pediatric cancer survivors.

AbstractObjective: This study reviews an initiative to educate providers on pediatric cancer survivor care and to establish a cancer survivor registry in a college health center. Participants: Participants were University of Georgia (UGA) college health providers. Methods: Providers attended lectures on survivor care and were encouraged to register on Cancer SurvivorLink. Changes in provider familiarity and practice were measured using baseline and follow-up surveys. A survivor registry was created using health entrance forms and medical records abstraction. Results: Twenty-four providers registered on SurvivorLink, and 16 completed both surveys. Familiarity with survivor care (p = .003) and a survivor health care plan (p = .016) increased. Likelihood to deliver survivor care increased (p = .01). UGA follows 95 survivors; 71 diagnosed at < 21 years. Among survivors diagnosed at < 21 years, 91% reported their diagnosis on entrance forms. Conclusions: Through education and optimization of health informatics...
Importance of clinical assessment in selecting patients for pulmonary arteriography.

A recent reporti indicates an exceedingly high incidence rate (73 percent) of negative pulmonary arteriograms in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. All of these patients had a “suitable clinical history,” hypoxemia and positive perfusion scans. In view of this apparent failure of clinical evaluation and noninvasive tests, it was concluded that overdiagnosis and overtreatment can be avoided only with wide use of pulmonary arteriography. The clear implication was that pulmonary embolism can be neither identified with reasonable certainty nor excluded in a vast majority of suspected instances unless pulmonary arteriograms are performed. It was suggested that “the emperor has no clothes.” We strongly disagree. We believe that the clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism are now sufficiently recognizable to permit a correct presumptive diagnosis or a correct exclusion in a large majority of patients. We believe that an incidence rate of 70 to 80 percent of negative pulmonary arteriograms in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism reflects a serious underevaluation of the important clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism. Although the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism are nonspecific, the manifestations, when considered as a group, form a set of syndromes that are strongly suggestive. Conversely, the absence of key clinical features is strong evidence for exclusion. The purpose of this communication is to suggest that the clinical manifestations, when carefully and fully evaluated, are sufficiently
Selective pancreatic toxicity of palmitoylpentachlorophenol

Palmitoylpentachlorophenol (PPCP), which is a lipid conjugate of a xenobiotic compound, has been found in human fat. To study the toxicity associated with PPCP, rats were given 100 mg/kg PPCP and sacrificed at 4, 8 and 12 days. The target organ identified was the exocrine pancreas; no other major organs examined showed any gross or histopathological abnormality. At 4 and 8 days after treatment, focal, spotty vacuolation, and loss of pancreatic acini was observed. Acute inflammatory infiltrate was also observed in parenchyma at all time points and the loss of acinar tissue was resolved through fibrous tissue formation by 12 days. The present study indicates that PPCP has a specific target organ toxicity.
Matching colonoscopy and pathology data in population-based registries: development of a novel algorithm and the initial experience of the New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry

Background The quality of polyp-level data in a population-based registry depends on the ability to match each polypectomy recorded by the endoscopist to a specific diagnosis on the pathology report. Objective To review impediments encountered in matching colonoscopy and pathology data in a population-based registry. Design New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry data from August 2006 to November 2008 were analyzed for prevalence of missing reports, discrepancies between colonoscopy and pathology reports, and the proportion of polyps that could not be matched because of multiple polyps submitted in the same container. Setting New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry. Patients This study involved all consenting patients during the study period. Intervention Develop an algorithm for capturing number, size, location, and histology of polyps and for defining and flagging discrepancies to ensure data quality. Main Outcome Measurements The proportion of polyps with no assumption or discrepancy, the proportion of patient records eligible for determining the adenoma detection rate (ADR), and the number of patients with ≥3 adenomas. Results Only 50% of polyps removed during this period were perfectly matched, with no assumption or discrepancy. Records from only 69.9% and 29.7% of eligible patients could be used to determine the ADR and the number of patients with ≥3 adenomas, respectively. Limitations Rates of missing reports may have been higher in the early phase of establishment of the registry. Conclusion This study highlights the impediments in collecting polyp-level data in a population-based registry and provides useful parameters for evaluating the quality and accuracy of data obtained from such registries.
Cloning, sequencing and characterization of a fatty acid synthase-encoding gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis BCG

