cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angular Distributions and Total Cross Sections of Charged Particles from Li 6 + Li 6 as a Function of Energy

The ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$+${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ reaction has been studied at 13 incident energies between 2.4 and 9.0 MeV, using a $\frac{\mathrm{dE}}{\mathrm{dx}}\ensuremath{-}E$ particle identification system and an on-line computer. Total cross sections and angular distributions were obtained for protons from the first 12 levels of ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$, deuterons from the first 5 $T=0$ levels in ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$, and tritons from the ${\mathrm{B}}^{9}$ ground state. Noticeable variations in the proton angular distributions as a function of bombarding energy and indications of a ($2J+1$) dependence of the proton cross sections as the bombarding energy was increased are indicative of compound nucleus effects. On the other hand, in the deuteron results, the dominant reaction mechanism is the transfer of an alpha particle. This process is favored for the residual states which are formed by ${l}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=0$ transfer. There is no evidence for strong structure in the yield curves for the deuteron groups from one energy to the next. Simple considerations of the transfer as a tunneling process, possibly modified by the presence of a long-range effective interaction, adequately describe the deuteron cross sections. Measurements were made on the ground-state deuteron group at a bombarding energy corresponding to measurements on the inverse reaction, ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}(d, {\mathrm{Li}}^{6}){\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$, and the angular distribution and total cross section are in good agreement. The differential cross-section ratio of the 16.62- to 16.92-MeV levels in the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}({\mathrm{Li}}^{6}, \ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ reaction was also measured and found to be 1.20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 and constant as a function of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ energy.
Information about group matrices

Abstract Each ordering for the elements of a finite group G of order n defines a corresponding class of group matrices for G . First, this paper proves that the number of distinct classes of group matrices for G equals ( n − 1)!/ m , where m is the number of automorphisms of G . Then, a study is made of a block-diagonal reduction for the group matrices of any particular class.
Teacher attitudes about classroom conditions

Purpose – This research was designed to investigate the possible relationship between the attitudes, teachers have about the condition of their classrooms when the classrooms were independently assessed. Previous research reported teachers in unsatisfactory classrooms felt frustrated and neglected to such an extent that they sometimes reported they were willing to leave the teaching profession. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – Eleven high schools in which the principals state the buildings are in unsatisfactory condition are identified and matched with 11 schools assessed as being in satisfactory condition. The My Classroom Appraisal Protocol© (MCAP) is used to gather impressions and attitudes of teachers. The MCAP is entered into the internet, and teachers in the selected schools are asked to voluntarily complete the instrument and submit it electronically.Findings – The differences between the responses of teachers in satisfactory buildings are significantly differen...
Identification of a cryptic t(5;7) reciprocal translocation by fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) identified a cryptic balanced reciprocal translocation in the mother of an infant with the cri-du-chat syndrome. A biotinylated probe from a flow-sorted chromosome 5 cosmid library was used to show the distal deletion of 5p15.2 in the propositus and a translocation of this segment to the distal end of 7 at 7p21 in his mother. In a subsequent pregnancy, the fetus was shown to have normal chromosomes using the same 5 cosmid library probe and a locus-specific probe derived from the 5p15.3 region. The importance of incorporating FISH into the routine diagnostic laboratory is discussed. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spectral decomposition of random fields defined over the generalized Cantor set

Abstract Solutions of a set of homogeneous Fredholm integral equations that appear in field analyses on approximations of fractal sets are presented. If the support is a stochastic fractal, then the field will inherit this property. A simple representation of such functions in terms of a basis is desirable. A solution to this problem is provided by the Karhunen–Loeve decomposition of stochastic functions with known covariance. In the problem at hand, the covariance is defined by the fractal nature of the support. Here we provide a rule by which the spectral decomposition of the covariance is evaluated for any iteration/scale of a generalized Cantor set. This problem is identical to the solution of a Fredholm equation of second kind.
The impact of delayed graft function of the kidney on the pancreas allograft in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation.

It is unclear whether delayed graft function (DGF) of the kidney has any influence on pancreas graft function following simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT). A subgroup analysis was conducted using data from a multicenter study to determine the impact of DGF of the kidney on pancreas graft function following SKPT. Methods. Of the 297 SKPT patients, 24 (8%) had DGF of the kidney, defined as the need for dialysis during the first week posttransplant. Clinical parameters including patient and graft survival, incidence of acute rejection, and pancreas and renal function were compared between patients with and without DGF at 1 week, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant. Results. Demographic and transplant characteristics were similar between the two groups except for longer kidney and pancreas cold ischemia times, more males, and more primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) exposure in the DGF group (P <.05). No differences were seen in patient and graft survival rates, but the incidence of acute renal rejection was higher in patients with DGF (42%) than in those without DGF (15%, P =.001). More patients with DGF (25%) received oral hypoglycemic agents at 1-year posttransplant than in those without DGF (5%, P <.01). At 1 year, the mean serum creatinine was 1.8 mg/dL and 1.4 mg/dL in patients with and without DGF, respectively (P <.01). Conclusions. Patients with DGF of the kidney had a higher incidence of acute renal rejection and received oral hypoglycemic agents more often during the first year posttransplant compared to those who did not have DGF following SKPT.
Activation of Intestinal Guanylate Cyclase by Heat-Stable Enterotoxin of Escherichia coli: Studies of Tissue Specificity, Potential Receptors, and Intermediates

Heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) of Escherichia coli increased guanylate cyclase activity in homogenates of rat and rabbit intestinal mucosa and stimulated intestinal fluid secretion in suckling mice. The ST effect on guanylate cyclase was dose-dependent, occurred without a time lag, and was confined to the particulate fraction. ST activation of guanylate cyclase was tissue-specific; ST did not alter activity of soluble or particulate rat liver, lung, heart, kidney, or cerebral cortex enzyme. The ST activity on guanylate cyclase and secretion was methanol-soluble and alkali-labile, and its effects were not altered by phentolamine, propranolol, or atropine. Monosialoganglioside did not reduce ST-induced secretion. However, indomethacin and butylated hydroxyanisole decreased the ST effect on both guanylate cyclase and secretion. Fluid secretion with ST sppears to result from specific activation of particulate intestinal guanylate cyclase. While adrenergic and cholinergic events are probably not involved in this process, the effects of ST may be mediated through prostaglandin synthesis or oxidative mechnanisms.
An approach to probability using the concept of area

The author presents an intuitive approach to elementary concepts in probability using some of the familiar concepts already mastered by students of the sixth grade.
Influence of freezing rate changes on MnBiBi eutectic microstructure

In an attempt to explain the influence of space processing on the microstructure of MnBi-Bi, eutectic mixtures were directionally solidified with a sudden change of translation rate. The MnBi fiber spacing was able to adapt to the changing freezing rate as predicted by heat transfer computations. Thus the microstructure adapts more rapidly than the freezing rate could be changed in the present experiments.
Frictional Characteristics and Tissue Loss of Articular Cartilage Under a Novel Wear Regime

Degenerative joint disease, age, and trauma lead to progressive articular cartilage damage due to the tissue’s limited repair capabilities. Numerous clinical repair techniques with varying degrees of success have been developed in order to repair damaged tissue and restore joint function. One approach is the development of articular cartilage repair tissue to implant into the damaged or diseased articular surface. Determining the viability of an articular repair technique or tissue under in vivo stresses and wear is crucial to predict its success.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Cyclosporine in lamellar ichthyosis.

• In an open trial, five patients with lamellar ichthyosis showed no response to four weeks of treatment with oral cyclosporine (cyclosporine A) (6 mg/kg/d). Histologic examination of lamellar ichthyosis revealed hyperkeratosis; psoriasiform acanthosis; dilated, tortuous capillaries; and a slight perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Immunofluorescence studies revealed, in the epidermis, normal numbers of T6+DR+ Langerhans' cells and an absence of T cells and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. In the papillary dermis, there were prominent capillaries as detected by staining with anti-factor VIII-related antigen. The endothelial cells also expressed large amounts of HLA-DR and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, suggesting that they were activated. Only occasional Langerhans' cells were found in the dermis. Histologic and immunofluorescence findings were unchanged with cyclosporine therapy. The effects of cyclosporine on lamellar ichthyosis are contrasted with those reported for psoriasis. Since lamellar ichthyosis and psoriasis share similar features of epidermal hyperproliferation and the presence of activated, dilated, tortuous vessels, but differ in the lack of immunologic cellular activity, their contrasting response to cyclosporine suggests that the target of the action of cyclosporine is the immune system rather than the keratinocyte or the endothelium. However, other factors may have to be considered. ( Arch Dermatol 1989;125:511-514)
Modernization and Status Change Among Aged Men and Women

This study investigates the differences between the relationship between elderly occupational status and modernization for men and women. Consonant with previous findings [1], it finds that economic development is associated with relative losses of elderly men in professional and technical occupations. Augmenting those findings, however, it finds an even stronger association between development and such losses for women. In accounting for the differences, several explanations are advanced and tested, using data from fifty-one nations.
Pacific Islander American students: Caught between a rock and a hard place?

