cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible roles of esterase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase activities in understanding aphid-cereal interactions

Activities of the detoxification enzymes esterase, glutathione S-transferase, and of superoxide dismutase in aphids and aphid-infested cereal leaves were assayed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a spectrophotometer to elucidate the enzymatic mechanisms of aphid resistance in cereal plants. A chlorosis-eliciting Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), and non-chlorosis-eliciting bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), and four cereals were used in this study. The four cereal genotypes were ‘Arapahoe’ (susceptible) and ‘Halt’ (resistant) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), ‘Morex’ (susceptible) barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and ‘Border’ (resistant) oat (Avena sativa L.). Esterase isozymes differed between the two aphid species, although glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase did not. Esterase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase activities in either aphid species were not affected by the level of resistance of a cereal to D. noxia. The assays of cereal leaf samples showed that D. noxia feeding elicited an increase in esterase activity in all four cereal genotypes, although R. padi feeding did not. The increase of esterase activity in cereals, however, was not correlated to aphid resistance in the cereals. The time-series assays of aphid-infested cereal leaves showed that D. noxia-infested Morex barley had a significant increase in esterase activity on all sampling dates (3, 6, and 9 days) in comparison with either uninfested or R. padi-infested barley. No difference in glutathione S-transferase activity was detected among either aphid infestations or sampling dates. The electrophoretic assays, however, revealed that aphid feeding elicited a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity, which served as the control of glutathione S-transferase activity assays. The increase in esterase and superoxide dismutase activities suggested that D. noxia feeding imposes not only toxic, but also oxidative stresses on the cereals. The ramification of using these enzyme activity data to understand the etiology of D. noxia-elicited chlorosis is discussed.
ETHNIC IDENTITY AND ASPIRATIONS AMONG RURAL ALASKA YOUTH

The villages of rural Alaska comprise one of the most exceptional, yet least visible, sociocultural environments in the United States They are geographically remote, and set off from the mainstream also by their unique Eskimo, Indian or Aleut cultures. At the same time many economic, legal and cultural connections pull these villages toward the dominant U.S. society, impelling continual and rapid social change. Our researchfocuses on adolescents growing up in this culturally complex and changing environment. We employ survey datafrom adolescents in 19 rural schools to explore relationships between ethnic identity and students' expectations about moving away or attending college. Many students describe their ethnic identity as mixed, both Native and non-Native. On some key variables, the responses of mixed-identity students fall between those of Natives and non-Natives, supporting a theoretical conception of ethnicity as a matter of degree rather than category. Migration and college expectations vary with ethnic identity, but the college expectations/identity relationship fades when we adjust for other variables. Ethnicity affects expectations for the most part indirectly, through "cultural tool kit" vari- ables including family role models and support. Gender differences in expectations, on the other hand, remain substantial even after adjustingfor other variables.
Superficial hypertrophic dendriform epitheliopathy post-keratoplasty.

PURPOSE To describe a distinct and unusual superficial dendriform keratopathy that can be seen in postkeratoplasty eyes. METHOD Three Caucasian women in their sixth decade of life were referred to the Corneal and External Disease Service at the University of California, Davis, and underwent penetrating keratoplasty for different diagnoses. After keratoplasty, hypertrophic dendriform epithelial lesions were observed. These were refractory to debridement as well as topical antibiotic and steroid combinations. Immunofluorescent antibody testing was performed in all cases to rule out herpetic infection, and the patients were treated with nonpreserved lubricants and medications to eliminate medication toxicity as the cause of the lesions. RESULTS All three patients in this series developed raised, hypertrophic epithelial lesions after keratoplasty, which were refractory to therapy. Comfort and mild increase in visual acuity were restored with the use of thin, moderate water content therapeutic contact lenses. CONCLUSIONS Superficial hypertrophic dendriform epitheliopathy is a distinct syndrome that occurs postkeratoplasty in patients with preexisting chronic ocular inflammation, tear dysfunction, and/or lid disease exacerbated by the toxic effects of postoperative topical medication.
Differential brain responses to social exclusion by one’s own versus opposite gender peers

Human peer relations provide tangible benefits, including food and protection, as well as emotional benefits. While social exclusion poses a threat to all of these benefits, the psychological threat is particularly susceptible to modulation by the relation of the excluders to the excluded person. The current study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the effects of manipulating the gender relation of participants to their excluders during an interactive ball-toss game. Ventral anterior cingulate cortex activation was higher during exclusion by same-gender peers, while right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activation negatively correlated with self-reported distress in other-gender exclusion. Results imply that exclusion by one's own gender is fundamentally different from exclusion by the opposite gender, and suggest a regulatory role for ventrolateral prefrontal cortex in response to out-group exclusion. Individual differences in implicit gender attitudes modulated neural responses to exclusion. The importance of these findings to investigations of social cognition is discussed.
Nucleation sites of the T2 phase in alloy 2090

Alloy 2090 fabricated as O-Temper sheet exhibited the presence of the T2 phase. The morphology and nucleation characteristics of the T2 phase in alloy 2090 were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Also, the crystal structure was documented by electron and X-ray diffraction analyses. It was found that T2 precipitates formed preferentially at the interface of heterogeneities in the alloy. Several types of heterogeneities were identified. From these results it was proposed that as the impurities are eliminated, the propensity for nucleation of the T2 phase should be reduced.
Increased incidence of depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction.

