cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The immunopathology of bullous pemphigoid

Abstract The immunopathology of bullous pemphigoid features basement membrane zone (BMZ) deposition of immunoglobulin and complement and the presence of circulating immunoreactants. 1,2 The demonstration of linear subepidermal deposition of C3 and/or IgG is usually necessary to establish the diagnosis. By light microscopy, fully evolved lesions show subepidermal BMZ separation and variable infiltrates of eosinophils, mononuclear cells, and neutrophils. Other bullous disorders that share overlapping histopathologic and immunopathologic findings include cicatricial pemphigoid, herpes gestationis, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. 3,4 The application of immunofluorescence techniques has demonstrated the immune nature of many of these disorders. Accordingly, bullous pemphigoid was rendered unique from the pemphigus group blistering diseases that features intra-epidermal deposition of immunoreactants. More recently, mono-clonal antibody probes have allowed detailed study of the role of immunoglobulin subtypes and complement complexes and cofactors in the immunopathology of bullous pemphigoid.
Dose-Escalation Study of Single-Fraction Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Liver Malignancies

Purpose We performed a Phase I dose-escalation study to explore the feasibility and safety of treating primary and metastatic liver tumors with single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials Between February 2004 and February 2008, 26 patients were treated for 40 identifiable lesions. Nineteen patients had hepatic metastases, 5 had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, and 2 had recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas. The prescribed radiation dose was escalated from 18 to 30 Gy at 4-Gy increments with a planned maximum dose of 30 Gy. Cumulative incidence functions accounted for competing risks to estimate local failure (LF) incidence over time under the competing risk of death. Results All patients tolerated the single-fraction SBRT well without developing a dose-limiting toxicity. Nine acute Grade 1 toxicities, one acute Grade 2 toxicity, and two late Grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities were observed. After a median of 17 months follow-up (range, 2–55 months), the cumulative risk of LF at 12 months was 23%. Fifteen patients have died: 11 treated for liver metastases and 4 with primary liver tumors died. The median survival was 28.6 months, and the 2-year actuarial overall survival was 50.4%. Conclusions It is feasible and safe to deliver single-fraction, high-dose SBRT to primary or metastatic liver malignancies measuring ≤5 cm. Moreover, single-fraction SBRT for liver lesions demonstrated promising local tumor control with minimal acute and long-term toxicity. Single-fraction SBRT appears to be a viable nonsurgical option, but further studies are warranted to evaluate both control rates and impact on quality of life.
Modified t Tests and Confidence Intervals for Asymmetrical Populations

Abstract This article considers a procedure that reduces the effect of population skewness on the distribution of the t variable so that tests about the mean can be more correctly computed. A modification of the t variable is obtained that is useful for distributions with skewness as severe as that of the exponential distribution. The procedure is generalized and applied to the jackknife t variable for a class of statistics with moments similar to those of the sample mean. Tests of the correlation coefficient obtained using this procedure are compared empirically with corresponding tests determined using Fisher's z transformation and the usual jackknife estimate.
Essentials of effective teaching

The quality of education and the dedication of the teaching profession are perhaps the most important determinants of the development of a nation. These have become inordinately significant in the highly competitive world of today. A nation that fails to recognise the imperative of this axiom is destined to lag behind in its quest for the development of its human and material resources and in creating a better society for its people. The schools serve as a mirror of the society and accurately reflect the stage of its development. Progressive countries of the world continually seek to improve their schools in order to provide quality education for their children, to train skilled work force for their businesses and industries, to maintain competitive edge in the global economy, and to alleviate the chronic, epidemic, and exasperating societal problems.
Model checking graphical user interfaces using abstractions

Symbolic model checking techniques have been widely and successfully applied to statically analyze dynamic properties of hardware systems. Efforts to apply this same technology to the analysis of software systems has met with a number of obstacles, such as the existence of non-finite state-spaces. This paper investigates abstractions that make it possible to cost-effectively model check specifications of software for graphical user interface (GUI) systems. We identify useful abstractions for this domain and demonstrate that they can be incorporated into the analysis of a variety of systems with similar structural characteristics. The resulting domain-specific model checking yields fast verification of naturally occur ring specifications of intended GUI behavior.
Psychoactive drugs and athletic performance

