cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new method for the geometric modeling of lower pairs and its application to the kinematic spaces of spatial robots

A new notation is developed to model and analyze spatial robots. This method is formulated based on the homogeneous cylindrical coordinates and Bryant angles transformation matrices and thus termed “C-B notation.” At first, shape matrix for a binary link is derived. Then, the characteristic matrices for the five most commonly used kinematic lower pairs—revolute (R), prismatic (P), cylindrical (C), helical (H), and spherical (S)—are formulated. The “exact” joint positions, that is, the actual location of the physical joint center in space, can be defined using this method. The governing kinematic equations for the analysis of spatial robots are derived as well. Finally, the “kinematic spaces” for the open-chain robot are defined as “the group of space of work (displacement) space, velocity space (the velocity envelope in the displacement differential Vx-Vy-Vz coordinates), and acceleration space (the acceleration envelope in the velocity differential Ax-Ay-Az coordinates).” Numerical examples for parallel projections of kinematic spaces on both sagittal and frontal planes are illustrated by the industrial Unimate 2000 spherical (SP/RRR) robot, Bendix AA/CNC (RRP/RRR) robot, and 6R Cincinnati Milacron T3 robot.
Immune evasion by Mycobacterium tuberculosis: living with the enemy

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is successful as a pathogen because of its ability to persist in an immunocompetent host. This bacterium lives within the macrophage, a cell whose function is the elimination of microbes. Recent advances have improved our understanding of how M. tuberculosis evades two major antimicrobial mechanisms of macrophages: phagolysosome fusion and the production of toxic reactive nitrogen intermediates. M. tuberculosis also modulates antigen presentation to prevent the detection of infected macrophages by CD4(+) T cells.
Structural brain abnormalities in borderline personality disorder: A voxel-based morphometry study

Imaging studies using region-of-interest morphometry and positron emission tomography have contributed to our understanding of structural and functional abnormalities in borderline personality disorder (BPD); however, both methods have practical limitations to their usefulness for exploratory studies of brain-behavior relationships. We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in 34 subjects with BPD and 30 healthy control (HC) subjects to study effects of diagnosis, gender, childhood sexual abuse, depressed mood, impulsivity and aggression on group differences. VBM is a computer-based method for whole brain analysis that combines the advantages of a functional study with a structural method. The BPD subjects, diagnosed with the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients and the International Personality Disorders Examination, were compared with 30 HC subjects, with age and gender covaried. Analyses were repeated separately by gender and, in women, by histories of childhood sexual abuse. Depressed mood, impulsivity, and aggression were covaried in separate analyses. Compared with HC, BPD subjects had significant bilateral reductions in gray matter concentrations in ventral cingulate gyrus and several regions of the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus, amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, and uncus. BPD women (and abused BPD women), but not BPD men, had significant reductions in medial temporal lobe, including the amygdala. BPD men, but not BPD women, showed diminished gray matter concentrations in the anterior cingulate gyrus compared with findings in HC subjects. Covarying for depressed mood rendered group differences non-significant in the ventral cingulate but had little effect on differences in medial temporal cortex. Covarying for aggression (LHA) had relatively little effect on group differences, while covarying for impulsivity, as determined by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, rendered all previously noted voxel-level group differences non-significant. Diminished gray matter in the prefrontal cortex and the medial temporal cortex may mediate the dysregulation of impulse and affect in BPD. Group differences varied greatly by gender, levels of depression, and impulsivity. VBM is an efficient method for exploratory study of brain-behavior relationships.
R -matrix theory for electron-molecule collisions using analytic basis set expansions. II. Electron- H 2 scattering in the static-exchange model

The $R$-matrix formalism developed by the author to treat scattering from nonspherically symmetric potentials is applied to the scattering of electrons from ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in the static exchange approximation. Calculations were performed for ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{g}$, ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}$, ${\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{g}$, and ${\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{u}$ symmetries and phase shifts extracted for $s$, $p$, and $d$ partial waves. The inclusion of $p$ orbitals on each center was found to be essential in representing $d$-wave contributions to the phase shift and to have a non-negligible effect on $p$-wave scattering. The results are in good agreement with other calculations based on the static-exchange model using entirely different numerical techniques. We conclude by discussing the outlook for the method and how it may be extended to treat polarization, correlation, and inelastic processes.
Feasibility Evaluation of an Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy Group Delivery Model

The effectiveness of psychotherapies, such as interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), is supported by randomized controlled trials. These trials provide minimal direction regarding feasibility of psychotherapy delivery models. The study purpose was to identify factors facilitating implementation and sustainability of an IPRST group for patients with bipolar disorder. Qualitative data were assessed by the normalization process model (NPM). The results demonstrate feasibility of implementation with experienced clinicians, program coordination, and leadership support. Sustainability challenges include aftercare groups, space, and clinician time. The NPM provides a useful framework for evaluation of factors influencing the feasibility of psychotherapy delivery models.
Did Medicare's prospective payment system cause length of stay to fall?