Abstract Objectives. To investigate the hypothesis that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) have a higher incidence of depressive symptoms compared with age-matched control subjects. We also hypothesized that depressive symptoms impact on the level of libido and on the success of treatment of ED. Methods. One hundred twenty men with ED or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were divided into three groups. Group 1 had ED only, group 2 had BPH only, and group 3 had both ED and BPH. Patients were screened for depressive symptoms using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders and the Beck Depression Inventory. They were also surveyed for comorbidity, marital status, severity of ED, level of libido, prior ED treatment choice (if any), success of treatment, and others. Results. One hundred patients completed the questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were reported by 26 (54%) of 48 men with ED alone, 10 (56%) of 18 men with ED and BPH, and 7 (21%) of 34 men with BPH alone. Patients with ED were 2.6 times more likely to report depressive symptoms than men with BPH alone ( P P P Conclusions. ED is associated with high incidence of depressive symptoms, regardless of age, marital status, or comorbidities. Patients with ED have a decreased libido compared with control subjects. In addition, patients with depressive symptoms have a lower libido than patients without depressive symptoms. Patients with ED and depressive symptoms are more likely to discontinue treatment for ED than other patients with ED. These data emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
A survey of 10-μm silicate emission from dust around young sun-like stars ☆

Abstract We obtained low resolution (R=100) mid-infrared (8–13 μm wavelengths) spectra of 8 nearby young main sequence stars with the Keck 1 telescope and Long-Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) to search for 10 μm silicate (Si–O stretch) emission from circumstellar dust. No stars exhibited readily apparent emission: Spectra were then analyzed by least-squares fitting of a template based on a spectrum of Comet Hale-Bopp. Using this technique, we were able to constrain the level of silicate emission to a threshold 10 times below what was previously possible from space. We found one star, HD 17925 , with a spectrum statistically different from its calibrator and consistent with a silicate emission peak of 7% of the photosphere at a wavelength of 10 μm. Excess emission at 60 μm from this star has already been reported.
Vibrational analysis of chloroethane-2-d1

Abstract The i.r. and Raman spectra of gaseous and liquid samples of chloroethane-2-d 1 have been observed in the region between 4000 and 200 cm −1 . All of the observed i.r. and Raman active fundamentals have been assigned for the trans and gauche geometrical conformations. The assignments of the fundamentals to the conformers are supported by a normal coordinate calculation, employing the valence force-field of Dempster and Zerbi, which reproduces the observed frequencies with an RMS deviation of 9.5 cm −1 . The molecular absorption features pumped by the CO 2 laser are assigned as the ν 8 and ν 9 modes of the gauche conformer.
On Stress-Strain Relations and Strain-Energy Expressions in the Theory of Thin Elastic Shells

The stress-strain relations of Flugge and Byrne for thin elastic shells are inverted to express strain quantities, and therewith the strain energy, in terms of stress resultants and couples. In this form, and upon omission of terms which are small of order h2 /R2 , the stress-strain relations and the strain-energy expression are shown to be simply related to corresponding results of Trefftz. The strain-energy formula of Trefftz is generalized to arbitrary orthogonal middle surface co-ordinates.
Waking up to Dinosaurs

I've never been a fan of dinosaurs, in part because I tend to be a contrary person. If something is popular, I'm not interested in it, and dinosaurs are definitely popular. They are everywhere, from breakfast cereal to Tshirts; even my four-year-old grandson, who is of course exceptionally bright, knows the names of several species. But I couldn't see getting too excited about a group of organisms that aren't even around any moreno matter how large, how fierce, how bizarre they may have been. I originally thought the interest in dinosaurs was a fad, and I would just wait it out. But if dino-mania is a fad, it is definitely more long-lived than most. Last year I was teaching a class in a Science, Technology and Society course, when a question about dinosaurs came up, a question hardly germane to the topic under discussion. Because I believe that it takes a certain amount of courage for a student to raise her hand in class, I think each question should be treated respectfully. So I answered the question about dinosaurs. That led to another question, so I answered that, and then there was another. The class time melted away in a cascade of questions about dinosaurs, which had absolutely nothing to do with engineering, the day's topic. But I didn't mind because almost for the first time in the semester, this
Antenna Robust Controller Design Using Feedforward Action for Accurate Pointing Onboard a Spacecraft1

