cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Person and situation correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder among POW survivors.

131 former POWs assigned PTSD diagnoses were distinguished from 62 of their nondiagnosed counterparts by greater stressor severity reflected in measures of confinement weight loss and psychological and biological hardship as well as person characteristics of less socioeconomic advantage and lower military rank.
Leff in context: What is the critic's role?

(1992). Leff in context: What is the critic's role? Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 232-237.
A process development for the bundling crystallization of aspartame

It is known that rod-like crystals of aspartame, in which several needle crystals appear to be bundled together (bundle-like crystals), have remarkably improved physical properties compared to the crystals obtained from a conventional stirred crystallizer. A crystallization process for obtaining bundle-like crystals has been developed for manufacturing practice. The conditions to obtain the bundle-like crystals are that crystallization must be carried out without stirring, with a high initial concentration of aspartame so that the amount of precipitated solid after cooling is about 10 g litre−1 or more, and with rapid cooling to produce high supersaturation. A new type of crystallizer was developed for large-scale crystallization under these conditions. The pilot plant work was carried out in a 400-litre crystallizer, and it has been demonstrated that the crystallization process is technically possible and economically successful in the large-scale manufacturing of aspartame.
Engineering design of the Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE)

The Wide-Field Infrared Explorer is a cryogenically-cooled infrared telescope designed to study the evolution of starburst galaxies. This survey mission, proposed as part of the NASA Small Explorer program, takes advantage of recent advances in infrared detector technology to detect distant galaxies in 12 and 25 micrometers wavelength bands. The WIRE instrument is designed to be integrated with a spacecraft bus provided by Goddard Space Flight Center and launched into a 500 km orbit on a Pegasus XL launch vehicle. Most of the mission will be split between a moderate depth survey requiring 14 minutes exposure time per field and a deep survey requiring 4-8 hours per field. The WIRE telescope has an aperture of 300 mm, focal length of 1105 mm and field of view of 31.6 arcmin. A dichroic beam splitter separates the beam into the two wavelength bands. The two sensors are 128 X 128 Si:As arrays with 75-micrometers pixels operating in the blocked impurity band (BIB) mode. The focal plane arrays are cooled by solid hydrogen to 7.5 K and the optics and baffles are cooled by solid hydrogen to below 19 K.
Risky business: safety regulations, risk compensation, and individual behavior

Editors comment: We are proud to be able to bring to our readers this full text version of the Haddon Memorial Lecture delivered at the recent Fifth World Conference on Injury Prevention and Control in New Delhi, India. James Hedlund offers a brilliant review of one of the most important areas of debate in the entire field of injury control. This is the most complete, most perceptive, and well balanced appraisals of this complex issue I have ever read. Take the time to digest it completely. Our thanks to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for agreeing to permit us to publish it. Government regulations and industry practices constrain our behavior in many ways in an attempt to reduce injuries. Safety features are designed into products we use: cars now have airbags; medicine bottles have “childproof” caps. Laws require us to act in a safe manner: we must wear seat belts while driving and hard hats in construction areas. But do these measures influence our behavior in other ways? Risk compensation theory hypothesizes that they do, that we “use up” the additional safety though more risky actions. This paper surveys risk compensation by reviewing its history, discussing its theoretical foundations, outlining evidence for and against its claims, and providing the author's own views. It concludes by discussing the relevance of risk compensation for injury prevention workers who seek to reduce unintentional injuries. Injury prevention as a discipline began when injuries were understood to be both predictable and preventable. Most injuries are the unintended consequences of individual actions in a risky environment; they are not due to fate or to problem behavior. This understanding led to three fundamental injury prevention strategies, as described in the comprehensive report Injury in America 1:
Sub-THz Phonon drag on dislocations by coarse-grained atomistic simulations

Abstract In this paper, dislocation–phonon interactions in fcc crystals are simulated using the concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method. With significantly less computational cost than that by full molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, dislocation migration, phonon transport, and their interactions are explicitly modeled. Sub-THz Phonon drag coefficients on moving dislocations are predicted using CAC and compared with MD and experimental results. During the interactions between phonons and dislocations, the local temperature is found to rise due to energy dissipation, and dislocations are observed to exhibit “breathing modes” in which the separation between leading and trailing partials varies in time in a quasi-periodic fashion. Simulation results show that the phonon drag coefficient on dislocation migration increases with phonon wave packet magnitudes or sizes but is insensitive to the incident angles.
Verification for numerical modelling of jointed rock mass using thin layer elements