Abstract It is well accepted that the Medicare Prospective Payment System caused average length of stay in United States hospitals to fall, but these calculations have been based on patients in short-stay, acute care hospitals. If one considers all patients covered by Medicare, length of stay rose between 1981 and 1984, although the 1985 value was below the 1981 value. The proximate cause was a marked increase in the proportion of patients staying more than 60 days in the hospital. The data are consistent with a shift of such patients from short-stay, acute care hospitals to other, exempt hospitals and units.
Theorizing business power in the semiperiphery: Mexico 1970-2000

This study explains why the power of neoliberal business over the Mexican state increased during the last three decades of the twentieth century. It identifies three sources of increased neoliberal business power that occurred in conjunction with neoliberal reforms: (1) active mobilization by neoliberal business, (2) increased access to the state by neoliberal business, and (3) increased economic power of neoliberal business. It thereby contributes additional evidence that counters the view of Mexico’s state neoliberalizers as acting autonomously from business. It further outlines two conditions that were instrumental in bringing about the increased power of neoliberal business: the onset of economic crisis in the 1970s, and a shift in foreign capital preferences in Mexico. The analysis demonstrates how Mexico’s sources and conditions of business power differed from those in advanced industrial societies, and outlines why the Mexican case may be a good starting point for devising a historically-contingent theory of business power in the semiperiphery.
Aspirin as Primary Prevention of Acute Coronary Heart Disease Events.

Aspirin for primary prophylaxis is controversial. This study evaluated associations between prophylactic aspirin use and incident acute coronary heart disease (CHD) events.The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study was accessed for aspirin use examining black and white hazards for incident CHD, for men and women, each adjusting incrementally for sampling, sociodemographics, and CHD risk factors. Stratified models examined risks across strata of the Framingham risk score, and all-cause mortality. 23,949 participants (mean 64 yo), had 503 incident events over a 3.5 year follow-up. Prophylactic aspirin use was not associated with incident acute CHD, HR 1.05 (95% CI 0.86, 1.29). Modeling had little impact on the HR (1.09 {95% CI 0.89, 1.33) nor did the addition of risk factors (HR 1.00 {95% CI 0.81, 1.23). Aspirin use was not associated with incident CHD for any Framingham risk level. Findings were similar when including all aspirin users (not just those taking aspirin prophylactically), and when examining associations with all-cause mortality. There was no excess hospitalized bleeding in the aspirin users.Aspirin was not associated with lower risk for incident acute CHD overall, or within race, gender, or Framingham Risk Score.
Fault Model of the 1891 Nobi Earthquake from Historic Triangulation and Leveling

The faulting associated with the 1891 Nobi earthquake, central Honshu, is re-examined on the basis of horizontal displacement vectors determined between the periods 1882/1899-1950/1961. These vectors are modelled in terms of two components: (1) strain accumulation and release along the Nankai Trough and Suruga Trough, and (2) postseismic relaxation following the 1891 earthquake. We assume a rheological model of the central Honshu crust and upper mantle consisting of a 33-km thick elastic lithosphere overlying a 130 km thick viscoelastic sublithosphere. The modelling demonstrates that the observed displacement vectors are dominated by post-seismic displacements following the Nobi earthquake. The Nukumi-Neodani faults are inferred to have accommodated 7-8 m of left lateral strike-slip displacement, in good agreement with those estimates based on the observed surface rupture. In addition, we identify two northeast-southwest trending blind thrust faults, together comprising a 70-km-long region of compressional deformation, each of which accommodated several meters of reverse slip during the Nobi earthquake. These thrust faults consist of a 20-km-long western segment and a 50-km-long eastern segment. The western thrust begins near the southern termination of the strike-slip faulting component, has shallow (31°) dip, is buried by 15 km and has a prominent coseismic signal in the leveling data. Examination of the topography east of Nagoya suggests that the eastern thrust is buried 5-10 km below the surface and represents the subterranean continuation of the exposed thrust fault on the eastern flank of the Kiso Range to the northeast. The model of strain accumulation and release includes the various effects of the 1854 Ansei and 1944 Tonankai earthquakes, as well as the effect of steady state Philippine Sea interplate convergence. A model consisting of only tectonic strain accumulation and release along the Philippine Sea interplate boundary provides a poor fit to the data. The modelling suggests that the 1944 rupture did not extend beyond the Atsumi Peninsula. The ob-served displacement vectors and an independent set of Suruga Bay uplift data contain a moderate signal due to 1854 postseismic displacements. Considering that this signal has tradeoffs with the slip accumulation rate in Suruga Bay, this enables us to constrain the central Honshu sublithospheric viscosity to lie near 2×1019 Pa·s.
C–O–H–S fluids and granitic magma: how S partitions and modifies CO2 concentrations of fluid-saturated felsic melt at 200 MPa