Abstract A controller for a spacecraft mounted flexible antenna is designed. The antenna/plant has a high order and disturbances from the host spacecraft are transmitted to the antenna and need to be attenuated, while a high degree of pointing accuracy must be achieved. The design concept explored herein entails feedforward control to slew the antenna. Feedback control is then exclusively used to compensate for plant uncertainty and disturbance rejection. A tight feedback control loop is designed to meet performance specifications while minimizing the control gains. It is shown that the integration of feedforward control action and feedback compensation produces better responses than feedback control alone.
The pitfalls of transnational consciousness: Amazigh activism as a scalar dilemma

This essay explores the scalar dimensions of North African politics through an ethnographic investigation of the continuities and discontinuities between local, national, and transnational dimensions of Amazigh activism in the southeastern Moroccan oases. Since the 1960s, activists in Algeria, Morocco, and overseas have agitated for state recognition of Berber culture and language. Through their mobilisation of an international discourse on ‘human rights’ and their support for national ‘wars on terror’, Amazigh activists have elicited state promises to introduce Tamazight into the media and school systems of Algeria and Morocco. However, in peripheral areas such as pre-Saharan Morocco, this national entente has proved fragile, as Amazigh activists have mobilised protests for regional autonomy, including the control of collective lands, often at the expense of other local claimants. Thus, a social movement which internationally focuses on issues of human rights, engages questions of national integration an...
A new correlation for binary systems with an associating component

Abstract A method is presented for correlating vapour—liquid equilibria of systems involving an associating component, such as acetic acid. New equations for correlating vapour—liquid equilibria of non-associating systems are also derived. The equations are suitable for treatment of equilibrium data at constant pressure and at constant temperature. New functions are defined to develop the equations and the thermodynamic significance of these new functions is discussed. Application of the correlating equations is illustrated with vapour—liquid equilibrium data for the systems: ethyl ether-acetic acid 389·7, 487·9 and 596·4 mm; and acetone—acetic—acid at 30, 40 and 50°C.
Effects of wind erosion on the spatial heterogeneity of soil nutrients in two desert grassland communities

Wind is known to affect the spatial heterogeneity of soil resources in arid and semiarid systems, but multi-year, quantified observations are largely absent. We studied the effects of wind erosion on the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soil nutrients at the Jornada Experimental Range, in southern New Mexico. Enhanced wind erosion was encouraged by grass cover reduction in a Sporobolus-mesquite dominated site (SM) and a Bouteloua-mesquite dominated site (BM). The scale and magnitude of spatial dependence for the soil analytes were quantified using geostatistical analyses. Results of this study show that soil organic matter related analytes such as SOC, TN, Navail, and SO4 2­ are among the first to be eroded and redistributed; cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ may not be removed and redistributed significantly; and other ions such as K+, Na+ and Cl− showed no discernible pattern of change. Geostatistics show that wind appeared to increase the scale of spatial autocorrelation, but decrease the scale of spatial dependence of most soil analytes over 2–3 windy seasons. In the wind enhanced plot of the SM site, up to 99% of the spatial dependence of SOC was autocorrelated at the distance of 1.45 m before the initiation of wind erosion, but the spatial dependence dropped significantly to only 60% at a larger autocorrelation distance of 2.76 m after three windy seasons. Similar but less significant changes were observed for SOC in the BM site. Despite the differential effects of wind on the soil analytes, we conclude that the overall results of wind on the grass cover reduction plots are the disappearance of small, strong fertile islands, which may be related to grasses; and the reinforcement of large fertile islands, which are likely related to mesquite shrubs. In addition, the change of the spatial patterns of SOC and other soil nutrients induced by enhanced wind erosion may persist and reinforce soil islands associated with shrubs, thus allowing a positive feedback for further desertification in this arid grassland.
Method of Kinetic Model Reduction for Computational Fluid Dynamics Applications

A new method for kinetic model reduction is proposed. This method consists of two steps: skeletal model reduction using the directed relation graph method, followed by tuning of the remaining rate constants using the solution mapping method. The method can generate reduced models without the need for nonelementary reactions or non-Arrhenius rate constants. The method is demonstrated on a hydrogen–oxygen model and a methane–air model. The results for models at different levels of reduction are compared with the original full models. Results show that the reduced models that underwent optimization are capable of replicating the temperature profile produced by the full model for constant-pressure stream tube reactions, over a limited range of initial conditions, and can now replicate laminar flame speeds at the condition specified by the current optimization. However, perfectly stirred reactor temperatures cannot be accurately predicted. Recommendations are made for further refinement of the technique.
RNAi of the receptor tyrosine phosphatase HmLAR2 in a single cell of an intact leech embryo leads to growth-cone collapse.