Thin layer finite elements are employed to model the response of rock joints in finite element analyses of rock mechanics problems. The case of a circular opening embedded in a rock mass is investigated. Results are obtained for both solid and jointed rock masses, and the effects of the presence of joints on the stress and strain field are investigated. Results from the finite element analysis are verified with respect to measurements from physical modelling. It is shown that the comparison between measured and computed results is satisfactory and that the presence of joints has a pronounced effect on the stress and strain field as compared to that realized in the absence of any rock joints. This study provides valuable data which contribute to the verification of thin layer finite elements for modelling the response of rock joints.
Incremental registration of RGB-D images

An RGB-D camera is a sensor which outputs range and color information about objects. Recent technological advances in this area have introduced affordable RGB-D devices in the robotics community. In this paper, we present a real-time technique for 6-DoF camera pose estimation through the incremental registration of RGB-D images. First, a set of edge features are computed from the depth and color images. An initial motion estimation is calculated through aligning the features. This initial guess is refined by applying the Iterative Closest Point algorithm on the dense point cloud data. A rigorous error analysis assesses several sets of RGB-D ground truth data via an error accumulation metric. We show that the proposed two-stage approach significantly reduces error in the pose estimation, compared to a state-of-the-art ICP registration technique.
Large-eddy simulation of supersonic, turbulent mixing layers downstream of a splitter plate

Large-eddy simulation (LES) of spatially developing, turbulent mixing layers at convective Mach number of 0.5 are presented. The splitter plate is included inside the computational domain using high-order overset mesh method. Three inflow conditions are considered: (a) laminar, isothermal streams with velocity ratio of 0.17, (b) laminar streams with velocity ratio 0.36 and density ratio 0.64 and (c) isothermal streams with velocity ratio 0.17 and turbulent boundary layer on high speed side and laminar on slower side. For each case, the mean and turbulent intensity profiles collapse when plotted in similarity coordinates. The developement distance to achieve self-similarity in the mean velocity profile is found to be shortest for turbulent boundary layer case, followed by the isothermal laminar stream of (a) and then (b). The growth rate of the shear layer and peak self-similar values of the turbulent intensities are found to be in agreement with available experiments. For laminar exit boundary layers, sound radiation is observed in downstream direction peaked roughly at 40 degrees. The vortex pairing and breakdown to turbulence contribute significantly to the radiated sound. For turbulent exit boundary layers, the acoustic field near the shear layer is significantly weaker and trailing edge noise due to the boundary layer eddies is observed.
Tulipalin A induced phytotoxicity.

Tulipalin A induced phytotoxicity is a persistent allergic contact dermatitides documented in floral workers exposed to Alstroemeria and its cultivars. [1] The causative allergen is tulipalin A, a toxic glycoside named for the tulip bulbs from which it was first isolated. [2] The condition is characterized by fissured acropulpitis, often accompanied by hyperpigmentation, onychorrhexis, and paronychia. More of the volar surface may be affected in sensitized florists. Dermatitis and paronychia are extremely common conditions and diagnostic errors may occur. A thorough patient history, in conjunction with confirmatory patch testing with a bulb sliver and tuliposide A exposure, can prevent misdiagnosis. We report a case of Tulipalin A induced phytotoxicity misdiagnosed as an unresolved tinea manuum infection in a patient evaluated for occupational exposure.
Recent trends in the urology workforce in the United States.

The present study examines the current status of urology physician manpower in the United States, in the context of trends in the demographics, geographic distribution, and practice make-up of urologists. Physicians were identified as surgeons and classified into surgical groups using a combination of American Medical Association primary and secondary self-reported specialties and American Board of Medical Specialties certifications. From these groups, urologic surgeons were isolated for analysis. The supply of urologists per capita has declined since 1981 – most dramatically since 1991. With an average age of 52.5 years, urology is one of the oldest surgical specialties. Over 7% of urologists are older than 70 years and 44% are older than 55 years, suggesting an aging urology workforce. The number of female urologists has grown almost a 1000-fold and represents a growing and younger cohort of the workforce. The number of rural urologists and the number of international medical graduates have continued to decline since 1981. Over the past 10 years, an increasing number of urologists are now in group practices (over 60%), and these tended to be younger and in urban settings. In contrast to most other surgical specialties, there has been a decrease in the supply of urologists relative to population growth, which is expected to be exacerbated by an aging and relatively older urology physician workforce, particularly in rural areas, a slight increase in female urologists, and the gravitation of younger urologists toward group practice in urban areas.
Familiarity and decision making: The unclear role of noise in accept/reject decisions