Some psychoactive drugs have actual performance-enhancing side effects. However, many actually decrease performance, primarily because of adverse cardiovascular effects and impaired judgment. Athletes and nonathletes alike may be knowingly or unknowingly exposed to psychoactive substances if they use over-the-counter, recreational, or prescription drugs. Many national and international sports federations ban or limit psychoactive drug use. The physiologic actions of psychoactive drugs and their use by high school and college athletes are discussed here.
Developing Effective Child Psychiatry Collaboration with Primary Care: Leadership and Management Strategies

By working in collaboration with pediatric primary care providers, child and adolescent psychiatrists have the opportunity to address significant levels of unmet need for the majority of children and teenagers with serious mental health problems who have been unable to gain access to care. Effective collaboration with primary care represents a significant change from practice-as-usual for many child and adolescent psychiatrists. Implementation of progressive levels of collaborative practice, from the improvement of provider communication through the development of comprehensive collaborative systems, may be possible with sustained management efforts and application of process improvement methodology.
Almost commuting unitary elements in purely infinite simple C * -algebras

We consider the problem whether a pair of almost commuting unitaries (selfadjoints) is close to a pair of commuting unitaries (selfadjoints). It is an old problem (see [HI, [PSh], [BO], [V1], [V2], [D], [BD], [Ch], [Lorl], [ExLI], [ExL2], [DE], [Lin4] etc). Dan Voiculescu showed in [V2] that there is a positive number d and a sequence of commuting unitary matrices {Un} and {v,} with I [ u , v . v.u.JI ~ o
Directional transneuronal spread of α-herpesvirus infection

Most α-herpesviruses are pantropic, neuroinvasive pathogens that establish a reactivateable, latent infection in the PNS of their natural hosts. Various manifestations of herpes disease rely on extent and direction of the spread of infection between the surface epithelia and the nervous system components that innervate that surface. One aspect of such controlled spread of infection is the capacity for synaptically defined, transneuronal spread, a property that makes α-herpesviruses useful tools for determining the connectivity of neural circuits. The current understanding of intra-axonal transport and transneuronal spread of α-herpesviruses is reviewed, focusing on work with herpes simplex virus and pseudorabies virus, the available in vitro technology used to study viral transport and spread is evaluated and how certain viral mutants can be used to examine neural circuit architecture is described in this article.
Energetics of Uracil Cation Radical and Anion Radical Ion-Molecule Reactions in the Gas Phase

The uracil cation radical was calculated to exist predominantly as the 1,3-dioxo tautomer 1•+, similar to the most stable tautomer of neutral uracil (1). The enol forms of 1•+ were found to be 10−173 kJ mol-1 less stable than 1•+ and should not be significantly populated at 298 K thermal equilibrium. Cation radical 1•+ is a moderately strong gas-phase acid of topical acidities ΔHacid = 829, 921, 916, and 879 kJ mol-1 for the H-1, H-3, H-5, and H-6 protons, respectively. Ion 1•+ is capable of exothermic protonation of adenine, guanine, and cytosine, and of the arginine, lysine, histidine, and tryptophan amino acid residues in proteins. The hydrogen atom affinities of 1•+ were −ΔHrxn = 432, 371, and 360 kJ mol-1 for H-atom additions to O-4, O-2, and C-5, respectively. 1•+ was calculated to exothermically abstract the thiol hydrogen atom from CH3SH, the hydroxyl hydrogen from phenol, and an α-hydrogen atom from glycine N-methylamide. Uracil radicals formed by deprotonation of 1•+ were calculated to have larg...
Wrist postures while keyboarding: effects of a negative slope keyboard system and full motion forearm supports