Abstract Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are important for growth-cone migration [1–5], but their specific roles have yet to be defined. Previously, we showed that the growth cones of the Comb cell, an embryonic cell in the leech, express high levels of an RPTP called Hm LAR2 [6,7]. Here, we report the use of RNA interference (RNAi) to block expression of Hm LAR2 in individual Comb cells in the developing embryo. Hm LAR2 mRNA levels were reduced in the soma, processes and growth cones of Comb cells injected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for Hm LAR2, but no decrease was detected when control dsRNAs were injected. Consistent with this observation, the level of phosphotyrosine increased significantly in the growth cones of Comb cells injected with Hm LAR2 dsRNA. Within 24 hours, the growth cones of treated cells showed a distinct collapsed phenotype, with sharp reductions in lamellipodial surface area and in numbers of filopodia. These experiments indicate a key role for LAR-like RPTPs in maintaining the integrity of the growth cone.
Determination of five arsenic species in whole blood by liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method was developed to quantify five arsenic species (As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and arsenobetaine (AsB)) in whole blood, using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method can be used for routine monitoring of arsenic species in whole blood as well as in urine, but with different sample preparation. Whole blood was diluted 1 + 4 with reagents containing 3 mM HgCl2, which prevents As(III) from binding to the LC column. The diluted blood was subjected to ultrafiltration so as to remove molecules larger than 3,000 Daltons. Analysis was completed within 12 min, for the determination of arsenic species in whole blood, and within 11 min in urine; the method detection limit is < 0.3 μg L−1 for each arsenic species. The sum of arsenic species measured by the proposed method agreed well with assigned values for total arsenic in whole blood and urine reference materials, and in archived proficiency testing materials. Some urine reference materials provided additional information on the arsenic species present, and our testing results agreed well with the documented values.
Aging phenomenon of 15 kV EPR cable insulation by electrical and thermal stress

Due to high dielectric strength, high resistance to water treeing, and thermal stability, the Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) is an excellent choice for polymeric cable insulation. As for its higher dissipation factor, the usage of EPR materials for power cable insulation is limited to 154 kV. For the typical medium voltage EPR cables, the designed operational electrical stress does not exceed 5 kV/mm. The study in the past revealed that the perfect-manufactured EPR material would not trigger significant aging for the ac electrical field stress less than 20 kV/mm. Yet the failures of medium voltage cables under operational conditions still occurred. In the study, the EPR insulation sliced from 15 kV EPR cables were aged by high electrical stress as well as the thermal stress. The data of time-to-breakdown were collected to extrapolate the life-time model of the tested EPR cable insulation.
A WOMAN AT THE WELL 1 : DRAWING THE ANCESTRAL WATERS; A KOREAN‐AMERICAN WOMAN'S REFLECTION

In this paper, I will show that: 1) human consciousness has evolved over time and history, which means that one can no longer “know” and experience the world as the pre‐modern, archaic communities once did; 2) however, there are elements in our contemporary practices of spirituality that are seen particularly through the window of popular religiosity, which can access, though not fully, some of the “mythical,” the archaic, and the primordial wisdom that has been lost or buried through the modernization process; for the Korean/ Korean‐Americans, these elements are most deeply found in musok, namely, Korean Shamanism, which is an indigenous Korean popular magico‐religious practice; and, 3) through the lens of imagination, some elements of Korean shamanic spirituality will be identified to further enrich, nurture, and refresh the dry and hardened religious images of our times. 1
Complexation, solubilities and thermodynamic functions for cerium(III) fluoride-water system

Abstract The solubility, solubility product and the thermodynamic functions for the CeF3–H2O system have been measured using the radiometric, conductometric and potentiometric techniques. The radiometric values for the solubility and solubility product, the lowest and more acceptable for reasons cited in previous papers, are 3.14·10–5 M and 2.17·10–17 respectively. The enthalpy change measured by the conductometric method is almost twice as that obtained by potentiometric method due to abnormal conductances registered at higher temperatures. The average values for Ho and Go and So at 298 K are 53.0±17.4, 91.7±4.0 and –129.7±58.2 KJ·mol–1 respectively. The positive values for Ho and Go and the negative value for So are indicative of the low solubility of this salt in water. The stability constants for the mono- and difluoride complexes of Ce(III) have been determined potentiometrically using unsaturated solution mixtures of Ce(III) and F–. These values for CeF+ and CeF 2 + are 997±98 and (1.03±0.44)·105, ...
Crystallization and Preliminary X-ray Diffraction Study of an Idiotope-Anti-Idiotope Fv-Fv Complex