A decision maker (DM) observes a noisy signal of the quality of a project before deciding to accept or reject the project. We show (i) as the amount of noise increases, the minimum signal required for acceptance may either increase or decrease, and may be nonmonotonic. (ii) Consequently, the average quality of accepted projects may either increase or decrease in the amount of noise. (iii) The effect of increased noise on decisions depends in a straightforward way on which kind of mistake leaves the DM worse off, a rejection of a good project or an acceptance of a bad project.
Aspectos internacionais da Revolta da Chibata

This paper treats four international dimensions of the Revolta da Chibata: 1) the trip of the Dreadnought Sao Paulo to Lisbon (with Presidente Hermes aboard), during which the Portuguese monarchy was overthrown, providing a model for Brazilian sailors; 2) the reception and interpretation of the revolt by the French, British, and American presses, which quickly saw that the central issue was torture; 3) ideological aspects of the revolt, which focus on the rights of citizens under the constitution of 1891; and 4) foreign observers’ favorable impression of the working conditions of Batalhao Naval before the second rebellion in December, and their discovery of a massacre after the second revolt.
Spatial modeling of bone microarchitecture

We develop and evaluate a novel 3D computational bone framework, which is capable of enabling quantitative assessment of bone micro-architecture, bone mineral density and fracture risks. Our model for bone mineral is developed and its parameters are estimated from imaging data obtained with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and x-ray imaging methods. Using these parameters, we propose a proper 3D microstructure bone model. The research starts by developing a spatio-temporal 3D microstructure bone model using Voronoi tessellation. Then, we simulate and analyze the architecture of human normal bone network and osteoporotic bone network with edge pruning process in an appropriate ratio. Finally, we design several measurements to analyze Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and bone strength based on our model. The validation results clearly demonstrate our 3D Microstructure Bone Model is robust to reflect the properties of bone in the real world.
Direct Evidence from Single-Cell Analysis that Human α-Defensins Block Adenovirus Uncoating To Neutralize Infection

Human α-defensins are evolutionarily conserved effectors of the innate immune response with broadly acting antibacterial activity. Their role in antiviral immunity is less well understood. We previously showed that these antimicrobial peptides are potent inhibitors of human adenovirus infection. Based on biochemical studies and indirect evidence from confocal microscopy, we proposed that defensins bind to and stabilize the virus capsid and neutralize infection by preventing the release of the endosomalytic protein VI. To determine whether defensin action also restricts exposure of the viral genome, we developed a system to evaluate adenovirus uncoating during cell entry by monitoring the exposure of BrdU-labeled viral genomes. This assay allowed us to determine the kinetics of uncoating of virus particles in single cells. Using this assay, we now provide direct evidence that human α-defensins block adenovirus infection by preventing uncoating during cell entry.
Combination Therapy: Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors and Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutics for Cancer

One of the most promising strategies to increase the efficacy of standard chemotherapy drugs is by combining them with low doses of histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACis). Regarded as chemosensitizers, the addition of well-tolerated doses of HDACis to platinum-based chemotherapeutics has been proven in vitro and in vivo in recent studies for many cancer types and stages. In this review, we discuss the most commonly used combinations of histone deacetylase inhibitors and platinum based drugs in the context of their possible mechanisms, efficiency, efficacy, and related drawbacks in preclinical and clinical studies.
On the interaction between dynamic model dissipation and numerical dissipation due to streamline upwind/Petrov–Galerkin stabilization

Abstract Here we investigate the roles of physical and numerical subgrid-scale modeling. The subgrid-scales are represented by a physical large-eddy simulation model, namely the popular dynamic Smagorinsky model (or simply dynamic model), as well as by a numerical model in the form of the well-known streamline upwind/Petrov–Galerkin stabilization for finite element discretizations of advection–diffusion systems. The latter is not a physical model, as its purpose is to provide sufficient algorithmic dissipation for a stable, consistent, and convergent numerical method. We study the interaction between the physical and numerical models by analyzing energy dissipation associated to the two. Based on this study, a modification to the dynamic model is proposed as a way to discount the numerical method’s algorithmic dissipation from the total subgrid-scale dissipation. The modified dynamic model is shown to be successful in simulations of turbulent channel flow.
Review: Aspirin and Diabetes Mellitus: revisiting an old player

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus confers an excess risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms involved in the development of the disease are an active field of research, and prompt the development of newer and safer therapeutics with implications for cardiovascular disease. Currently there is increasing awareness of the role of platelet dysfunction, low-grade chronic inflammation and thrombogenesis in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, T2DM, as well as type 1 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This new evolving knowledge has allowed a better understanding of the role of aspirin, an old medication with proven beneficial effects on patients with established cardiovascular disease. The influence of salicylates on insulin resistance, glucose homeostasis, platelet function and inflammatory pathways, in particular related to the activation of the NFκB pathway, is a promising field of active research, and will help in the management of both diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic-related cardiovascu...
Transport properties and fuel cell performance of sulfonated poly(imide) proton exchange membranes