Abstract As a part of a community action plan for assisting Pacific Islander American high school students and their parents in navigating the educational system and building on previous studies on Pacific Islander youth [Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Godinet, M. (2008). Family and culture and the Samoan youth. Journal of Family Social Work, 11(3), 229–253.], this article discusses the perspective of Pacific Islander American students and their parents regarding family, culture and community, school, and peer/social relations-based risk and protective factors for academic achievements and risk for school dropout. Also explored in this study was their perspective on programmatic means by which to prevent school dropout. Study participants included Pacific Islander American youth and parents in one school located in a western U.S. state. Data were collected via focus groups. Results indicate that family relationships and dynamics, parental expectations, community and cultural duality, commitment to school, and peer relations serve as sources of risk and/or protection for educational achievement and risk for school dropout. Programmatic means such as availability of study hall, tutoring, incentive programs, and access to higher educational information were identified as necessary for school achievement and prevention of school dropout. Theory building, implications for research and policy and practice are also discussed.
Computer Aided Simulation and Prototype Experiment on Nanocoated Products

The material damages in aerospace industry caused by correction can be detected in many different products including welded and bolted areas in aircraft and jet engines. The corrosion occurs when different conducted materials contact to each other in electrolyte media and different conducted materials present potential difference that causes rusting. The rusting problems in products lead both safety issues and billions of dollar loss in different businesses including aerospace industry. This paper studies the rusting mechanism and anti-corrosive coatings by applying computational simulation and prototype experiment. Both computer-aided analysis and sample testing demonstrated similar results which confirm the feasibility of analytic methodology introduced in this research paper. Keywords: Nanotechnology, computer-aided analysis, nanocoating control, anti-corrosion, simulation modeling
Semi-Empirical Validation of the Cross-Band Relative Absorption Technique for the Measurement of Molecular Mixing Ratios

Studies were performed to carry out semi-empirical validation of a new measurement approach we propose for molecular mixing ratios determination. The approach is based on relative measurements in bands of O2 and other molecules and as such may be best described as cross band relative absorption (CoBRA). . The current validation studies rely upon well verified and established theoretical and experimental databases, satellite data assimilations and modeling codes such as HITRAN, line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM), and the modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications (MERRA). The approach holds promise for atmospheric mixing ratio measurements of CO2 and a variety of other molecules currently under investigation for several future satellite lidar missions. One of the advantages of the method is a significant reduction of the temperature sensitivity uncertainties which is illustrated with application to the ASCENDS mission for the measurement of CO2 mixing ratios (XCO2). Additional advantages of the method include the possibility to closely match cross-band weighting function combinations which is harder to achieve using conventional differential absorption techniques and the potential for additional corrections for water vapor and other interferences without using the data from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
MITRE-Bedford: description of the ALEMBIC system as used for MUC-4

The ALEMBIC text understanding system fielded at MUC-4 by MITRE-Bedford is primarily based on natural language techniques. ALEMBIC is a research prototype that is intended to explore several major areas of investigation:• Error recovery, involving primarily issues of semi-parsing and recovery of plausible attachments.• Robustness, involving primarily issues of uncertain reasoning and tractable inference.• Self-extensibility, focusing primarily on machine learning of natural language and user-configurable semantics.• System integration, through SGML (the Standard Generalized Markup Language), both at the level of meaning analysis and at the overall application level.
Traveling-wave amplifiers and backward wave oscillators for VHF

An important aspect of the design of traveling-wave amplifiers and backward-wave oscillators for frequencies below 500 mc is the problem of obtaining a tube of reasonably small physical dimensions. Hollow beams of greater perveance than is obtainable with solid beams offer one method of reducing the size of such tubes by permitting operation at a lower voltage and greater gain per wavelength, for a specified beam power, than is possible in a solid beam tube. Some aspects of the design of minimum size hollow-beam forward-wave amplifiers using single helix circuits and backward-wave oscillators using bifilar helix circuits are presented. Several tubes of these types for operation below 500 mc have been built. Amplifier bandwidths and oscillator tuning ranges in excess of four to one in frequency have been obtained experimentally. Amplifier efficiencies in excess of 20 per cent and oscillator efficiencies in excess of 10 per cent have been achieved.
Representing Targets of Measurement Within Evidence-Centered Design

In the last few years, the Advanced Placement (AP) Program® has used evidence-centered assessment design (ECD) to articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be taught in the course and measured on the summative exam for four science courses, three history courses, and six world language courses; its application to calculus and English language arts subjects is in progress. The purpose of this article is to describe the methodology that was used with subject-matter experts (SMEs) to articulate the content and skills important in the domain, and then the iterative processes that were used to articulate the claims and evidence to represent the targets of instruction for AP courses, and by extension, the targets of measurement for the AP exams. Discussion will focus on how the use of ECD provides a strong foundation for ensuring the alignment among curriculum, instruction, and assessment while at the same time enhances the validity argument for test score interpretation.
A simple apparatus for measurement of protein monofilm expansion at air-water interface in response to soluble reactants in the subsolution

Abstract A new apparatus and technique for the study of the reaction of macromolecules at the air-water interface with soluble substances in the subsolution is described. A system of piston oils and plastic float with mercury seals is employed to monitor the monofilm area changes at constant pressure. The reaction trays are milled from Teflon, which permits easy instrumentation and cleaning. The test monofilm is compressed to a predetermined pressure by a “piston oil” and is allowed to expand against the oil area on injection of a suitable reactant. The film expansion is isobaric owing to the unique characteristic of the piston oil. A plastic float with mercury seals divides the piston oil area from the test monofilm, and responds to small pressure changes in the latter by an appropriate displacement.
Older adults' views of cardiac rehabilitation Programs: Is it time to reinvent?