Hydrothermal volatile-solubility and partitioning experiments were conducted with fluid-saturated haplogranitic melt, H2O, CO2, and S in an internally heated pressure vessel at 900°C and 200 MPa; three additional experiments were conducted with iron-bearing melt. The run-product glasses were analyzed by electron microprobe, FTIR, and SIMS; and they contain ≤0.12 wt% S, ≤0.097 wt% CO2, and ≤6.4 wt% H2O. Apparent values of log f O2 for the experiments at run conditions were computed from the [(S6+)/(S6++S2−)] ratio of the glasses, and they range from NNO −0.4 to NNO + 1.4. The C–O–H–S fluid compositions at run conditions were computed by mass balance, and they contained 22–99 mol% H2O, 0–78 mol% CO2, 0–12 mol% S, and <3 wt% alkalis. Eight S-free experiments were conducted to determine the H2O and CO2 concentrations of melt and fluid compositions and to compare them with prior experimental results for C–O–H fluid-saturated rhyolite melt, and the agreement is excellent. Sulfur partitions very strongly in favor of fluid in all experiments, and the presence of S modifies the fluid compositions, and hence, the CO2 solubilities in coexisting felsic melt. The square of the mole fraction of H2O in melt increases in a linear fashion, from 0.05 to 0.25, with the H2O concentration of the fluid. The mole fraction of CO2 in melt increases linearly, from 0.0003 to 0.0045, with the CO2 concentration of C–O–H–S fluids. Interestingly, the CO2 concentration in melts, involving relatively reduced runs (log f O2 ≤ NNO + 0.3) that contain 2.5–7 mol% S in the fluid, decreases significantly with increasing S in the system. This response to the changing fluid composition causes the H2O and CO2 solubility curve for C–O–H–S fluid-saturated haplogranitic melts at 200 MPa to shift to values near that modeled for C–O–H fluid-saturated, S-free rhyolite melt at 150 MPa. The concentration of S in haplogranitic melt increases in a linear fashion with increasing S in C–O–H–S fluids, but these data show significant dispersion that likely reflects the strong influence of f O2 on S speciation in melt and fluid. Importantly, the partitioning of S between fluid and melt does not vary with the (H2O/H2O + CO2) ratio of the fluid. The fluid-melt partition coefficients for H2O, CO2, and S and the atomic (C/S) ratios of the run-product fluids are virtually identical to thermodynamic constraints on volatile partitioning and the H, S, and C contents of pre-eruptive magmatic fluids and volcanic gases for subduction-related magmatic systems thus confirming our experiments are relevant to natural eruptive systems.
Approximation of a laminated microstructure for a rotationally invariant, double well energy density

We give error estimates for the approximation of a laminated microstructure which minimizes the energy \(\int_\Omega \phi(\nabla v(x))\,dx\) for a rotationally invariant, double well energy density \(\phi(A)\). We present error estimates for the convergence of the deformation in \(L^2,\) the convergence of directional derivatives of the deformation in the “twin planes,” the weak convergence of the deformation gradient, the convergence of the microstructure (or Young measure) of the deformation gradients, and the convergence of nonlinear integrals of the deformation gradient.
Adolescent satisfaction with mental health services: development of a multidimensional scale

Abstract The goal of this study was to develop a multidimensional scale of adolescents’ satisfaction with mental health services with items derived from qualitative interviews with adolescents about their experiences in services. The self-report scale was completed by an ethnically diverse sample of 180 youth ages 13–18, randomly recruited from three out-patient service settings. Results indicate that the psychometric qualities of the scale are strong. Principal axes factoring was used to identify the following four factors of the scale: (1) counselor qualities; (2) meeting needs; (3) effectiveness; and (4) counselor conflict. The validity of the scale was supported in preliminary analyses of its relationship to established measures of client satisfaction and its relationship to reasons for terminating services. Suggestions for the potential clinical and research utility of the scale are discussed.
Incrementally applied multifaceted therapeutic bundles in neuroprotection clinical trials...time for change.

Resolution of complex clinical diseases is an extraordinarily difficult challenge. Using neurocritical care and stroke as one example, and the focus of this commentary, we know that efforts to discover effective neuroprotective therapies have met with only limited success. Over 475 completed clinical trials are listed on the Internet Stroke Trials Registry [1] with few reports of demonstrable efficacy in the acute context. Indeed, Donnan [2] in the 2007 Feinberg stroke lecture of the American Heart Association suggests:
Synthesis, structure, and characterization of two polyoxometalate–photosensitizer hybrid materials

Abstract Two hybrid materials based on the tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II), [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and Keggin-type polyoxometalates, [PW11O39]7− and [PW12O40]3−, namely, [Ru(bpy)3][K5PW11O39] (1) and [Ru(bpy)3][KPW12O40] (2) were synthesized. X-ray crystallographic study of the red-colored complex, 2, shows that it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn and the polyanions are associated with the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ counterions by Coulombic forces and supramolecular interactions. The molecular complex is further connected and forms a three-dimensional framework through C–H⋯OPOM and other weak interactions. These complexes were further characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis, 1H and 31P NMR, luminescent spectra and computational studies. Significantly, these combined spectroscopic studies show that these polyoxometalate–dye hybrids have strong electronic interactions between the cationic dye and polyanion units.
Acute toxicity in guinea pigs and rabbits of soot from a polychlorinated biphenyl-containing transformer fire.

Abstract A fire involving a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing transformer extensively contaminated the State Office Building in Binghamton, New York, with a sootlike material containing 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, and high concentrations of numerous other polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans, and PCBs. The oral LD50s of the soot and of its benzene extract, each administered to female guinea pigs in 0.75% aqueous methyl cellulose, were 410 mg of soot/kg and 327 mg of soot equivalent/kg, respectively. Serum triglycerides were elevated in males at 100 and 500 mg/kg and in females at 500 mg/kg. Alkaline phosphatase was lowered in females at 500 mg/kg. Histopathology revealed dose-related pancreatic duct hyperplasia and salivary gland duct metaplasia in males. Body weight loss was observed in both sexes at 500 mg/kg. Thymus weight decreased in both sexes at 100 and 500 mg/kg, and kidney weights decreased in males at these doses. Dermal application of soot to rabbits for 24 hr caused no overt toxicity, although hepatic centrilobular hypertrophy was observed in both sexes. Similar application of soot extract caused a local serous inflammation in addition to the hepatic centrilobular hypertrophy. The oral LD50 for 2,3,7,8-TCDD in female guinea pigs was 19 μg/kg in aqueous methyl cellulose and 2.5 μg/kg in corn oil. We concluded that the soot matrix alters the dermal but not the oral toxicity of its components, that the toxic effects were consistent with those reported after exposure to dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, and the aqueous vehicle markedly diminished the acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-TCDD relative to that in corn oil vehicle.
A Practical mechanical respirator, 1929: The “iron lung”