Mycobacterial cell walls contain unique lipids such as mycolic acids, very long chain fatty acids and multimethyl-branched fatty acids. A multifunctional fatty acid synthase (Fas) with the unique capability of catalyzing both de novo synthesis and chain elongation of fatty acids has been purified and characterized from Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Geurin) [Kikuchi et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 295 (1992) 318-326]. To understand how the various domains that catalyze the reactions involved in both de novo synthesis and elongation are organized in the mycobacteria, a fas gene was cloned from a cosmid library of genomic DNA from M. bovis BCG. Sequencing of the cosmid clone revealed a contiguous sequence of 11 577 bp of mycobacterial genome containing a 8389-bp open reading frame that could code for a protein of 2797 amino acids (301 kDa). By comparing the Fas aa sequence with the sequences in the active site regions of known fas and polyketide synthase-encoding genes, the functional catalytic domains in Fas were identified. This analysis revealed that the domains are organized in the following order: acyltransferase, enoyl reductase, dehydratase, malonyl/palmitoyl transferase, acyl carrier protein, beta-keto reductase, beta-ketoacyl synthase. This domain organization is like a head to tail fusion of the two yeast fas gene subunits. The results obtained constitute the first report of the cloning, sequencing and structural elucidation of a fas from the Mycobacteria.
Overview of the DPAD detector for protein crystallography

A 2D photon counting digital pixel array detector is being designed for static and time resolved protein crystallography. This room temperature detector will significantly enhance monochromatic and polychromatic protein crystallographic throughput data rates by more than two or three orders of magnitude when compared to present data collection systems. The detector has an unbounded photon counting dynamic range and exhibits superior spatial resolution when compared to present crystallographic phosphor imaging plates or phosphor coupled CCD detectors. The detector is a high resistivity N-type Si with a pixel pitch of (150 X 150) microns, and a thickness of 300 microns that is bump bonded to an application specific integrated circuit. The event driven readout of the detector is based on the column architecture and allows an independent pixel bit rate above 1 million photons/sec. The device provides energy discrimination and sparse data readout that yields minimal dead time. This type of architecture allows an almost continuous (frame-less) data acquisition, a feature not found in any current detector being used for protein crystallographic applications. For the targeted detector size of (1000 X 1000) pixels, average hit rates greater than 1011 photons/sec for the complete detector appears achievable. This paper will present an overview of the hybridized detector performance which includes the analog amplifier response and the photon counting capabilities of the (16 X 16) array operating with both digital and analog circuitry. Also the operation of the serial interface will be described.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
IN SITU IMMORTALIZED ALVEOLAR TYPE II CELLS PRODUCE UTEROGLOBIN, AN ANTIINFLAMMATORY, CYTOKINE-LIKE PROTEIN ♦ 55

Alveolar type II cells in vivo and in primary culture synthesize and secrete uteroglobin, an antiinflammatory, cytokine-like protein (Guy, Dhanireddy, Mukherjee, BBRC 1992). However, in long term culture conditions these cells fail to produce UG. Establishment of a long term type II cell culture system, maintaining differentiated function, may facilitate in depth studies on the regulation of UG production by these cells. The lungs from 29 days gestation rabbit fetuses were instilled with SV40 tsA255 virus intratracheally. The intact lungs were incubated for three hours at the permissive temperature of 33°C, cut into small pieces and were incubated at 33°C for 7-8 weeks when transformed clones were visible. By serial dilution, alveolar type II cell clones were identified and characterized by electron microscopy, growth and differentiation on matrigel®, choline incorporation into saturated phophatydylcholine (DSPC) and secretion of DSPC by isoproterenol. UG gene transcription in the transformed cells was determined by reverse transcription-PCR, and the protein production by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The transformed cells grow rapidly at 33°C; at the non-permissive 39°C, the cells grow slowly but reveal lamellar bodies. Dexamethasone and TRH stimulated choline incorporation into DSPC at both temperatures and isoproterenol stimulated secretion of DSPC from the cells; both the synthesis and secretion of DSPC are dose and time dependent. RT-PCR analysis showed that UG-mRNA was expressed in the transformed cells and it was enhanced 2.5 times when the cells were treated with dexamethasone. The results of immunofluorescence and Western blotting showed UG-protein production by the transformed cells. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that transformation of alveolar type II cells by a novel method of in situ transfection with temperature sensitive SV40 virus allows these cells to retain near-normal differentiated characteristics in vitro.
Improved survival rates support left ventricular assist device implantation early after myocardial infarction.