Abstract Selective sulfonated poly(imide)s with high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability were tested for their performance as proton exchange membranes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The proton to methanol transport selectivity of the poly(imide) membranes correlated well with the self-diffusion coefficients of water in the membranes as determined by pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance. The poly(imide) membranes showed improved fuel cell device performance, however high interfacial resistance between the membranes and electrodes decreased the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) conductivity to methanol crossover selectivity, likely due to the use of NAFION®-based electrodes. The maximum power densities of SPI-50, SPI-75, and NR-212 based MEAs were 75, 72, and 67 mW cm−2, respectively, with a methanol feed concentration of 2 M at a cell temperature of 60 °C.
Ethnic Differences in the Self-Recognition of Obesity and Obesity-Related Comorbidities: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background Obesity and its related co-morbidities place a huge burden on the health care system. Patients who know they are obese may better control their weight or seek medical attention. Self-recognition may be affected by race/ethnicity, but little is known about racial/ethnic differences in knowledge of obesity’s health risks.
Mapping the collaborative research process

Despite significant federal investments in the production of high-quality education research, the direct use of that research in policy and practice is not evident. Some education researchers are increasingly employing collaborative research models that use structures and processes to integrate practitioners into the research process in an effort to produce more relevant and useful work. This article presents and describes the logic model developed by researchers at American Institutes for Research (AIR) to guide their work on the Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest. Under this program, AIR researchers have developed eight research alliances. The alliance members, who represent districts, state education agencies, and other organizations with a vested interest in education, partner with researchers to develop three- to five-year research agendas. These agendas drive the research and technical assistance projects that the alliance members and AIR researchers do together. It contributes to the emergent literature on research-practice partnerships, providing a theory-based approach to the work that others might model, build upon, or revisit.
Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right: Implications of the Sex Discrimination Present in Same-Sex Marriage Exclusions for the Next Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Case

This year was a historic time in the gay rights movement. While the nation held its collective breath, the Supreme Court deliberated over the questions of whether same-sex couples have constitutional rights to marry and have their marriages recognized by the federal government. In its landmark decision issued this past summer, the Supreme Court struck down the part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), finding that same-sex couples married under state law must have their marriages recognized by the federal government. However, in its other same-sex marriage decision, the Supreme Court avoided the question, for now, of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in the first place, finding instead that the petitioners in the case did not have standing to appeal the lower court decision. Thus, it is almost certain that the Supreme Court will address the question of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in a later case brought by a proper petitioner. When the Court does decide to address the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage prohibitions still present in most state laws, it must find them unconstitutional. As this article will show, under clear Supreme Court precedent, same-sex marriage exclusions discriminate based on sex and must therefore be scrutinized with a heightened standard of review. As courts have uniformly found, same-sex marriage exclusions cannot pass heightened review. Thus, when the Supreme Court does address the question of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, it must answer in the affirmative because the exclusions cannot pass the heightened scrutiny required under a sex discrimination analysis.
A fast Lagrangian PIV method for study of general high-gradient flows

The accuracy of particle image velocimetry (PIV) degrades locally in regions with high velocity-gradients. This is due to difficulties in correlating image pairs when translation, deformation and rotation are present. The problem is further exacerbated by low, or nommiform particle seeding. To address these limitations, a computationally efficient algorithm is presented which correlates Lagrangian parcels of fluid under arbitrary velocity gradients rather than rectangular regions of image pairs. This Lagrangian Parcel Tracking (LPT) technique is computationally efficient and uses information contained on the images to a higher degree than standard PIV. Further, a rigorous method of determining fractional displacements from cross correlations is presented. This method calculates the location of a vanishing gradient instead of searching for a maximum. In essence, it amounts to fitting rigorously an arbitrarily oriented paraboloid to the correlation surface. LPT and fractional displacement techniques are demonstrated on the velocity field of a theoretical Lamb vortex and on those of quasi-geostrophic vortices in a rotating tank apparatus.
Sub-mSV breast XACT scanner: concept and design