In spite of the documented benefits of cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) participation, older adults are not likely to participate. Older adults' expectations of and experiences with CRPs are not known. It is also not known whether women and men differ in their expectations and experiences. This descriptive study used a convenience sample of 40 older adults who had experienced an acute cardiac event to identify patients' views of CRPs. Focus groups revealed that older adults do not have an accurate understanding of what to expect in CRPs, and that older adults' experiences in CRPs were generally positive. Older adults suggested CRPs could be improved by including more socialization opportunities, offering varied forms of exercise, enhancing teaching about stress management, and adapting teaching strategies. In this study, "strength of physician referral" was identified as the main reason for participating or not participating in a CRP. Older men feared physical pain with exercise and older women expressed a need for emotional support. A major finding in this study was the report of adverse events (i.e., exhaustion, collapse) during exercise experienced by individuals who did not go to a CRP. Because the majority of adults participating in CRPs are older, transforming CRPs to meet the needs of these older adults is important. Future research on the effectiveness of alternative CRP models will provide evidence to ensure the delivery of quality, cost-effective care.
Normal-incidence near-1.55-μm Ge quantum dot photodetectors on Si substrate

The development of Si-based photodetectors is very important due to their compatibility with the state-of-the-art Si planar technology. Photodetectors based on Ge quantum dots were studied. Three p-i-n structures containing Ge dots were grown by molecular beam epitaxy in Stranski-Krastanov mode. The dots were grown embedded in Si spacing layers on Si (100) substrates. The nominal Ge growth thickness in each layer was 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 nm for the three samples, respectively. Photoluminescence measurement showed that the Ge dot related peak shift to lower energy with increasing the dot layer thickness. The materials were processed into p-i-n photodiodes with conventional processing methods. I-V measurement showed a low dark current density of 3x10-5A/cm2 at -1 V. A strong photoresponse at 1.3-1.55 mm originating from Ge dots was observed. The response peak shifts with the Ge growth thickness. At normal incidence, an external quantum efficiency of 8% was achieved at 2.5 V. The dot layers were considered to trap the light in the intrinsic region, and thus increase the absorption.
The relationship between the zygomatic arch and the floor of the middle cranial fossa: a radiographic study.

OBJECTIVE Access to the floor of the middle cranial fossa (MCF) is often required for approaches to cranial base lesions. This study measures the craniocaudal distance between the zygomatic arch (ZA) and the floor of the MCF from a random sample of high-resolution computed tomography scans of the cranial base. METHODS Forty computed tomography scans were imported into an OsiriX station and reconstructed in multiple planes. The most caudal point of the MCF was determined in each computed tomography scan. The distances between that point and the root of the zygoma and the middle point of the ZA were calculated. The thickness of the temporalis muscle and the vertical height of the zygoma were also calculated. A 2-tailed, paired Student t test was used to compare right and left measurements with a 95% confidence interval and P value <.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS The foramen ovale was consistently the lowest point of the MCF. The average root-to-floor measurement was 5.05 +/- 0.42 mm above the floor of the MCF and distance of the mid-zygoma to the floor was 1.94 +/- 0.61 mm above the floor of MCF. The average temporalis muscle thickness and vertical height of the ZA were 22.22 +/- 0.36 mm and 8.10 +/- 0.13 mm, respectively. The muscle-to-floor measurement (muscle thickness + mid-zygoma-to-floor measurement) was 24.16 +/- 0.74 mm. CONCLUSION The routine use of a zygomatic osteotomy in approaches to the MCF does not provide very much increased exposure. However, in patients with exceptionally thick temporalis muscles or a high ZA, a zygomatic osteotomy may be helpful in providing exposure of the floor of the MCF.
Long-term expression driven by herpes simplex virus type-1 amplicons may fail due to eventual degradation or extrusion of introduced transgenes.