Abstract OBJECTIVES Implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) early after acute myocardial infarction (MI) has traditionally been thought to be associated with high mortality rates due to technical limitations and severe end-organ dysfunction. At some experienced centers, doctors have refrained from earlier operation after MI to allow for a period of hemodynamic and end-organ stabilization. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the effect of preoperative MI on the survival rates of 25 patients who received a Thermocardiosystems Incorporated LVAD either 2 weeks (Late) (n = 10) after MI. Outcome variables included perioperative right ventricular assistance (and right-sided circulatory failure), hemodynamic indexes, percent transplanted or explanted, and mortality. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between demographic, perioperative or hemodynamic variables between the Early and Late groups. Patients in the Early group demonstrated a lower rate of perioperative mechanical right ventricular assistance, but had a higher rate of perioperative inhaled nitric oxide use. In addition, 67% of patients in the Early group survived to transplantation and 7% to explantation, findings comparable to those in the Late group (60% and 0% respectively). CONCLUSIONS This clinical experience suggests that patients may have comparable outcomes whether implanted early or late after acute MI. These data therefore support the early identification and timely application of this modality in post-MI LVAD candidates, as this strategy may also reveal a subgroup of patients for whom post-MI temporary LVAD insertion may allow for full ventricular recovery.
Synthesis and regioselective substitution of C-6 alkoxy derivatives of (S)-nicotine

Enantiopure (S)-6-alkoxynicotine derivatives have been synthesized in two steps from (S)-nicotine via (S)-6-iodonicotine. Deprotonation and substitution at the C-5 position of the pyridine ring of (S)-6-methoxynicotine were achieved using mesityllithium as the base at 0 °C. Conditions for the C-4 lithiation/substitution of (S)-6-isopropoxynicotine and (S)-5-chloro-6-methoxynicotine were also developed.
The experience and expression of romantic jealousy in same‐sex and opposite‐sex romantic relationships

This study examines and compares how males and females in same‐sex and opposite‐sex romantic relationships experience and express romantic jealousy. Undergraduates at a large, southern university and visitors at a metropolitan Pride Celebration (N = 149) completed measures assessing cognitive and emotional jealousy experience, jealousy expression, and demographic information. The reported usage of two of Guerrero, Andersen, Jorgensen, Spitzberg, and Eloy's (1995) communicative responses to jealousy typology significantly varied by sexual orientation and sex. Specifically, gay males were significantly more likely to use violent communication/ threats than were heterosexual males. Further, lesbians reported using manipulation attempts to a significantly lesser degree than did heterosexual participants and gay males. In contrast, levels of cognitive and emotional jealousy experience did not significantly differ by sexual orientation or sex. Implications for these findings are presented in light of the broade...
High-performance air-stable n-type carbon nanotube transistors with erbium contacts.

So far, realization of reproducible n-type carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors suitable for integrated digital applications has been a difficult task. In this work, hundreds of n-type CNT transistors from three different low work function metals—erbium, lanthanum, and yttrium—are studied and benchmarked against p-type devices with palladium contacts. The crucial role of metal type and deposition conditions is elucidated with respect to overall yield and performance of the n-type devices. It is found that high oxidation rates and sensitivity to deposition conditions are the major causes for the lower yield and large variation in performance of n-type CNT devices with low work function metal contacts. Considerable improvement in device yield is attained using erbium contacts evaporated at high deposition rates. Furthermore, the air-stability of our n-type transistors is studied in light of the extreme sensitivity of these metals to oxidation.
Genetic Factors in Relation to the Etiology of Malignant Tumors

Since Borrel (1906) pointed out the relationship between Cysticercus fasciolaris and sarcoma of the rat liver (1), several investigators have reported one or more cases of Cysticercus sarcoma. In July 1920, the first experimentally produced Cysticercus sarcoma was observed by Bullock and Curtis (2). This and 67 others were observed in rats purchased from several breeders, each of whom had for some time supplied the laboratory with rats from his own colony. Pregnant females from each of these stocks were isolated, and their progeny formed the “foundation stock” with which a pedigreed colony was started. At the beginning of the present analysis (June 1932) 52,223 animals from completed matings had been autopsied. Of these, 26,172 were infested with the parasite, 13,120 survived infestation for at least eight months (the minimum period of infestation observed in the case of a bearer of a Cysticercus sarcoma), and 3,285 had Cysticercus sarcoma. Besides these, 316 unpedigreed descendants of the purchased animals had the malignant complication of the Cysticercus disease. The authors (3) have recently published a brief statement of some of the major facts shown by this investigation.
Polarized light-scattering measurements of dielectric spheres upon a silicon surface.