No satisfactory mechanical respirator existed before 1929, when Philip Drinker and Louis Shaw described an apparatus of their own design. This machine was in the form of a cylindrical tank enclosing the patient's body and chest, leaving the head outside the chamber under atmospheric pressure. Air pumps, later a bellows, raised and lowered pressure within the tank to assume the entire work of breathing. Popularly named the iron lung, the Drinker respirator supported thousands of patients afflicted with respiratory paralysis during the polio era. It was being superseded by positive-pressure airway ventilators just as the polio era came to a close. Today the Drinker respirator has disappeared virtually without a trace. Although its disadvantage was its cumbersome size, we must concede that it supported patients over the long term with fewer complications than do the respirators of today.
Further studies on formate incorporation by leukemic blood cells.

SummaryExperiments have been carried out which demonstrate that leukemic cells immobilized in a cellophane bag implanted in the abdominal cavity of a host mouse incorporate C14-formate much more rapidly than do normal lymphocytes.
High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of dansyl-polyammines

Abstract This paper describes a fast reliable, and a sensitive technique for the separation and quantification of dansylated polyamines by high-performance liquid chromatography. Using a small 33 × 4.6 mm I.D., 3 μm particle size, C18 reversed-phase cartridge column and a linear gradient of acetonitrile—heptanesulfonate (10 mM, Ph 3.4), at a flow-rate of 2.5 ml/min, the retention time for different polyamines was: N8-acetyl-spermidine, 1.79 min; N1-acetylspermidine, 1.82 min;putrescine, 2.26 min; cadaverine, 2.43 min; heptanediamine, 2.83 min; spermidine, 3.42 min; and spermine, 4.41 min. With an additional column regeneration time of 3—4 min, the complete cycle per sample took less than 8 min at room temperture. Using a fluorescence detector, the lower limit of detection was less than 1 pmol per 6 μl injection volume. The fluorescence response was linear up to 200 pmol per 6 μl for each polyamine. The method is suitable for separation of polyamines from animal, plant and fungal sources.
Green IT: serving multiple purposes

Data centers require 40 times the energy requirements of a regular office. Projections show that IT growth will continue to increase, with annual network growth at 45%. Increased energy demand in IT is growing rapidly as the world becomes more industrialized. Increasing energy demands results in an increase in both costs and global warming. To be competitive and a good world citizen means reducing IT energy costs.This poster discusses teaching materials to prepare the educator and the student in this relevant topic. Teaching this subject helps to achieve five ABET program goals, including ethics and local/global impact. It also enables students to experiment with electricity, graphs, and a lab report.
Defect-assisted plasmonic crystal sensor

We demonstrate enhanced sensitivity of a nanostructured plasmonic sensor that utilizes resonance in intentional structural defects within a plasmonic crystal. The measured sensitivity of the fabricated nanosensor is ∼500 nm/RIU showing improvement over traditional nanohole array sensors. Furthermore, the defects provide an additional design parameter to increase sensitivity by engineering plasmon lifetime.
Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and/or Beta Blockers on the Cardiomyopathy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Cardiomyopathy is a consequence of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Suggested treatments include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or β blockers (BBs), but few large series have been reported. We present 42 patients with DMD and cardiomyopathy treated with an ACE inhibitor or an ACE inhibitor plus a BB. Serial echocardiograms were recorded. Adequate ejection fractions (EFs) were obtained at initiation of therapy (EF t test and linear regression. Before ACE inhibition, patients (n = 22) demonstrated decreased EF over time (r 2 = 0.23). At ACE inhibitor therapy initiation, mean age was 14.1 ± 4.6 years and mean EF was 44.2 ± 6.8%. BB therapy was used in 24 of 42 patients. Mean age for the ACE inhibitor + BB group was 15.7 ± 3.9 years. The 2 groups showed significant improvement (p
Analysis of ligand-binding to the kringle 4 fragment from human plasminogen

The interaction of the isolated human plasminogen kringle 4 with the four ω-amino acid ligands e-aminocaproic acid (eACA), Nα-acetyl-l-lysine (AcLys), trans-aminomethyl(cyclohexane)carboxylic acid (AMCHA) and p-benzylaminesulfonic acid (BASA) has been further characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy at 300 and 600 MHz. Pronounced high-field shifts, reaching ∼ 3 ppm, are observed for AMCHA resonances upon binding to kringle 4, which underscores the relevance of ligand lipophilic interactions with aromatic side chains at the binding site. Ligand titration curves for the nine His and Trp singlets found in the kringle 4 aromatic spectrum reveal a striking uniformity in the kringle response to the various ligands. The average binding curves exhibit a clear Langmuir absorption isotherm saturation profile and the data were analyzed under the assumption of one (high affinity) binding site per kringle. Equilibrium association constants (Ka) and first order dissociation rate constants (koff) were derived from linearized expressions of the Langmuir isotherm and of the spectral line-shapes, respectively. The results for the four ligands, at ∼295 K, pH* 7.2, indicate that: (a) AMCHA exhibits the strongest binding (Ka=159 mM-1) and eACA the weakest (Ka=21 mM−1) with AcLys and BASA falling in between; (b) eACA dissociates readily (koff = 5.3 × 103 s−1) and AMCHA associates the fastest (koff = 2.0 × 108M−1 s−1) while the kinetics for BASA exchange is relatively slow (koff = 0.8 × 103 s−1, kon = 0.6 × 108M−1s−1); (c) the ligand-binding kinetics is close to diffussion-controlled.
Angiotensin II enhances tubuloglomerular feedback via luminal AT1 receptors on the macula densa