Abstract In gene therapy applications employing herpes simplex virus amplicon-based vectors, a prevailing problem is the down-regulation of transgene expression over time. We have applied a combined immunocytochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization method to determine whether down-regulation of transgene expression at the single-cell level correlates with loss of vector DNA from the host cell nucleus. Utilizing separate fluorescent labels (i.e., rhodamine, fluorescein, and 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenlindole), we were able to simultaneously detect transgenes, their products, and their locations relative to the nuclear compartment of a single cell. Detection of the reporter gene lacZ and its encoded protein β-galactosidase (β-gal) was accomplished in in vivo experiments of the dentate gyrus of rats. A time course study of the expression of the transgene post-stereotactic microinfusion up to 60 days was made. Expression reached maximal levels within 12–24 h after infection, and lacZ presence was reduced to less than 3% of its maximal levels within 36 h after infection. In comparing days 1 and 60 post-stereotactic microinfusion, only one-fifth of the original DNA was observed in the area of a 100-mm radius around the site of microinfusion at day 60. Moreover, by comparing the locations of the reporter gene in cells that expressed the encoded protein versus those that did not, we found that introduced transgenes were preferentially localized in the nuclear periphery of down-regulated host cells, compared to expressing host cells. These results suggest that nuclear compartmentalization may play a role in the down-regulation of our reporter gene by means of peripheralization, extrusion, and/or degradation.
The binding of Na(+) to apo-enolase permits the binding of substrate.

Abstract Enolase from rabbit muscle (ββ-enolase) is inactivated by NaClO 4 . Enolase free of divalent cations is more susceptible to inactivation by NaClO 4 than is enolase in the presence of Mg 2+ . We find that substrate protects apo-enolase against inactivation, indicating that substrate can bind to enolase in the absence of a divalent cation. This binding is not due to contamination by trace levels of divalent cations since (1) it occurs even in the presence of EDTA or EGTA and (2) metal analysis by ICP (inductively coupled plasma) mass spectrometry did not reveal sufficient contamination to account for the protection. The binding of PGA to apo-enolase did require Na + . When TMAClO 4 was used instead of NaClO 4 , there was no protection by PGA. Protection was restored when TMAClO 4 plus NaCl were used. The inactivation of apo-enolase by NaClO 4 is due to dissociation into inactive monomers. We conclude that Na + binds to apo-enolase, permitting substrate to then bind. Of the three known Me 2+ binding sites on enolase, we believe the most likely binding site for Na + is the carboxylate cluster of site 1, the highest affinity site of enolase.
A Different Perspective on Using Multiple Internal Rates of Return: The IRR Parity Technique

This article presents a technique for determining project acceptability and for rank ordering two mutually exclusive projects when multiple internal rates of return are present. This method is consistent with the net present value approach. In focusing on the even or odd parity of the number of real internal rates of return that are greater than the cost of capital, this method is shown to have generality and simplicity. This article also compares the proposed technique with the relevant internal rate of return approach defined in the recent literature.
Effect of localized mechanical indentation on skin water content evaluated using OCT

The highly disordered refractive index distribution in skin causes multiple scattering of incident light and limits optical imaging and therapeutic depth. We hypothesize that localizedmechanical compression reduces scattering by expulsing unbound water from the dermal collagen matrix, increasing protein concentration and decreasing the number of index mismatch interfaces between tissue constituents. A swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) systemwas used to assess changes in thickness and group refractive index in ex vivo porcine skin, as well as changes in signal intensity profile when imaging in vivo human skin. Compression of ex vivo porcine skin resulted in an effective strain of -58.5%, an increase in refractive index from 1.39 to 1.50, and a decrease in water volume fraction from 0.66 to 0.20. In vivo OCT signal intensity increased by 1.5 dB at a depth of 1mm, possibly due to transport of water away from the compressed regions. These finding suggest that local compression could be used to enhance light-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Architectural Decisions as Reusable Design Assets

Software architects make many decisions when creating designs. the importance of getting key architectural decisions right is well documented. However, it can be difficult to generalize what the key decisions are, let alone when and how to make them. In the past, architectural decisions have been characterized as the subset of design decisions that are hard to make and costly to change.
The central sunlighting system: development and validation of an optical prediction model

This article presents the development of a sufficiently accurate and reliable optical model to predict the lighting and thermal performance of the central sunlighting system (CSS). The model is based on the ray tracing technique to compute the amount of sunlight flux transmission through the light guide to interior spaces of buildings, and absorption of solar radiation within the components of the CSS, which may become solar heat gains indoors. The model is validated using a detailed ray tracing technique and field measurements carried out on a previous prototype. The validation results show that the model predictions are in good agreement with the ray tracing and measurement results. The model can be integrated in existing fenestration design tools, or in whole-building energy simulation software, with significantly lower calculation time compared to the full integration of suitable lighting simulation software.
Issues of PTSD and Blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injury in Armed Conflicts and Terrorists Attacks