Excessive exposure to radiation increases the risk of cancer. We present the concept and design of a new imaging paradigm, X-ray induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT). Applying this innovative technology to breast imaging, one single X-ray exposure can generate a 3D acoustic image, which dramatically reduces the radiation dose to patients when compared to beast CT. A theoretical model is developed to analyze the sensitivity of XACT. A noise equivalent pressure model is used for calculating the minimal radiation dose in XACT imaging. Furthermore, K-Wave simulation is employed to study the acoustic wave propagation in breast tissue. Theoretical analysis shows that the X-ray induced acoustic signal has a 100% relative sensitivity to the X-ray absorption (given that the percentage change in the X-ray absorption coefficient yields the same percentage change in the acoustic signal amplitude), but not to X-ray scattering. The final detection sensitivity is primarily limited by the thermal noise. The radiation dose can be reduced by a factor of 100 compared with the newly FDA approved breast CT. Reconstruction result shows that breast calcification with diameter of 80 μm can be observed in XACT image by using ultrasound transducers with 5.5 MHz center frequency. Therefore, with the proposed innovative technology, one can potentially reduce radiation dose to patient in breast imaging as compared with current x-ray modalities.
Validity and Structural Reliability of Multidimensional Scaling

The author examines the convergent and discriminant validity of multidimensional scaling (MDS) using the multitrait-multimethod matrix approach. An assessment also is made of the impact on MDS solu...
Forewing color pattern in Micropterigidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera): homologies between contrast boundaries, and a revised hypothesis for the origin of symmetry systems

Despite the great importance of lepidopteran wing patterns in various biological disciplines, homologies between wing pattern elements in different moth and butterfly lineages are still not understood. Among other reasons, this may be due to an incomplete understanding of the relationship between color pattern and wing venation; many individual wing pattern elements have a known relationship with venation, but a framework to unite all wing pattern elements with venation is lacking. Though plesiomorphic wing veins are known to influence color patterning even when not expressed in the adult wing, most studies of wing pattern evolution have focused on derived taxa with a reduced suite of wing veins. The present study aims to address this gap through an examination of Micropterigidae, a very early-diverged moth family in which all known plesiomorphic lepidopteran veins are expressed in the adult wing. The relationship between wing pattern and venation was examined in 66 species belonging to 9 genera. The relationship between venation and pattern element location, predicted based on moths in the family Tortricidae, holds for Sabatinca just as it does for Micropterix. However, the pattern elements that are lightly colored in Micropterix are dark in Sabatinca, and vice-versa. When plotted onto a hypothetical nymphalid wing in accordance with the relationship between pattern and venation discussed here, the wing pattern of Sabatinca doroxena very closely resembles the nymphalid groundplan. The color difference in pattern elements between Micropterix and Sabatinca indicates that homologies exist among the contrast boundaries that divide wing pattern elements, and that color itself is not a reliable indicator of homology. The similarity between the wing pattern of Sabatinca doroxena and the nymphalid groundplan suggests that the nymphalid groundplan may have originated from a Sabatinca-like wing pattern subjected to changes in wing shape and reduced expression of venation.
Thoughts on the early treatment of Class II malocclusion.

The timing of Class II, division 1 malocclusion treatment is discussed in the context of the development of the dentition within the craniofacial environment. The occlusion of the dentition actually serves as the key that controls and maintains the exact position of the mandible vis-a-vis the maxilla during childhood, pubescence and throughout adulthood. Research and clinical evidence suggest that treatment which 'disturbs' the interdigitation of teeth in the Class II malocclusion can lead to correction of the distocclusion. This correction can theoretically be undertaken throughout childhood and adolescence, and even thereafter. Treatment at a very young age was thought to normalize the occlusion, and consequently the growth process, leading to more stable results. Re-examination of this concept shows that, for practical purposes, the presence of the first premolars signals an early indication for treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusion. The mobility of the deciduous second mandibular molars provides the last opportunity to prevent, whenever possible, a four premolar extraction approach.
Host, habitat and climate preferences of Ixodes angustus (Acari: Ixodidae) and infection with Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in California, USA.

The Holarctic tick Ixodes angustus is a competent vector for Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, and possibly Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the etiologic agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis, as well. From 2005 to 2013, we collected host-feeding I. angustus individuals from live-trapped small mammals and by flagging vegetation from 12 study sites in northern and central California, and tested for B. burgdorferi sensu lato, A. phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp. DNA by real-time PCR. Among 261 I. angustus collected (259 from hosts and two by flagging), the most common hosts were tree squirrels (20 % of ticks) and chipmunks (37 %). The PCR-prevalence for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi in ticks was 2 % and zero, respectively. The minimum infection prevalence on pooled DNA samples was 10 % for Rickettsia spp. DNA sequencing of the ompA gene identified this rickettsia as Candidatus Rickettsia angustus, a putative endosymbiont. A zero-inflated negative binomial mixed effects model was used to evaluate geographical and climatological predictors of I. angustus burden. When host species within study site and season within year were included in the model as nested random effects, all significant variables revealed that I. angustus burden increased as temperature decreased. Together with published data, these findings suggest that I. angustus is a host generalist, has a broad geographic distribution, is more abundant in areas with lower temperature within it’s range, and is rarely infected with the pathogens A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi.
Observing Electrochemical Dealloying by Single-Nanoparticle Collision