Angiotensin II enhances tubuloglomerular feedback via luminal AT 1 receptors on the macula densa. Background Recent studies have revealed angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT 1 ) receptors on macula densa cells, raising the possibility that angiotensin II (Ang II) could enhance tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) by affecting macula densa cell function. We hypothesized that Ang II enhances TGF via activation of AT 1 receptors on the luminal membrane of the macula densa. Methods Rabbit afferent arterioles and the attached macula densa were simultaneously microperfused in vitro, keeping pressure in the afferent arteriole at 60mm Hg. Results The afferent arteriole diameter was measured while the macula densa was perfused with low NaCl (Na + , 5 mmol/L; Cl - , 3 mmol/L) and then with high NaCl (Na + , 79 mmol/L; Cl - , 77 mmol/L) to induce a TGF response. When TGF was induced in the absence of Ang II, the afferent arteriole diameter decreased by 2.4 ± 0.5 μm (from 17.3 ± 1.0 to 14.9 ± 1.2 μm). With Ang II (0.1 nmol/L) present in the lumen of the macula densa, the diameter decreased by 3.8 ± 0.7 μm (from 17.3 ± 1.0 to 13.5 ± 1.2 μm, P N = 8). To test whether Ang II enhances TGF via activation of AT 1 receptors on the luminal membrane of the macula densa, Ang II plus losartan (1 μmol/L) was added to the lumen. Losartan itself did not alter TGF. When TGF was induced in the absence of Ang II and losartan, the afferent arteriole diameter decreased by 2.3 ± 0.3 μm (from 15.9 ± 1.0 to 13.6 ± 1.2 μm). When Ang II and losartan were both present in the macula densa perfusate, the diameter decreased by 2.4 ± 0.4 μm (from 15.8 ± 0.9 to 13.4 ± 0.7 μm, P N = 7). We then examined whether AT 2 receptors on the macula densa influence the effect of luminal Ang II on TGF. When TGF was induced in the absence of Ang II plus PD 0123319-0121B (1 μmol/L), the afferent arteriole diameter decreased by 2.4 ± 0.2 μm (from 17.0 ± 0.9 to 14.6 ± 0.8 μm). When Ang II and PD 0123319-0121B were both present in the macula densa lumen, the diameter decreased by 3.9 ± 0.2 μm (from 16.8 ± 0.9 to 12.9 ± 0.9 μm, P N = 8). PD 0123319-0121B itself had no effect on TGF. To assure that this effect of Ang II was not due to leakage into the bath, losartan was added to the bath. When TGF was induced in the absence of Ang II with losartan in the bath, the afferent arteriole diameter decreased by 2.8 ± 0.5 μm (from 19.3 ± 1.2 to 16.5 ± 0.8 μm). After Ang II was added to the macula densa perfusate and losartan to the bath, the diameter decreased by 4.0 ± 0.7 μm (from 18.9 ± 1.1 to 14.9 ± 0.5 μm, P N = 8). Conclusions These results demonstrate that Ang II enhances TGF via activation of AT 1 receptors on the luminal membrane of the macula densa.
Father-son testicular (teratocarcinoma)malignancy

A case report of father-son testicular cancers, both teratocarcinomas, is presented and genetic considerations discussed.
Interactions with big data analytics

Increasingly in the 21st century, our daily lives leave behind a detailed digital record: our shifting thoughts and opinions shared on Twitter, our social relationships, our purchasing habits, our information seeking, our photos and videos—even the movements of our bodies and cars. Naturally, for those interested in human behavior, this bounty of personal data is irresistible. Decision makers of all kinds, from company executives to government agencies to researchers and scientists, would like to base their decisions and actions on this data. In response, a new discipline of big data analytics is forming. Fundamentally, big data analytics is a workflow that distills terabytes of low-value data (e.g., every tweet) down to, in some cases, a single bit of high-value data (Should Company X acquire Company Y? Can we reject the null hypothesis?).
A Satellite Analysis of Deep Convection, Upper-Tropospheric Humidity, and the Greenhouse Effect

Abstract This paper combines satellite measurements of the upwelling 6.7-μm radiance from TOVS with cloud-property information from ISCCP and outgoing longwave radiative fluxes from ERBE to analyze the climatological interactions between deep convection, upper-tropospheric humidity, and atmospheric greenhouse trapping. The satellite instruments provide unmatched spatial and temporal coverage, enabling detailed examination of regional, seasonal, and interannual variations between these quantities. The present analysis demonstrates that enhanced tropical convection is associated with increased upper-tropospheric relative humidity. The positive relationship between deep convection and upper-tropospheric humidity is observed for both regional and temporal variations, and is also demonstrated to occur over a wide range of space and time scales. Analysis of ERBE outgoing longwave radiation measurements indicates that regions or periods of increased upper-tropospheric moisture are strongly correlated with an enh...
11 Modifier Genes in the Pathogenesis of Congenital Heart Disease.