Military conflicts and terrorisms attacks often result in both Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and blast-induced traumatic brain injuries. These conditions exist along a continuum of severity and this may have profound consequences particularly among those individuals who present with subthreshold PTSD or unrecognized blast-induced traumatic brain injury. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders past approach has relied upon a categorical diagnostic system only. It is argued that a mixed categorical-dimensional classification system would be of greater benefit, especially since this system would include subthreshold conditions that do not meet DSM criteria for a diagnosis but that have demonstrable impacts upon an individuals’ functioning. This paper explores these issues in the hope of generating greater aware among practitioners’ and the general public.
In Vitro Activities of Daptomycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Other Antimicrobial Agents against the Cells and Spores of Clinical Isolates of Bacillus Species

Daptomycin inhibited 67 of 70 clinical isolates of Bacillus species at ≤1 μg/ml and 100% of them at ≤2 μg/ml. It showed bactericidal activity similar to that of ciprofloxacin against vegetative cells but not against spores. For 2 strains, the ciprofloxacin MICs were >4 g/ml, and 10 strains were resistant to erythromycin.
ORGANOTRANSITION-METAL METALLACARBORANES 45. SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF HYDRIDORUTHENACARBORANE DOUBLE-DECKER AND TRIPLE-DECKER SANDWICH COMPLEXES

Abstract The reaction of the Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 5 − monoanion with (Cp * RuCl) 4 in THF gave pale yellow, air-stable, crystalline Cp * RuH(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ) ( 1H ), which was characterized via NMR, IR, UV—visible, and mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The hydride ligand on ruthenium is monohapto, with an Ru-H bond distance of 1.55(8) A, and is protonic in character, being easily removed on treatment with t-butyllithium to afford the Cp * Ru(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ) − monoanion ( 1 ). In an attempt to prepare an Ru-Me derivative, 1 was reacted with methyl triflate, but the only isolable product, unexpectedly, was a B-methylated species, Cp * Ru II H(Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 3 -5-Me) ( 2 ), obtained as a colorless air-stable solid and characterized via multinuclear, IR, UV—visible, and mass spectroscopy. Treatment of the cobaltcarborane monoanion Cp * Co(Et 2 C 2 B 3 H 4 ) − with (Cp * RuCl) 4 in THF gave the heterobimetallic triple-decker sandwich Cp * Co(Et 2 C 2 B 3 H 3 )RuHCp * ( 4 ), a dark green diamagnetic crystalline solid, characterized spectroscopically as in the cases of the preceding compounds. Crystal data for 1H : space group P 2 1 / c ; a = 12.598(3) A, b = 8.674(2) A, c = 16.772(6) A, β = 100.29(3)°, Z = 4; R = 0.043 for 2462 independent reflections having I > 3 σ ( I ).
Laryngomalacia: The role of gender and ethnicity

Abstract Introduction The vast majority of infants in published studies regarding laryngomalacia are Caucasian. These studies suggest affected infants are likely to be male, of term pregnancies, and not of low birth weight. Our study seeks to identify possible associations among different genders and ethnicities with laryngomalacia as well as differences between our diverse population and published Caucasian-predominant studies. Methods Data was collected by chart review for seventy-eight children diagnosed with laryngomalacia before the age of 5, prospectively entered into a database at our academic, tertiary-care hospital from 1/16/2008 to 10/15/2010. Data was compared to expected values from the 2009 census data for the Bronx as well as published data in the literature for multiple factors, including gender, ethnicity, low birth weight, and prematurity. Results There were 45 male and 33 female infants in our study. Twenty-five children were African-American, 17 Hispanic, 12 multi-racial, and 4 Caucasian. Eighteen infants were premature, and 21 were of low birth weight. Twenty-eight percent of our infants had neurologic comorbidity at diagnosis and 30% received surgical treatment. Discussion Although larger studies are required, we have preliminary evidence that information learned from Caucasian-predominant studies may not apply to all patients of laryngomalacia. When ethnically diverse infants are represented, a strong association between male gender and laryngomalacia does not appear to exist. Our data suggests that premature African-American and Hispanic infants are at greater risk for laryngomalacia. In addition, African-American infants of all gestational ages may be at greater risk. Low birth weight may be a strong predictor of laryngomalacia regardless of the patient's gender or ethnicity.
Experimental Measurement of Boundary Layer Flow With Suction Into a Honeycomb Panel