We report direct observation of electrochemical and thermal dealloying processes of individual metal alloy nanoparticles (NPs). Electrochemical dealloying of single Ag–Hg alloy NPs was achieved in a basic solution (e.g., pH 13) by oxidizing Hg under controlled potentials. Ag can also be oxidized during single-particle collision. However, it requires elevated potentials. The strong basic environment promoted the formation of metal oxides during collision leading to a unique core–shell type nanostructure which was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In thermal dealloying, Hg was evaporated due to the use of a high-energy electron beam and the process was imaged in situ inside a TEM. Both electrochemical and thermal dealloying processes resulted in the transformation of an amorphous NP to a more stable Ag–Hg alloy nanocrystal. This work demonstrates that NP collision can be a useful tool to study dealloying processes of various nanomaterials at a single-particle level.
Introduction: Poetry Realized in Nature

Ralph Waldo Emerson ascended the pulpit of Boston’s Second Church on 9 September 1832 to deliver his last sermon as pastor. His theme was the Lord’s Supper, a rite he no longer felt compelled to administer. He explained to his congregation that he must resign his office, for he could not continue to offer an ordinance that he found not only unsanctioned by scripture but also spiritually dead. This day, this sermon, proved the turning point of Emerson’s young life. On this autumn Sunday, he broke from the forms of the church. Henceforth, he was no longer the kindly parochial pastor, but the cosmopolitan minister of terrible simplicity, preaching the laws of nature, in his words dispensing nature’s perpetual force.
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections

Etiology, transmission and protection: Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally. However, C. trachomatis also causes trachoma in endemic areas, mostly Africa and the Middle East, and is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence: The World Health Organization estimates 131 million new cases of C. trachomatis genital infection occur annually. Globally, infection is most prevalent in young women and men (14-25 years), likely driven by asymptomatic infection, inadequate partner treatment and delayed development of protective immunity. Pathology/Symptomatology: C. trachomatis infects susceptible squamocolumnar or transitional epithelial cells, leading to cervicitis in women and urethritis in men. Symptoms are often mild or absent but ascending infection in some women may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), resulting in reproductive sequelae such as ectopic pregnancy, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Complications of infection in men include epididymitis and reactive arthritis. Molecular mechanisms of infection: Chlamydiae manipulate an array of host processes to support their obligate intracellular developmental cycle. This leads to activation of signaling pathways resulting in disproportionate influx of innate cells and the release of tissue damaging proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Treatment and curability: Uncomplicated urogenital infection is treated with azithromycin (1 g, single dose) or doxycycline (100 mg twice daily x 7 days). However, antimicrobial treatment does not ameliorate established disease. Drug resistance is rare but treatment failures have been described. Development of an effective vaccine that protects against upper tract disease or that limits transmission remains an important goal.
Localized open source software projects: Exploring realism and motivation

To address a gap between traditional software engineering projects and professional software products and practices, we established an organization for student collaboration with local software professionals on open source projects. We explored how experiences with this local organization compared to different domains and approaches to improving software engineering project realism. Software engineering students worked in small teams on different types of projects that also included: internal products for a company in industry, humanitarian open source software, and entrepreneurial projects. We identified both strengths and weaknesses of each project type's realism. In addition, we explored students' motivations and discovered trends among underrepresented minorities' preferences.
“It's safe to come, we've got lattes”: Development disparities in Detroit

•This paper considers two related questions about Detroit’s trajectory: Does the current positive image of Detroit reflect reality?; and, Will the recovery culminate in a new Detroit that will provide residents with a quality of life that is sustainable in the decades to come?•While the record is complex, two major conclusions stand out: 1) on a number of measures, Detroit continues to decline and, even when positive change has occurred, growth has been much less robust than many narratives would suggest. 2) Within the city, recovery has been highly uneven, resulting in increasing inequality.•The gap between Detroit’s core area (Downtown and Midtown) and its neighborhoods is significant and increasing.•Unless there is a significant commitment to improving education and job skills throughout Detroit, the gap between the core and neighborhoods will continue to widen.
Summer Weekend Children's Grief Camp: A Counselor's Reflection.