Abstract A complex between the Fv fragment of an anti-hen eggwhite lysozyme antibody (D1.3) and the Fv fragment of an antibody specific for an idiotypic determinant of D1.3 has been crystallized in a form suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis. Both Fv fragments were expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography; diffraction-quality crystals were only obtained following separation of each Fv into distinct isoelectric forms. The crystals belong to space C 2, have unit cell dimensions a = 152·8 A, b = 79·4 A, c = 51·5 A, β = 100·2°, and diffract to better than 2·2 A resolution. The solvent content of the crystals is approximately 60% (v/v) with one Fv-Fv complex in the asymmetric unit. The ability to readily express both components of an antigen-antibody system in bacteria will allow us to rigorously assess the energetic contribution of individual amino acids to complex formation through pairwise mutagenesis of interacting residues.
New questions for online learning, and new answers: the case of the CUNY Online Baccalaureate

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to track trends in online learning and in higher education generally, particularly to see how the former might solve key problems for the latter.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study as a specific solution to a general problem.Findings – The paper finds that, given the growing ubiquity of online instruction, its primary orientation may have shifted from “distance education” to largely local outreach, specifically as a way of addressing the growing problem of degree completion. The conclusion is that online learning may well be experiencing a generational shift, a turned corner from distance education to local access, and from a satellite operation to an integral part of an institution's function and mission.Originality/value – The paper provides useful information on trends in online learning and higher education.
Investigation of the generation source of decameter-scale sub-auroral ionospheric irregularities during geomagnetically quiet periods

The mid-latitude SuperDARN radars have identified quiet-time decameter-scale density irregularities in the night-side sub-auroral ionosphere that have been proposed to be responsible for the observed low-velocity Sub-Auroral Ionospheric Scatter (SAIS). The physical mechanism responsible for such common irregularities is still unknown. Joint collaborative experiments using the SuperDARN HF radar located at Wallops Island, Virginia and the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar (ISR) have determined that these irregularities are located at the ionospheric footprint of the plasmapause and in a region of opposed electron density and electron temperature gradients [1]. In this paper, the temperature gradient instability (TGI) has been extended into the kinetic regime appropriate for HF radar frequencies and modeled as the potential source of these irregularities. The TGI growth rate for this event [1] is computed and compared to another common instability mechanism, the gradient drift instability (GDI) [6]. We conclude that the observed decameter-scale ionospheric irregularities are likely produced by the TGI or a cascade product from it. A "Particle In Cell" (PIC) simulation for TGI utilizing the gyro-kinetic approach has been successfully developed to study the nonlinear evolution of the TGI instability. This allows detailed study of saturation amplitude and particle transport. The simulation results show the saturation mechanisms and confirm the possible wave cascading of TGI into the decameter scale regime of the radar observations.
Bond Lengths and Elasticity in Strained-Layer Semiconductors

The x-ray standing wave (XSW) and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) techniques have determined the strain and bond distortions in an InAs monolayer embedded in GaAs(001). A unifying picture of bond lengths and elasticity in strained-layer semiconductors is presented.
Cse1p Is Required for Export of Srp1p/Importin-α from the Nucleus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In metazoan cells, the CAS protein has been shown to function as a recycling factor for the importin-alpha subunit of the classical nuclear localization signal receptor, exporting importin-alpha from the nucleus to allow its participation in multiple rounds of nuclear import. CAS is a member of a family of proteins that bear homology to the larger subunit of the nuclear localization signal receptor, importin-beta, and that are found in all eukaryotes from yeast to humans. Sequence similarity identifies the product of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CSE1 gene as a potential CAS homologue. Here we present evidence that Cse1p is the functional homologue of CAS: Cse1p is required to prevent accumulation of Srp1p/importin-alpha in the nucleus, it localizes to the nuclear envelope in a pattern typical of nuclear transport receptors, and it associates in vivo with Srp1p in a nucleotide-specific manner. We show further that mutations in CSE1 and SRP1 have specific effects on their association and on the intracellular localization of Cse1p.
Coproduction in the Context of Neighborhood Development

Coproduction involving neighborhood citizen organizations has several important characteristics that differentiate it from individual volunteer-governmental interac tion. One is that the citizen group has a collective identity and goals of its own apart from those of the governmental agencies with which it has cojoint relations. Further, the neighborhood development and enhancement projects of interest to the citizen group often do not fit into established service delivery programs. These distinctions suggest that for coproduction involving neighborhood organizations to be successful certain requirements must be met. These include: citizen participation through independent and free standing organizations; recognition of the legitimacy of citizen groups as full participants; mutually agreed to and explicit roles and respon sibilities ; the organizational capacity and commitment of all coproducers to carry out their parts: and joint implementation as well as planning and design of a project. To achieve thes...
Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2011