Experiments were conducted in a low speed laboratory wind tunnel in order to characterize boundary layer flow that is subjected to suction as it flows over a honeycomb section of the wall. The problem arises in the design of filtered inlets to engines in aerodynamic applications. The honeycomb was baselined in a traditional orientation normal to the flow direction. The overall total and static pressure drops and the downstream velocity field were measured using pressure probes and wall static taps upstream and downstream of the honeycomb. The wind tunnel was then re-configured so that the main wind tunnel flow resembled an infinite free-stream approaching the honeycomb inlet at 90° from the normal. It was determined that the radius of curvature of the flow stream entering the honeycomb is small in the upstream region of the honeycomb, and increases monotonically in the flow direction. This inviscid effect causes a drop in the static pressure in the upstream region of the honeycomb followed by a gradual recovery of the static pressure in the flow direction. The local mass flow ingested through the honeycomb consequently is low in the forward section and increases monotonically in the flow direction. In addition to this inviscid mechanism, we observe non-uniformity of the pressure loss coefficient over the honeycomb panel, which is attributed to viscous mechanisms. The total pressure loss coefficient, K, is found to vary from a value of roughly 1.2, for grazing angle of 5° in the forward section of the honeycomb, to 0.9, for a flow approaching from the direction normal to the inlet. It is hypothesized that the increased total pressure loss for the grazing flow is due to stagnation and flow separation at the inlet of each honeycomb passage.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Trajectory tracking of a spatial flexible link manipulator using an inverse dynamics method

Discussed in this paper is the problem of trajectory tracking of a spatial flexible link manipulator. To solve this problem, an inverse dynamics method is proposed, based on which computed joint torques can be determined and used to drive the endpoint of a spatial flexible link manipulator to follow its given trajectory.
Members of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene family are expressed in different regions of the mammalian central nervous system

Abstract Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors found in the peripheral and central nervous system differ from those found at the neuromuscular junction. Recently we isolated a cDNA clone encoding the α subunit of a neuronal acetylcholine receptor expressed in both the peripheral and cental nervous system. In this paper we report the isolation of a cDNA encoding the α subunit of a second acetylcholine receptor expressed in the central nervous system. Thus it is clear that there is a family of genes coding for proteins with sequence and structural homology to the α subunit of the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Members of this gene family are expressed in different regions of the central nervous system and, presumably, code for subtypes of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
Influence of agriculture on in-stream habitat and fish community structure in Piedmont watersheds of the Chattahoochee River System

Historical and contemporary fish collections were used to examine the influence of agricultural land use on fish communities in the central Chattahoochee River, USA. In-stream habitat data were also collected to examine the relationship between agricultural land use and stream habitat structure. We found a significant positive relationship be- tween agricultural land use and in-stream sediment (r2=0.43, P=O.Ol). Stream depth heterogeneity decreased significantly with increased sedi- ment (9=0.39, P=0.02). Mainstream reaches draining agricultural lands had significantly lower levels of fish diversity than forested reaches (r2=0.47, P<O.Ol). Agriculture also explained significant variation in mainstream species abundances but was not a significant predictor of species diversity or species abundances in headwater reaches. Most pool species that use coarse substrates decreased in relative abundance with increasing agriculture in the watershed. Our results suggest that main- stream environments and their associated communities are more susceptible than headwater reaches to the effects of agriculture. This finding has im- portant consequences for conservation, since mainstream reaches are reported to function as species refugia during pulse disturbance events (e.g., floods, droughts). Un resumen en espafiol se incluye detras del texto principal de este articulo.
A good turn for DNA: the structure of integration host factor bound to DNA

The crystal structure of integration host factor (IHF) complexed with DNA shows how a small heterodimeric protein can induce a big bend in DNA. IHF exerts leverage in the minor groove and wraps DNA around the body of the protein, providing another example of sequence-specific recognition of the minor groove.
Amine metabolism: a novel path to coronary artery vasospasm.

Abstract We hypothesized that allylamine (AA) induces subendocardial necrosis in mammals via coronary artery (CA) vasospasm. Additionally, AA toxicity is likely dependent on the enzyme semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), which is highly expressed in the aorta of rats and humans. We tested whether AA or acrolein (1, 10, 100, and 1000 μM), a highly reactive product of AA metabolism by SSAO, could contract CA or thoracic aorta (TA) in vitro and if the AA effects involved SSAO. AA or acrolein produced a similar pattern of responses in both CA and TA rings at 100 and 1000 μM, including (1) increased basal tension, (2) enhanced agonist-induced contraction (hypercontractility or vasospasm), (3) remarkable, agonist-induced slow wave vasomotion (vasospasm), and (4) irreversible reduction in vessel contractility after 1 mM exposure. Endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced relaxation was not altered during vasospasm in either vessel. Pretreatment with the SSAO inhibitor semicarbazide (1 mM; 10 min) prevented or significantly reduced the majority of AA's effects in both CA and TA rings and inhibited 100% of the SSAO activity present in rat TA and human CA and TA. We propose a two-step model for AA induction of CA vasospasm and resultant myocardial necrosis: (1) metabolism of AA to acrolein by coronary arterial SSAO activity and (2) acrolein induction of CA vasospasm independent of endothelial injury–a novel path.
Perceptual Compensation Is Correlated with Individuals' “Autistic” Traits: Implications for Models of Sound Change