Abstract Video-motion analysis was used to analyse hand/wrist posture for subjects typing at a 101-key QWERTY keyboard on a 68 cm high worksurface. Three conditions were tested: subjects typed at the keyboard without arm support, subjects typed with adjustable full motion forearm supports, and subjects typed with an adjustable negative slope keyboard support system. The average declination of the negative slope keyboard support chosen by subjects was 12° below horizontal, which flattened the angle of the key tops. Ulnar deviation was comparable in all conditions and averaged 13° for the right hand and 15° for the left hand. Full motion forearm supports did not significantly affect any postural measures. Dorsal wrist extension averaged 13° when typing with or without the full motion forearm supports, but this was reduced to an average — 1° with the use of the negative slope keyboard support system. Subjects chose to sit at a distance of 79 cm from the computer screen when using the negative slope keyboard ...
Application of Local Anesthetics in Dermatologic Surgery

background. Local anesthesia is an integral aspect of cutaneous surgery. Its effects provide a reversible loss of sensation in a limited area of skin, allowing dermatologists to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely, with minimal discomfort and risk to the patient. objective. This article discusses the application of local anesthetics in dermatologic surgery through a brief review of the mechanism of local anesthetic activity, classification of local anesthetics, and adverse effects. The discussion will focus on the different methods of administration and techniques that may make the administration less painful to patients. methods. An evaluation of the literature, as well as clinical experience in the administration of local anesthetics provide the basis for this review. conclusion. Local anesthesia provides a safe and effective means of decreasing patient's sensitivity to pain. Because of its critical importance to the field of dermatology, a working knowledge of local anesthetics is necessary for optimal use of these agents.
Novel Final Focus Design for Future Linear Colliders

The length, complexity, and cost of the present final focus designs for linear colliders grow very quickly with the beam energy. In this Letter, a novel final focus system is presented and compared with the one proposed for the Next Linear Collider (NLC Zeroth-Order Design Report, edited by T. O. Raubenheimer, SLAC Report No. 474, 1996). This new design has fewer optical elements and is much shorter, nonetheless achieving better chromatic properties. Moreover, the new system is more suitable for operation over a larger energy range.
Elevation of certain plasma proteins in man following estrogen administration: a dose-response relationship.

The degree of elevation of the plasma concentrations of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), β-glucuronidase and ceruloplasmin in response to estrogen administration was shown to be related, within limits, to the dose of estrogen. Three estrogenic materials—Premarin, diethylstilbestrol and ethinylestradiol—were tested. The highest dose-response correlation was observed with CBG and the lowest with ceruloplasmin. Ratios of potency for Premarin, diethylstilbestrol and ethinylestradiol were found to be 1:13–15:100–400, respectively. Women were found to show a significantly greater CBG rise than men after 7 days of 5 mg of diethylstilbestrol. The maximal rise of plasma CBG was found after 14 days of 5 mg of diethylstilbestrol daily. The response in 7 days was 67% of maximum.
Retinol improves development of bovine oocytes compromised by heat stress during maturation.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate: 1) effects of a physiologically relevant elevated temperature on in vitro development of maturing oocytes, 2) effects of retinol on in vitro development of maturing oocytes, and 3) effects of retinol to improve development of oocytes compromised by an elevated temperature. Bovine oocytes were matured for 24h at 38.5 or 41.0°C (first 12h) in 0 or 5μ M retinol. After insemination, cleavage and blastocyst development were assessed on d 3 and 8, respectively. Temperature, retinol, and their interaction were included in the statistical model. Culture of oocytes at 41.0°C decreased the proportion of 8- to 16-cell embryos and increased that of 2-cell embryos. In addition, culture at 41.0°C decreased the ability of oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage. Blastocysts derived from oocytes cultured at 41.0°C had fewer total nuclei. In 3 of the 7 experimental replicates, effects of 41.0°C to reduce blastocyst development were minimal (difference in the development of the control vs. heat stress group was 20%. When this was done, a significant temperature×retinol interaction was noted. The addition of retinol to the maturation medium prevented heat-induced reductions in development of oocytes to blastocyst stage. Results indicate that retinol may protect oocytes from some of the deleterious effects of heat stress.
The abnormality of the primary structure of hemoglobin Shimonoseki.