Introduction. Mutations of the transcription factor Nkx2–5 cause serious congenital heart disease (CHD) in man, but only minor abnormalities have been reported in heterozygous knockout mice (Nkx2–5+/−). The incidental discovery of a large VSD in one mouse suggested the hypothesis that Nkx2–5+/− mice do develop significant CHD, the pathogenesis of which is determined in part by modifier genes. Methods. Nkx2–5+/− mice in the C57Bl/6 background were crossed to the FVB/n or A/J strain to test for effects of mixed genetic backgrounds. The F1 progeny were intercrossed or crossed back to C57Bl/6 to determine patterns of inheritance of modifier genes in the F2 progeny. Neonatal hearts were serially sectioned to identify congenital heart defects. Results. Nkx2–5+/− and wild-type mice in the C57Bl/6 background deviated from the expected Mendelian distribution (n = 654; p = 0.003); 15–20% of the heterozygotes were missing at weaning. Of 23 Nkx2–5+/− C57Bl/6 near-term or newborn hearts two had moderate to large VSDs, and one had aortic coarctation, which would cause perinatal lethality. Five had ASDs. In contrast, the exact Mendelian ratio was obtained from a C57Bl/6 x FVB/n cross (N=545), and Nkx2–5+/− F1 hearts were all structurally normal (N=29). In the C57Bl/6 x A/J F1 progeny, 2/41 Nkx2–5+/− hearts had ASDs. In the C57Bl/6 x FVB/n F2 back- and intercrosses, 8 VSDs but no ASDs were found among ∼150 Nkx2–5+/− hearts. In the C57Bl/6 x A/J F2 back- and intercrosses, 2 VSDs but no ASDs were found among 28 hearts. Wild-type hearts in all strain backgrounds were normal (N=50). Conclusion. Nkx2–5 mutation can cause significant CHD in humans and mice. Inbred strain crosses indicate that modifier genes affect the pathogenesis. The results suggest that homozygosity of a C57Bl/6 allele, which is polymorphic in FVB/n, contributes to the development of VSDs, whereas multiple modifier genes are involved in ASDs. The same or an entirely different VSD locus may also be polymorphic between C57Bl/6 and A/J. The ASD modifiers are polymorphic between C57Bl/6 and FVB/n and identical or similar between C57Bl/6 and A/J. The relative number of genes involved can explain why VSDs are more common than ASDs or other types of heart defects in man.
Outbreak of Smut Caused by Tilletia maclaganii on Cultivated Switchgrass in Iowa

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a prairie grass native to Iowa, is cultivated for forage and biomass production. During the late 1990s, biomass and seed yields of switchgrass grown in southern Iowa began to decline, and the reduction has been attributed to unidentified diseases. In 1999, many plants in previously low-yielding fields were stunted and flowered prematurely. Glumes had an uncharacteristic purple pigmentation, and seeds had been replaced by fungal spores. A smut fungus identified as Tilletia maclaganii (Berk.) G.P. Clinton (1) was associated consistently with fields that yielded poorly. Teliospores were red-orange when immature and turned dark brown as they matured. Teliospores were globose to slightly irregular, ≈18 to 25 µm in diameter, finely verrucose, with a thick exospore. True sterile cells also were present. T. maclaganii infects switchgrass and has been reported previously in Iowa (2), although it is found only occasionally on the state's native switchgrass. The prevalence and inci...
Critical Thermal Maximum of Juvenile Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) Reared for Summer Stocking in Texas

The critical thermal maximum of juvenile spotted seatrout (SL range 18–33 mm) was determined using a temperature increase of +0.26°C per hour. The critical thermal maximum (water temperature that was lethal to 50% of the test fish [LT50]) for trial 1 was LT50 = 38.8°C, LT50 = 39.4°C for trial 2, and LT50 = 38.9°C for trial 3. Critical thermal maximums differed significantly (P < 0.05) between trials 2 and 3, whereas trial 1 did not differ among trials. This difference correlated with body size, where fish in trial 2 were significantly larger (P < 0.05) (mean = 27.6 ± 2.0 mm in SL) (mean ± SE) than the fish of trials 1 (mean = 23.1 ± 0.5 mm in SL) and 3 (mean = 21.5 ± 0.7 mm in SL), suggesting positive size dependence in the critical thermal maximum.
Bonding of Phosphinidene or Arsenidene Fragments to a Fluorenylidene. Interrelationships between Phosphaalkenes or Arsaalkenes and Donor-Acceptor Complexes.