Grief camps are offered throughout the country for children who have experienced loss. This is a brief commentary on one grief counselor’s experience supporting bereaved children ages 7–16 at a wee...
A systematic review of mechanisms of gait speed change post-stroke. Part 1: spatiotemporal parameters and asymmetry ratios.

AbstractBackground: In walking rehabilitation trials, self-selected walking speed (SSWS) has emerged as the dominant outcome measure to assess walking ability. However, this measure cannot differentiate between recovery of impaired movement and compensation strategies. Spatiotemporal variables and asymmetry ratios are frequently used to quantify gait deviations and are hypothesized markers of recovery.Objectives: The purpose of this review is to investigate spatiotemporal variables and asymmetry ratios as mechanistic recovery measures in physical therapy intervention studies post-stroke.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to identify physical therapy intervention studies with a statistically significant change in SSWS post intervention and concurrently collected spatiotemporal variables. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Walking speed, spatiotemporal, and intervention data were extracted.Results: 46 studies met the inclusion criteria, 41 of whic...
The antagonistically bifunctional retinoid oxidoreductase complex is required for maintenance of all-trans-retinoic acid homeostasis

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA), a bioactive derivative of vitamin A, exhibits diverse effects on gene transcription and non-genomic regulatory pathways. The steady-state levels of RA are therefore tightly controlled, but the mechanisms responsible for RA homeostasis are not fully understood. We report a molecular mechanism that allows cells to maintain a stable rate of RA biosynthesis by utilizing a biological circuit generated by a bifunctional retinoid oxidoreductive complex (ROC). We show that ROC is composed of at least two subunits of NAD+-dependent retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10), which catalyzes the oxidation of retinol to retinaldehyde, and two subunits of NADPH-dependent dehydrogenase reductase 3 (DHRS3), which catalyzes the reduction of retinaldehyde back to retinol. RDH10 and DHRS3 also exist as homo-oligomers. When complexed, RDH10 and DHRS3 mutually activate and stabilize each other. These features of ROC ensure that the rate of RA biosynthesis in whole cells is largely independent of the concentration of the individual ROC components. ROC operates in various subcellular fractions including microsomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets; however, lipid droplets display weaker mutual activation between RDH10 and DHRS3, suggesting reduced formation of ROC. Importantly, disruption of the ROC-generated circuit by a knockdown of DHRS3 results in an increased flux through the RA biosynthesis pathway and elevated RA levels despite the decrease in RDH10 protein destabilized by the absence of DHRS3, hence demonstrating a loss of control. Thus, the bifunctional nature of ROC provides the RA-based signaling system with robustness by safeguarding appropriate RA concentration despite naturally occurring fluctuations in RDH10 and DHRS3.
Developmental Aspects of Excitation Contraction Coupling of Rabbit Bladder Smooth Muscle

AbstractThere is growing evidence that smooth muscle function changes with normal development. In this study a Scatchard analysis revealed that the binding of 3H-ryanodine changed from 6.6fmol./mg. protein in 3-day-old rabbits to 44fmol./mg. protein in 8-week-old rabbits (p < 0.05) with no associated developmental changes in the dissociation constants. The physiological findings using muscle strip techniques correlate well with these findings in that the neonatal bladders are far less sensitive to ryanodine than their mature counterparts. In contrast, nifedipine inhibited contractility in the neonatal group to a much greater degree than the mature group. These biochemical and physiological findings support our contention that the mechanism for excitation contraction coupling changes with normal development. Contraction in neonatal rabbit bladder smooth muscle is more dependent upon the influx of extracellular calcium and with normal maturation mechanisms for intracellular calcium storage and release begin...
Abstract 14454: Inhaled Epoprostenol is Equivalent to Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Right Ventricular Failure Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement

Introduction: Right ventricular failure following left ventricular assist device placement increases morbidity and mortality. Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators are frequently used to prevent and treat...
A-Pattern, V-Pattern, and Other Alphabet Pattern Strabismus

The terms A-pattern and V-pattern describe horizontal strabismus that is vertically incomitant and has a substantial difference in the horizontal deviation between the midline upgaze and midline downgaze positions. A patient with a V-pattern is more esotropic or less exotropic in downgaze than upgaze and an A-pattern is characterized by the converse. By convention, the difference between upgaze and downgaze must be 15 prism diopters (∆) or greater to diagnose a clinically significant V-pattern and 10 ∆ to diagnose an A-pattern. Less commonly, there are variations of pattern strabismus in which there is minimal change from downgaze to the primary position, but the eyes diverge in upgaze, resulting in a Y-pattern. Converse to a Y-pattern, the main exo shift may be between the primary position and downgaze to form a “λ” (lambda) pattern. Divergence in both upgaze and downgaze constitutes an X-pattern.
PhotochemCAD 3: Diverse Modules for Photophysical Calculations with Multiple Spectral Databases.