Received April2, 1965 In 1960 Yamaoka et al. described one of the first well-documented abnormal hemoglobins to be found in Japan. This hemoglobin, designated Hb Shimonoseki for the city in which the family resides, constitutes approximately 20% of the hemoglobin of the heterozygotes and migrates with Hb S on paper electrophoresis at pH 8.6. The present communication concerns its further characterization. On starch gel electrophoresis (Smithies, 1959), using borate buffer at pH 8.6, Hb Shimonoeeki migrated very slightly cathodally to Hb S, even when the hemolysates were adjusted so as to contain equal amounts of the abnormal components. On Amberlite CG-50 column chromatography (Allen et., 1958) the Hb Shimonoseki peak was eluted with 110 ml. of developer compared with 65 ml. for normal Hb A and 130 ml. for Hb S. Hybridization of Hb Shimonoseki with other hemoglobins known to have abnormal aor B-polypeptide chains was performed on starch gel using the technique of Singer and Itano (1959) demonstrating that the amino acid substitution resides in the a-chain. Normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A) and Hb Shimonoseki were separated and purified by starch block electrophoresis. Heat denatured hemoglobi solutions were digested with TCA trypsin and fingerprinted (Ingram,
Composition dependence of infrared edge absorption in ZrF4 and HfF4 based glasses

Abstract A set of semi-empirical criteria have been developed to assess the contribution of various components to IR edge absorption in multi-component solids. These have been applied to ZrF 4 and HfF 4 based glasses and verified experimentally. Results indicate that monovalent cation fluorides no lighter than NaF, divalent cation fluorides no lighter than CaF 2 , trivalent cation fluorides no lighter than LaF 3 and quadrivalent cation fluorides no lighter than ThF 4 contribute negligibly to IR edge absorption in such glasses.
A simple agar gel electrophoretic method to investigate esterase inhibition in certain stored grain insects by malathion and its oxygen analogue

A simple starch-gel electrophoretic method has been reported by Kadoum (3) for separating insect blood proteins during investigations of interactions occurring between common organic insecticides and enzymes. The method describes a simple zone electrophoresis procedure, using agarose as a convenient support medium. This method provides good resolution of esterases in the lesser rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.~ red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); ~nd lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (--~ab~) as well as a means of demonstrating the effects o~alathion and malaoxon on their esterases. Malathion, the principal insecticide used as grain protectant because of its low mammalian toxicity and its effectiveness against storage pests, was chosen.
Dihydrodithioisocoumarin: Novel electrophilic reaction of carbon disulfide with phenethyl alcohol derivatives

Abstract The reaction of phenethyl alcohol and carbon disulfide promoted by aluminum chloride and benzoyl chloride yields dihydrodithioisocoumarin.
Culture: Is it the Key to the Troubles in U.S.-Cuban Relations?

Book reviewed in this article: Louis A. Perez, Jr., On Becoming Cuban: Identity, Nationality, and Culture
Commodity system development

Abstract Modernising food production and distribution in newly developing countries is a complex challenge to international business and to development agency managers. It has been the experience of planners and engineering firms such as Parsons Brinckerhoff, that a systems approach can be applied to managing agro-industrial development in much the same way that it has been applied to complex problems such as rapid transit or the space shuttle. A development perspective which deals with a food commodity through all its stages, from farming to consumption, and which takes into account the social, economic and technological aspects of its production and distribution, may prove an important step forward in expanding the world's food supply and in distributing it more evenly.
Mapping specific functions in the capsid structure of canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia virus using infectious plasmid clones