The fluorenylidene-substituted phosphaalkene Mes*PFl* (13) and arsaalkene Mes*AsFl* (14) (Mes* = 2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2, Fl* = 2,7-di-tert-butylfluorenylidene) have been prepared by treatment of Fl*(H)Li with Mes*ECl2 (E = P, As) followed by dehydrochlorination with DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane). In the synthesis of 13 it was possible to isolate the intermediate, Mes*(Cl)P−(H)Fl* (11). Attempts to prepare the stibaalkene, Mes*SbFl* (15), resulted in an unstable product. Compounds 11, 13, and 14 were characterized by X-ray crystallography: 11, triclinic, P1, a = 11.548(2) A, b = 12.189(3) A, c = 14.223(3) A, α = 114.13(1)°, β = 92.79(1)°, γ = 107.14(1)°, V = 1712.8(2) A3, Z = 2, wR2 = 0.1344, R1 = 0.0560; 13, monoclinic, P21/n, a = 24.597(7) A, b = 11.185(2) A, c = 26.914(7) A, β = 112.16(2)°, V = 6857(3) A3, Z = 8, wR2= 0.1477, R1 = 0.0794; 14·Et2O, monoclinic, P21/n, a = 15.577(4) A, b = 15.274(4) A, c = 17.255(5) A, β = 108.17(2)°, V = 3901(2) A3, Z = 4, wR2= 0.1275, R1 = 0.0578. The PC (1.686(5) A) ...
Status Rivalry and Cultural Evolution in Polynesia

CULTURAL evolution, to rephrase Maitland's classic remark, will be history or nothing. If it is to be history, its proper focus is the culture area, or to be more precise, the comparative study of culture areas. A culture area comprises historically related societies each showing significant variations from a common area pattern. In these variations-their nature, origin, and direction-are revealed the basic processes of cultural development in the area, that is, its cultural evolution. It is from a comparison of culture areas rather than from the comparative study of historically unrelated societies that the more general and more meaningful laws of development may emerge. Boas (1896) was the first to suggest such a comparative procedure as a way to avoid the pitfalls into which the old comparative method had led the nineteenthcentury evolutionists. For a number of reasons, Polynesia is a particularly suitable area for sutch a comparative study.2 Since the area was populated rather late, perhaps within the last 3,000 years (Spoehr 1952), its underlying historical unity is still abundantly clear-even linguistic variations are relatively minor (Elbert 1953). At the same time, Polynesian cultures vary in a continuous series from the "simple" atoll societies of Ontong Java and Pukapuka to the highly organized "feudal" kingdoms of Hawaii. These variations suggest an evolutionary sequence, which is borne out by evidence from tribal historical traditions (presumably reliable for comparatively recent events) and from other sources. The present paper takes as its starting point the dominant values of Polynesian culture, those involving concern with social status. Polynesian society is founded upon social inequality and, despite an aristocratic doctrine of hereditary rank, permits its members to compete for position, for prestige, and for power. In one way or another, then, the history of every Polynesian society has been affected by status rivalry, and under the proper conditions the effects of this rivalry have been felt in every vital center of the culture. Rivalry raises issues and provokes conflicts that can never be fully resolved. It promotes a sequence of culture changes that take their character and direction in part from the momentum of status rivalry itself and in part from the particular physical and cultural setting of each island. Thus, the differing ecologies of atolls and high islands, variations in population density, varieties of subsistence techniques, levels of economic productivity, systems of property relations, the role of migrations and military conquests, diffusion, and, finally, the specific historical "accidents" that occur in wars, migrations, and contests for power-all influence and are in turn influenced by the dominant motive of status rivalry. Many facets of culture, on the other hand, are only barely
Exploring the Impact of Cultural Value Orientations on Market Mavenism and Opinion Leadership

Market mavens and opinion leaders are two key types of consumer influentials. The focus of this research is to extend their predictor characteristics by drawing on the four-way horizontal and vertical individualism-collectivism typology. The theoretical and practical contributions of this study are established by the findings based on the survey data collected from 313 online consumer panelists in the United States. Market mavenism and opinion leadership were independent yet moderately related concepts. Vertical individualism and horizontal collectivism were significant predictors of both market mavenism and opinion leadership while horizontal individualism affected only market mavenism. Vertical collectivism did not predict either type of consumer influentials. Interaction with service employees moderated the relationships between horizontal collectivism and market mavenism and between vertical individualism and opinion leadership.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CHLORELLA PYRENOIDOSA AS AFFECTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

A B S T R A C T Chlorella pyrenoidosa (van Niel's strain) was cuLltured in four environmental conditions: lightglucose, light-galactose, dark-glucose, and dark-galactose. The gradtual change in structture was observed when the cultures were transferred from light to darkness (dark adaptation). Cells grown in light contained well-developed chloroplasts and the normal cytoplasmic sub-units. During the transition to the complete heterotrophic mode of nutrition, the chloroplast regressed to the proplastid stage with a gradual reduction in thylakoid number. A prolamellar body was noted in the most regressed proplastid condition and plastid storage material was observed in all stages. The cell wall thickened during the transition. Cells adapted to darkness on galactose exhibited abundant cytoplasmic storage material with osmiophilic properties. SOME MICROORGANISMS do not grow in continuous darkness. Wetherell (1958) reported that certain blue-green algae, diatoms, green algae, and photosynthetic bacteria failed to grow in dark
Hilbert Class Fields of Real Biquadratic Fields

Abstract For real biquadratic fields, the class number formula shows that in many cases the Hilbert class field contains more than the compositum of the class fields of its quadratic subfields. In the case K = Q (√ p , √ d ) with p prime, we construct some of these "missing" extensions and often we obtain the full Hilbert 2-class field. We also construct the Hilbert 2-class field of a real biquadratic field whose ideal class group is isomorphic to ( Z /4 Z ) 2 , a case where the above methods do not apply.
Unanticipated consequences of using behavior technology