The PhotochemCAD program, developed over 30 years, is described comprehensively with focus on features of the most recent version (PhotochemCAD 3). The program is equipped with a streamlined user interface and provisions for handling multiple spectral databases. Eight modules enable calculations to be performed on the basis of the spectra in the databases. The calculational modules provide results concerning properties of individual compounds (oscillator strength, transition dipole moment, natural radiative lifetime), interactions of multiple compounds (Forster energy transfer, Dexter energy transfer, analysis of energy transfer among an array of chromophores) and composition of mixtures (multicomponent analysis). Synthetic spectra (blackbody radiator, Gaussian and Lorentzian curves, delta functions) also can be generated. For comparison and calculation, synthetic and experimental spectra can be shifted along both coordinate axes and combined by addition, subtraction and use of multiplicative factors. The core databases (described in the companion paper) have been expanded to 339 compounds for which absorption spectra (including molar absorption coefficient, e), fluorescence spectra (including fluorescence quantum yield, Φf ) and references to the primary literature have been included where available (552 spectra altogether). A database of 31 solar spectra also is included. Each calculational module is described along with illustrative examples.
Tangent circles in the hyperbolic disk

Constructions of tangent circles in the hyperbolic disk, interpreted in Euclidean geometry, give us examples of four mutually tangent circles. These are shown to satisfy Descartes’s Theorem for tangent circles. We also show that the Archimedes twin circles in the hyperbolic arbelos are usually not hyperbolic congruent, even though they are Euclidean congruent. We include a few construction instructions because all items under consideration require surprisingly few steps. Acknowledgements: We would like to thank those who sponsored the Mohler-Thompson Summer Research Grant for making this research experience possible. I would also like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Jensen and Dr. Chad Gunnoe for organizing the free on-campus housing for the summer’s student researchers, Dr. Michael McDaniel for including me in this project and giving me this opportunity, the referee who reviewed this paper, and David Rader, editor of the Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal. PAGE 14 RHIT UNDERGRAD. MATH. J., VOL. 14, NO. 1
Partitioning between evaporation and transpiration from Agrostis stolonifera L. during light and dark periods

Abstract Pressures on water availability for irrigation of turfgrasses continue in many parts of the United States as climate and weather patterns shift and populations increase. It is essential to understand underlying factors controlling water loss to more precisely predict irrigation requirements and develop new strategies for improving effective use of water. In this study, we investigate two key components of potential water loss from a bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) system that have not previously been examined in detail: 1) water loss in darkness, and 2) water loss through evaporation directly from the soil. The experiments were conducted in controlled environment chambers with intact cores from the field. An automated gravimetric system and soil moisture probes allowed precise measurements of water loss over ranges of vapor pressure deficits (VPD). The gravimetric and soil probe results indicated that substantial evapotranspiration occurred in darkness, at rates 40 to 60% of that in the light across VPDs. Simulations using field weather data from dry and humid environments indicated nighttime water loss rates would be expected to be 30 to 40% of that in the light. Using cores treated with a fast-acting, desiccating herbicide that eliminated transpiration but kept core resistances intact, evaporation directly from the soil surface was estimated to account for 40% of total water loss in the light and 60 to 70% in the dark. The results, collectively, indicated that water loss in darkness must be separately accounted for to accurately estimate daily evapotranspiration totals and irrigation requirements. Furthermore, because of the very high potential for evaporative water loss in the light and dark, efforts to improve water use efficiencies in the turfgrass system should include strategies that regulate both transpiration by the plant and evaporation from the soil surface.
Requirements for a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Prosthesis for Rheumatoid Patients and Suggestions for Design

Requirements for a metacarpophalangeal joint prosthesis for rheumatoid patients are defined and suggestions for a new design are described. The reason for designing such a prosthesis is to propose a better solution for the most required indication of a metacarpophalangeal joint artificial replacement. The most important clinical requirement is the ability to perform a task even in the absence of any significant capsulo-ligamentous structure, because it is likely that most patients will require the arthroplasty in a late stage of the disease. A self-stable prosthetic articulation and circular cross-sectional stems are suggested; the latter may bring an advantage in improved transfer of stresses at the stem-bone interface. To cope with the requirement of a self-stable design, allowing limited but long-lasting load bearing, a limitation in the range of motion of the implant is suggested.