Abstract DNA sequences between 0 and 98.8 genome map units (m.u.) from canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) were cloned into plasmid vectors to form infectious molecular clones. Those plasmids were transfected into permissive cells and viruses recovered were shown to contain intact genomes, having regenerated the complete viral 5′ ends up to 100 m.u. The viruses derived from the plasmids were compared to the original viruses, and shown to be indistinguishable in antigenic type, hemagglutination (HA) type and host range. The plasmid origin of the viruses was shown by preparing recombinant clones between CPV and FPV, and demonstrating the recombinant nature of the resulting viruses by restriction mapping and by sequencing viral DNA across the recombination sites. The sequences of our wild-type isolates CPV-d and FPV-b were completed, revealing 50 nucleotide sequence differences, of which 16 determined coding changes—5 in NS-1, 2 in NS-2, and 9 in VP-2 protein. The sequences of the 5′ ends (95.3–100 m.u.) of both viruses were also determined. Analysis of recombinant viruses mapped both CPV- and FPV-specific antigenic epitopes, the pH dependence of HA, and sequences affecting canine host range of the viruses within the VP-1 and VP-2 structural protein genes. Most of the specific changes were shown to be either on, or within one amino acid of, the surface of the virus capsid, indicating that the exposed surface of the parvovirus capsid plays an important role in determining a number of virus functions. The specific epitopes were affected by differences in a raised area on the capsid (“threefold spike”), while the pH dependence of HA difference was adjacent to a depression in the surface of the capsid at the twofold axis of symmetry.
An empirical study of typing rates on mini-QWERTY keyboards

We present a longitudinal study of mini-QWERTY keyboard use, examining the learning rates of novice mini-QWERTY users. The study consists of 20 twenty-minute typing sessions using two different-sized keyboard models. Subjects average over 31 words per minute (WPM) for the first session and increase to an average of 60 WPM by the twentieth. Individual subjects also exceed the upper bound of 60.74 WPM suggested by MacKenzie and Soukoreff's model of two-thumb text entry [5]. We discuss our results in the context of this model.
Energetics of Pacific Herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) Embryos and Larvae Exposed to Low Conentrations of Benzene, a Monoaromatic Component of Crude Oil

Abstract Interest in the energetic processes of critical early life stages of Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) and the potential effects from sublethal exposure to benzene, a monoaromatic component of crude oil, led to a series of experiments which examined metabolism of herring embryos, yolk-sac larvae, and post-yolk-sac larvae. Yolk caloric content was 6,020 cal/g or 1.3 calories per egg. This energy was consumed rapidly during incubation; total yolk absorption occurred 12 days after fertilization. Anabolic rates varied but at no time was there an energy deficit. Oxygen consumption of embryos increased prior to hatching, then a 10-fold rise was seen in newly hatched yolk-sac larvae. Exogenous calories were estimated from ingested rotifers and were less definable than endogenous energy due to variable grazing rates. Sublethal concentrations of benzene caused (a) significantly less embryonic tissue growth, (b) significantly different oxygen consumption in embryos, and (c) significantly greater as...
An Exploratory Examination of the Convergence between the Learning Styles Questionnaire and the Learning Style Inventory II

The Learning Styles Questionnaire (Honey and Mumford, 1979) and the Learning Style Inventory II (Kolb, 1985) were examined for convergence. The correlation between the dimensions of the two instrum...
Child Development Services in Medicaid Managed Care Organizations: What Does It Take?

Objective. We sought to understand why certain Medicaid managed care organizations (MMCOs) implemented child development services or programs and how they had done so. We also sought to identify barriers and facilitators to successful initiation and implementation of child development programs. Methods. We conducted 9 key informant interviews and 4 site visits, and performed qualitative analyses to identify major themes across responses. Results. We identified a small number of MMCOs with child development services. High-level support was crucial for program initiation; physician buy-in, staff support, and strong working relationships with outside health professionals or agencies were principal factors in successful program implementation. Conclusions. MMCOs that were committed to implementing child development services were successful in doing so, without external funding or regulatory mandate. The results provide valuable strategies for MMCOs interested in developing programs and for researchers and advocates interested in promoting child development services for low-income children.
Impaired oxidative phosphorylation in hepatic mitochondria in growth-retarded rats