Abstract Behavior technologies provide systematic techniques for changing people's behavior. For the most part, these changes are accomplished by controlling people's responses. This article presents evidence that behavior technology reduces the perceived autonomy of persons subject to its influence. Such perceptions, in turn, inadvertently cause controllers and users of behavior technology to evaluate persons subject to the technology's influence less favorably. Research from field and laboratory studies in such diverse areas as leadership training, attitude change, psychotherapy, and the routinization of work provides evidence in support of this view. Theoretical and ethical implications of these findings are discussed.
MULTITEMPERATURE BLACKBODY SPECTRA OF THIN ACCRETION DISKS WITH AND WITHOUT A ZERO-TORQUE INNER BOUNDARY CONDITION

The standard spectral model for analyzing the soft component of thermal emission from a thin accretion disk around a black hole is the multitemperature blackbody model. The widely used implementation of this model, which is known as diskbb, assumes nonzero torque at the inner edge of the accretion disk. This assumption is contrary to the classic and current literature on thin-disk accretion, which advocates the use of a zero-torque boundary condition. Consequently, we have written code for a zero-torque model, ezdiskbb, which we compare to the nonzero-torque model diskbb by fitting Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer spectra of three well-known black hole binaries: 4U 1543-47, XTE J1550-564, and GRO J1655-40. The chief difference we find is that the zero-torque model gives a value for the inner disk radius that is ≈2.2 times smaller than the value given by diskbb. This result has important implications, especially for the determination of black hole angular momentum and mass accretion rate.
LEARNING BY DOING IN THE PRESENCE OF AN OPEN ACCESS RENEWABLE RESOURCE: IS GROWTH SUSTAINABLE?

. We examine the relationship between growth, resource abundance and trade when the natural resource is renewable and open access and there is inter-industry learning by doing. We find growth is not sustainable in the closed economy and can be sustained in the open economy only so long as the labor forced engaged in resource extraction shrinks over time. Comparisons of steady state welfare in autarky and free trade reveal that for very high or low world prices of the resource-based good, it is possible for the economy to gain from trade. However if the price is intermediate, it may instead lose.
Variable-length encoding of fixed-rate Markov sources for fixed-rate channels

The problem of buffer overflow in variable-length-to-block and block-to-variable-length coding of fixed-rate finite-state homogeneous Markov sources for transmission through fixed:rate noiseless channels is investigated. Asymptotically optimal converging upper and lower bounds on the probability of overflow are derived. They decrease exponentially with the buffer size B . The least rates R(\gamma) that achieve exponents \gamma for both coding methods are obtained, as are the corresponding optimal word assignments. It is shown that for the class of state-calculable sources, variable-length-to-block and block-to-variable-length rates R(\gamma) are equal.
Production of a stream shredder, Peltoperla maria (Plecoptera: Peltoperlidae) in disturbed and undisturbed hardwood catchments

SUMMARY. (1) The average benthic density of Peltoperla maria in an undisturbed southern Appalachian stream was more than twice that of a nearby stream draining a previously clear-cut catchment in its tenth year of natural secondary succession. (2) Peltoperla production estimates, using three methods, do not show a significant difference in production between streams draining the two catchments. We attribute these results to quicker growth and slightly higher densities of larger nymphs in the disturbed stream. Production estimates for the disturbed stream ranged from 498 to 560 mg (ash free dry weight) nT2 y"1 while those for the undisturbed stream were 414-515 mg m~2 y"1. (3) Our results reinforce the view that conclusions based solely upon numerical densities may lead, to erroneus interpretations about the roles organisms play in ecosystems. (4) Annual frass production by this shredder is about 20 times (10 g m~2 y"1) the secondary production of P. maria.
A large font virtual terminal interface: a software prosthesis for the visually impaired

A large font software interface running under UNIX1is of great assistance to the severely visually impaired in the interactive use of computers. The interface, which functions as a virtual terminal as far as other processes are concerned, displays all characters (both user and system generated) at user-selectable degrees of magnification, yet is compatible with any standard CRT/keyboard terminal.
A seven-day study of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous levetiracetam in neonates: marked changes in pharmacokinetics occur during the first week of life

A seven-day study of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous levetiracetam in neonates: marked changes in pharmacokinetics occur during the first week of life
Analysis of Voyager images of Europa: plasma bombardment

Voyager-derived data on the albedos of Europa are presently photometrically corrected and converted into average, single-scattering form, in order to analyze them as a function of angular distance from the apex of orbital motion. A hypothesized magnetospheric modification of the Europa surface is confirmed by the UV absorption found in the 0.35-micron filter data; this absorption directly correlates with the longitudinal ion implantation distribution in both terrain types. A 'red' spectrum is found in both terrain types as well, and is found to be constant across the surface. A uniform increase is noted in the 'dark' terrain absorption over that in the 'bright' terrain.
Custom-built moments for edge location

We present a general construction of functions whose moments serve to locate and parametrize step edges within an image. Previous use of moments to locate edges was limited to functions supported on a circular region, but our method allows the use of "custom-designed" functions supported on circles, rectangles, or any desired shape, and with graphs whose shape may be chosen with great freedom. We present analyses of the sensitivity of our method to pixelization errors or discrepancy between the image and an idealized edge model. The parametric edge description yielded by our method makes it especially suitable as a component of wedgelet image coding.