AbstractThe 2011 Atlantic season was marked by above-average tropical cyclone activity with the formation of 19 tropical storms. Seven of the storms became hurricanes and four became major hurricanes (category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale). The numbers of tropical storms and hurricanes were above the long-term averages of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Despite the high level of activity, Irene was the only hurricane to hit land in 2011, striking both the Bahamas and the United States. Other storms, however, affected the United States, eastern Canada, Central America, eastern Mexico, and the northeastern Caribbean Sea islands. The death toll from the 2011 Atlantic tropical cyclones is 80. National Hurricane Center mean official track forecast errors in 2011 were smaller than the previous 5-yr means at all forecast times except 120 h. In addition, the official track forecast errors set records for accuracy at the 24-, 36-, 48-, and 72-h forecast times. The m...
Succinylcholine: a useful drug in bariatric surgery.

To the editor: We read the recent article by Tejirian et al. [1], and as members of our American College of Surgeons Level 1A Center of Excellence management team, we feel that a reply is indicated. Based on a single case, they recommended avoidance of succinylcholine (SCH) in all bariatric patients. At Stanford University, we take an opposite approach and use SCH to facilitate tracheal intubation for all of our morbidly obese patients. With its rapid onset and short duration of action, SCH is ideal for rapid sequence induction of anesthesia. This is particularly important in bariatric patients because hemoglobin desaturation occurs rapidly following apnea and intubation of the trachea must be accomplished quickly [2]. SCH’s onset is fast and its duration of action is short. Therefore, if difficulties are encountered when securing the airway, the immediate return of motor function allows the patient to resume spontaneous ventilation. There is no way to prove or disprove the “clinical” diagnosis that SCH was responsible for their patient’s severe muscle aches. If SCH was the cause, it was an extreme presentation of a complication that is usually mild (if and when present) and of minimal clinical significance, especially in bariatric patients [3]. We have anesthetized hundreds of morbidly obese patients and thousands of other patients using SCH without ever having the serious complications they associated with its use. As the authors’ note, once the neuromuscular reversal agent sugammadex becomes available clinically, a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant such as rocuronium or vecuronium will become a safe option to SCH. With sugammadex, reversal will be obtained immediately, effectively controlling time of paralysis. Until that time, we believe that SCH remains the drug of choice for tracheal intubation in bariatric patients.
Binocular fusion: A test of the suppression theory'

Binocular fusion may be due to interocular inhibitory suppression, an hypothesis difficult to evaluate by phenomenal inspection. A test probe method (reaction time to a light pulse) was used to measure visual sensitivity during binocular rivalry and fusion. The absence of inhibitory effects during fusion fails to support the suppression theory of fusion.
Local subcutaneous atrophy following arthroscopy of the TMJ

A case of subcutaneous atrophy associated with use of corticosteroids following an arthroscopic procedure of the temporomandibular joint is presented.
Relationship Between the Size and Margin Status of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast and Residual Disease

BACKGROUND For women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast who have been treated with breastconserving surgery, the usefulness of size and surgical margin status (i.e., presence or absence of disease at the point of excision) as prognostic factors for predicting residual disease has not been well established. This study was conducted to determine more clearly the relationship between size and margin status of mammary DCIS to residual disease. METHODS The pathology records of 232 consecutive patients with mammary DCIS who had been initially treated with lumpectomy at the University Hospitals of Cleveland were retrospectively reviewed. The size of the DCIS and the surgical margins of lumpectomy were analyzed. Residual disease was defined as the persistence of DCIS in the re-excision and/or mastectomy specimens. RESULTS Residual disease was found in 15 of 101 patients with DCIS of less than 1.0 cm in longest dimension, in 27 of 96 patients with DCIS of 1.0-2.4 cm in size, and in 24 of 35 patients with DCIS of greater than or equal to 2.5 cm in size (P 1 mm) (P =.001). In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of residual disease was associated with large tumor size (i.e., > or =2.5 cm) (odds ratio [OR] = 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.13-20.00; two-sided P = .0001) and with positive margin status (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.02-4.55; two-sided P = .04). CONCLUSIONS The size and margin status of DCIS each were found to be independent predictors of residual disease.
Local Anesthetics as Pain Therapy in Horses

This article describes the rationale behind the use of systemically administered lidocaine as an analgesic. The analgesic efficacy of intravenously administered lidocaine is well documented by studies in human patients and laboratory animals. The mechanism by which systemically administered lidocaine produces analgesia is uncertain but is thought to include action at sodium, calcium, and potassium channels and the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor. In addition, the anti-inflammatory actions of lidocaine are important in producing analgesia because inflammatory mediators augment neuronal excitability. The available studies of systemically administered lidocaine in horses provide evidence for the analgesic and anesthetic effects of intravenous lidocaine in this species.
Measuring Perceived Social Support in Mexican American Youth: Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support:

The utility of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet,& Farley, 1988) was investigated within a sample of 290Mexican American adolescents. Results suggested that the three-subscale structure (Family, Friends, and Significant Other) of the MSPSS was confirmed, and adequate internal reliability for the three scales was demonstrated as well. Support for construct validity was found by evaluating correlations from a perceived family support subscale as well as a satisfaction with family measure. It appears that the MSPSS is a useful measure for assessing perceived social support in Latino youth and as such can be used to further our understanding about social support from different sources in Latino adolescents.
Bandgap Tuning of a (6,6) Boron Nitride Nanotube by Analyte Physisorption and Application of a Transverse Electric Field: A DFT Study

We report on the feasibility of modulating the electronic bandgap of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by sidewall physisorption and application of a transverse electric field. In this paper, we extended our analysis to analytes with varying degrees of NO2 substitution, in comparison to 2,4,6-trinitroluene (2,4,6-TNT), on which we previously reported. Our first-principles calculations suggest that the bandgap of BNNT can be modified by weak adsorption due to the presence of impurity states inside the gap of the host system. The application of a transverse electric field on the adsorbed systems is found to further modify the bandgap, by shifting the unoccupied states of the adsorbents toward the filled states of the host system. Effects of the NO2 groups on the binding energies of the analytes at the surface of BNNT and on bandgap modification are outlined in this paper.
Work in Progress: Reusable Learning Objects Through Peer Review: The Expertiza Approach

The Expertiza platform is a divide-and-conquer approach to producing reusable learning objects through active-learning exercises. Students select from a list of tasks to be performed, with several students selecting each task. Then they prepare their work and submit it to an electronic peer-review system. The work is then reviewed by other students, who offer comments to help the submitters improve their work. The best submissions for each task are then selected for use in later courses. Expertiza gets students working together to improve others' learning experiences. It helps them learn, by making them think through the lecture material and apply it to a real-world situation, just as they might do in an on-the-job situation. These learning objects can be improved iteratively; for example, the next year's class can be presented with the examples developed by students the previous year, and asked to identify shortcomings and develop improved examples. This paper presents numerous examples of how the platform can be used to allow each cohort of students to "stand on the shoulders" of their predecessors, building ever-more-effective resources to help themselves learn.
Results of arthroscopic subacromial decompression in patients with subacromial impingement and glenohumeral degenerative joint disease

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of shoulder arthroscopy with subacromial decompression in patients with concurrent glenohumeral arthrosis. A retrospective review of 36 patients who had arthroscopic subacromial decompression with concurrent glenohumeral degenerative joint disease was conducted. Office charts, operative notes, standard shoulder questionnaires, radiographs, and clinical examinations were used. The mean age of patients was 61 years, with 5-year follow-up. Patients with Outerbridge grade 1, 2, or 3 changes on either the glenoid or humerus had a mean final L'Insalata score of 90. Ten patients with grade 4 changes registered an ultimate score of 50. Radiographic arthrosis correlated similarly but with less reliability. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for resistant impingement symptoms in the face of mild to moderate glenohumeral degenerative joint disease can improve shoulder function and provide durable results. Full-thickness loss of articular cartilage or radiographically severe degenerative joint disease had less predictable results.
Mutation in the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase α influences transcriptional gene silencing and homologous recombination in Arabidopsis.

REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1) encodes a DNA demethylase that actively removes DNA methylation. Mutation in ROS1 leads to transcriptional gene silencing of a T-DNA locus that contains two genes, RD29A-LUC and 35S-NPTII, originally expressed in the C24 wild type. These units have different silencing regulation mechanisms: the former mechanism is dependent on small interfering RNA (siRNA)-directed DNA methylation, but the latter is not. We studied the latter gene silencing mechanism by screening the suppressors of the ros1 mutant using the silenced 35S-NPTII as a selection marker gene. The polalpha/incurvata2 (icu2) gene was isolated as one ros1 suppressor because its mutation leads to the reactivation of the silenced 35S-NPTII gene. POLalpha/ICU2 encodes a catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase alpha. Mutation of POLalpha/ICU2 did not affect DNA methylation, but reduced histone H3 Lys9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) modification in the 35S promoter. The polalpha mutation also influences the development of the shoot apical meristem, and delays the G2/M phase with high expression of a G2/M marker gene CycB1;1:GUS. Furthermore, the frequency of homologous recombination is greater in the polalpha/icu2 mutant than in the C24 wild type. Our results suggest that DNA polymerase alpha is involved in mediating epigenetic states and in DNA homologous recombination in Arabidopsis.
Racial Disparities in Short Sleep Duration by Occupation and Industry