Variation is a ubiquitous feature of speech. Listeners must take into account context-induced variation to recover the interlocutor's intended message. When listeners fail to normalize for context-induced variation properly, deviant percepts become seeds for new perceptual and production norms. In question is how deviant percepts accumulate in a systematic fashion to give rise to sound change (i.e., new pronunciation norms) within a given speech community. The present study investigated subjects' classification of /s/ and // before /a/ or /u/ spoken by a male or a female voice. Building on modern cognitive theories of autism-spectrum condition, which see variation in autism-spectrum condition in terms of individual differences in cognitive processing style, we established a significant correlation between individuals' normalization for phonetic context (i.e., whether the following vowel is /a/ or /u/) and talker voice variation (i.e., whether the talker is male or female) in speech and their “autistic” traits, as measured by the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). In particular, our mixed-effect logistic regression models show that women with low AQ (i.e., the least “autistic”) do not normalize for phonetic coarticulation as much as men and high AQ women. This study provides first direct evidence that variability in human's ability to compensate for context-induced variations in speech perceptually is governed by the individual's sex and cognitive processing style. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that the systematic infusion of new linguistic variants (i.e., the deviant percepts) originate from a sub-segment of the speech community that consistently under-compensates for contextual variation in speech.
A comparison of self-directed and therapist-directed practice for fear reduction

Abstract Various amounts of self-directed and therapist-directed practice were evaluated in reducing fear of snakes. The conditions included an exclusively self-directed condition, a predominantly self-directed condition, a predominantly therapist-directed condition, and an exclusively therapist-directed condition. All treatments resulted in reduced fear on behavioral and self-report measures. The predominantly therapist-directed subjects showed more improvement than subjects in the exclusively self-directed and predominantly self-directed conditions, but not more improvement than subjects in the exclusively therapist-directed condition.
Properties of ventrolateral medullary neurons that respond to muscular contraction.

Abstract Previous results from this laboratory have suggested that neurons in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) modulate the pressor response to muscular contraction. The purpose of the present study was to determine 1. 1) if VLM neurons with a discharge pattern related to sympathetic discharge and/or the cardiac cycle are stimulated during muscular contraction. 2. 2) if the neurons activated by muscular contraction project to the intermediolateral columns of the spinal cord. 3. 3) the location of glutamate immunoreactive neurons in the medulla. Single-unit responses of ventrolateral medullary neurons to hindlimb muscular contraction evoked by ventral root (L7 and S1) stimulation were recorded in one group of anesthetized cats. Computer analyses were performed to determine if the resting discharge of VLM neurons correlated temporally with sympathetic nerve discharge and/or the cardiac cycle. The discharge rate of 21 of 27 neurons which had a discharge related to sympathetic nerve activity increased during muscular contraction. Neurons in some of the experiments were tested for axonal projections to the intermediolateral nucleus (T2 or T5) of the spinal cord with antidromic activation techniques. The discharge pattern of 78% of the VLM neurons which were activated antidromically was related to the cardiac cycle or sympathetic nerve discharge. Most (92%) reticulospinal VLM neurons with cardiovascular related discharge were excited by muscular contraction. In a second set of experiments, glutamate immunoreactivity was demonstrated in neurons within an area overlapping the location of VLM neurons which were excited by muscular contraction. These findings suggest that reticulospinal neurons in the ventrolateral medulla which have a discharge pattern related to cardiovascular activity contribute to the pressor reflex evoked by muscular contraction. These neurons may utilize glutamate as a neurotransmitter.
Unexpectedly slow two particle decay of ultra-dense excitons in cuprous oxide

Abstract For an ultra-dense exciton gas in cuprous oxide (Cu2O), exciton–exciton interactions are the dominant cause of exciton decay. This study demonstrates that the accepted Auger recombination model overestimates the exciton decay rate following intense two photon excitation. Two exciton decay is relevant to the search for collective quantum behavior of excitons in bulk systems. These results suggest the existence of a new high density regime of exciton behavior.
Putting the group back into intergroup justice studies

This paper argues that groups have traditionally been conceptualized in two major ways—subjective and objective—which correspond to the different conceptions found within the disciplines of psychology and sociology. We argue that the term “group” is frequently used too carelessly since rarely are readers informed of the conception of group to which the findings are relevant. Findings generated from studies involving one conception of group may not allow valid inferences to groups conceptualized differently. We suggest that a more sociological conception of group is needed to balance the current emphasis based in the psychological tradition. We believe that such a difference in conceptualizing groups could well lead to very different speculations about the nature of intergroup justice relations.
Recurrent transient underdetermination and the glass half full

Kyle Stanford’s arguments against scientific realism are assessed, with a focus on the underdetermination of theory by evidence. I argue that discussions of underdetermination have neglected a possible symmetry which may ameliorate the situation.