The polarization of light scattered into directions out of the plane of incidence by polystyrene latex spheres upon a silicon substrate was measured for p-polarized incident light. The experimental data show good agreement with theoretical predictions for three sizes of spheres. These results demonstrate that the polarization of light scattered by particles can be used to determine the size of particulate contaminants on silicon wafers. Theoretical models, based on successive degrees of approximation, indicate that the mean distance of a particle from the surface is the primary determinant of the scattered light polarization for small out-of-plane scattering angles.
The National Reading Panel Report

Book reviewed in this article: Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. by The National Reading Panel. 2000. Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction: Reports of the subgroups. By The National Reading Panel. 2000.
Assessing Stuttering Treatment Without Assessing Stuttering? A Response to Reitzes and Snyder (2006)

Purpose This letter is a response to P. Reitzes and G. Snyder’s (2006) letter to the editor regarding “Intensive Stuttering Modification Therapy: A Multidimensional Assessment of Treatment Outcomes...
A VHDL conversion tool for logic equations with embedded D latches

Logic equations are one way of modeling combinational digital hardware. Pass transistors in MOS circuits loaded with a logic gate often behave as a D latch. In reverse engineering the 6502 microprocessor, it was discovered that, except for bi-directional pass transistors, the pass transistors could be modeled by D latches. In general, pass transistors are embedded along with logic gates. A hardware description language for logic equations with embedded D latches, called DSH, is described. In order to simulate these equations in VHDL, a DSH to VHDL translator was written. Finally, examples from the 6502 microprocessor are given.
Temperature-dependent growth rates of larval midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) from a southeastern U.S. stream

Daily instantaneous growth curves were calculated for larvae within the dipteran family Chironomidae at the tribe (Chironomini and Tanytarsini), subfamily (Chironominae and Orthocladinae), and family levels within along a temperature gradient (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) from egg masses isolated and cultured from gravid adult females. Individual genera were separated and 50 larvae per genus were grown in Petri dishes and in recirculating microcosms, 25 larvae per temperature/container treatment. Growth rates were not significantly different between the Petri dish and microcosm treatments. This overall similarity allowed data from both treatments to be grouped by genus and regressed against temperature to develop growth rate curves for application in secondary production analyses. Growth rates were a function of temperature at all taxonomic levels and fit 2nd-order polynomials with maximum growth rates (0.21–0.26 d−1) occurring near 20 °C. Growth rates found in this experiment were equal to or slightly higher than those previously found in similar streams. The similarity of growth rates of genera within the Chironomidae representing 3 different subfamilies suggests that higher taxonomic-level growth rate regressions could potentially be used to simplify the estimation of larval chironomid secondary production. Further, the similarity between growth rates observed from the Petri dishes and those in the recirculating streams suggests that only relatively simple experimental conditions are necessary. The shapes of the curves suggest that chironomid communities differing in relative abundance of dominant taxa (i.e., Chironomini vs. Tanytarsini) could have significantly different growth rates, and consequently secondary production, depending on stream temperature/season.
Marital adaptation, divorce, and parent–infant development: A prospective study

In this prospective study of divorce in the first 4 years of life we have shown that previous marital patterns anticipate the occurrence of divorce and influence the response to that event. Most of the divorces occurred in marriages that were consistently low in satisfaction or decreased in satisfaction from birth on. The family response to the event differed. The continuing effort at conflict resolution and the fact that differing levels of adjustment are reached at different time points are suggested by these reactions. For couples with an unsatisfactory marriage from late pregnancy through the first 2 years (consistently low), the immediate and sustained impact of divorce was to enhance the parent's responsiveness to the needs of their infant and the infant's expectation of being cared for. This was not true for couples decreasing from high to lower satisfaction in their adaptation. However, by child age 4, when all families had been divorced for 1 year, divorce versus no divorce was associated with a differential positive effect on teacher Q-sort ratings of the children for both marital patterns. Children who were from families where the parents were in conflict but did not divorce were more likely to externalize control, were more often uncontrolled, and were more anti- as opposed to prosocial. The implication of these findings are discussed. © 1997 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health