Short sleep duration, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, has been shown to vary by occupation and industry, but few studies have investigated differences between black and white populations. By using data from a nationally representative sample of US adult short sleepers (n = 41,088) in the National Health Interview Survey in 2004–2011, we estimated prevalence ratios for short sleep duration in blacks compared with whites for each of 8 industry categories by using adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance. Participants' mean age was 47 years; 50% were women and 13% were black. Blacks were more likely to report short sleep duration than whites (37% vs. 28%), and the black-white disparity was widest among those who held professional occupations. Adjusted short sleep duration was more prevalent in blacks than whites in the following industry categories: finance/information/real estate (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30, 1.59); professional/administrative/management (PR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.44); educational services (PR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.54); public administration/arts/other services (PR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.41); health care/social assistance (PR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.32); and manufacturing/construction (PR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.20). Short sleep generally increased with increasing professional responsibility within a given industry among blacks but decreased with increasing professional roles among whites. Our results suggest the need for further investigation of racial/ethnic differences in the work-sleep relationship.
LIVE data workspace: A flexible, dynamic and extensible platform for petascale applications

The data needs of current and future PetaScale applications have increased over the last half decade to the extent that appropriate data management has become a crucial requirement. This concerns not only the storage of data produced by the new class of PetaScale applications, but also the data exchanges needed for coupling applications with concurrent analysis, online data visualization for validation, and others. To address such dynamic code coupling, we introduce the concept of an extensible, dynamic, and flexible data workspace, termed LIVE. In contrast to the data exchanges programmed with MPI, MPI-IO, or grid software, LIVE focuses on data exchanges carried out without a priori knowledge of potential data requirements. Examples include exchanges required by ad-hoc or dynamically determined methods for data validation, for general data analysis tasks, or for data visualization. Run on an execution environment comprised of integrated dynamic discovery and on-line management services, LIVE is used to create a dasiadata workspacepsila for a working molecular dynamics code base utilized by mechanical and materials engineers at Georgia Tech, for multi-scale materials modeling. Measurements of both this applicationpsilas data workspace and of the basic primitives in the LIVE framework demonstrate that the environmentpsilas substantial flexibility has minimal impact on overall performance, and in fact, that it improves performance in a number of usage scenarios. In particular, for a visualization pipeline example derived from our collaborators, we see a slight improvement over a solution based on MPI-IO, and a further improvement of up to 5% by utilizing LIVEpsilas ability to overlap communication with user-specified computation.
High-energy laser tactical decision aid (HELTDA) for mission planning and predictive avoidance

This study demonstrates the development of a high energy laser tactical decision aid (HELTDA) by the AFIT/CDE for mission planning High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon system engagements as well as centralized, decentralized, or hybrid predictive avoidance (CPA/DPA/HPA) assessments. Analyses of example HEL mission engagements are described as well as how mission planners are expected to employ the software. Example HEL engagement simulations are based on geographic location and recent/current atmospheric weather conditions. The atmospheric effects are defined through the AFIT/CDE Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) model or the High Energy Laser End-to-End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS) model upon which the HELTDA is based. These models enable the creation of vertical profiles of temperature, pressure, water vapor content, optical turbulence, and atmospheric particulates and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line layer extinction coefficient magnitude at wavelengths from the UV to the RF. Seasonal and boundary layer variations (summer/winter) and time of day variations for a range of relative humidity percentile conditions are considered to determine optimum efficiency in a specific environment. Each atmospheric particulate/hydrometeor is evaluated based on its wavelength-dependent forward and off-axis scattering characteristics and absorption effects on the propagating environment to and beyond the target. In addition to realistic vertical profiles of molecular and aerosol absorption and scattering, correlated optical turbulence profiles in probabilistic (percentile) format are included. Numerical weather model forecasts are incorporated in the model to develop comprehensive understanding of HEL weapon system performance.
Variable position mapping based assistance in teleoperation for nuclear cleanup

Radioactive tank waste remediation and decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of contaminated Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, and other nuclear cleanup tasks require extensive remote handling technologies. The unstructured nature of these tasks and limitations of the current sensor and computer decision-making technologies prohibit the use of completely autonomous systems for remote manipulation. This paper presents a new methodology in which model-based computer assistance is incorporated into human controlled teleoperator systems. This approach implies a form of assistance function in which the human input is enhanced rather than superseded by the computer. A specific task of cutting a pipe with a saw is chosen as an example to demonstrate the implementation of the assistance functions in D&D size reduction tasks and the results are presented.