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. We have developed an IUGR model in the rat whereby the animals develop diabetes between 3 ...
ADHD: an integration with pediatric traumatic brain injury

This review examines the long-standing finding that ADHD is a common sequela of pediatric traumatic brain injury (PTBI) in light of the current conceptualization of ADHD as a dimensional, neuropsychologically heterogeneous disorder. The review contends that this conceptualization established the basis for concluding that frequently occurring symptoms caused by PTBI, such as slow processing speed, emotional dysregulation and disinhibition, are indicative of ADHD. Consequently, it concludes that ADHD following PTBI is even more common than the 30% rate the current literature suggests. It provides recommendations for the assessment and treatment of ADHD associated with PTBI.
The Interleukin 7 Receptor Is Required for T Cell Receptor γ Locus Accessibility to the V(D)j Recombinase

Defects in the interleukin (IL)-7 signal transduction pathway lead to severe immunodeficiency in humans and in mice. In IL-7 receptor-deficient (IL-7R-/-) mice, lymphoid precursors show a reduced survival rate and variable/diversity/joining region V(D)J recombination is variously affected in different loci, being arrested in the T cell receptor (TCR)-gamma locus, aberrant in the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus, and delayed in the TCR-beta locus. Here, we analyze the recombination defect of the TCR-gamma locus. Using ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction, we sought intermediates of the recombination process. In the absence of the IL-7 signal, no initiation of recombination of the TCR-gamma locus was observed, whereas recombination intermediates at the TCR-beta locus could be detected. Thus, the failure to rearrange the TCR-gamma locus is due to a failure to initiate cleavage rather than a failure to religate broken DNA ends. V(D)J recombination was previously thought to begin at the pro-T2 stage of T cell development after the arrest of IL-7R-/- thymocytes at the pro-T1 stage. However, here we show that both TCR-gamma and -beta recombination intermediates are readily detectable in normal T1 cells, but only TCR-beta intermediates were detected in IL-7R-/- T1 cells, supporting a mechanistic role for IL-7 in TCR-gamma locus rearrangement. Since reduced recombination activating gene (rag) expression has been reported in the absence of the IL-7 signal, we directly tested whether the TCR-gamma locus is accessible to cleavage by recombinant Rag proteins in vitro. We found a reduction in chromatin accessibility for Rag-mediated cleavage in IL-7R-/- thymocytes compared with wild-type. Thus, IL-7 controls recombination at the TCR-gamma locus by regulating locus accessibility.
3D integration of a band selective filter and antenna for 60 GHz applications

The growing demand for higher data bit transfer has made the 60GHz band a prominent research area for the wireless community. In the United States, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has allocated the band of 57 – 64 GHz for the general public while the 57 – 66 GHz band covers the unlicensed band worldwide [1], [2]. The high frequency band promises over 1 Gb/s data rate over a short distance and enables highly compact and miniaturized systems. However, the design becomes more sensitive to errors from fabrication tolerances that can degrade the system performance drastically. In an effort to reduce these negative effects, a System-on-Package (SOP) approach is presented to integrate a band selective cavity filter and a vertical dipole antenna. The near 9 GHz spectrum of 57.24 – 65.88 GHz, which covers all the unlicensed 60 GHz bands worldwide, is divided into four bands of 2.16 GHz [3]. The band selective filter has three states out of the four bands while the dipole antenna covers the entire band. The resulting system gives a gain of 3.6 dBi, 4.2 dBi, and 4.1 dBi at frequency points of 57.7 GHz, 61.2 GHz, and 64.1 GHz, which are the center frequency of each band.
Exploiting Directional Antennas for Reduced-Dimension Space–Time RAKE Receiving

We propose to combine directional antennas in a conformal array configuration with a matching two-stage receiver architecture to improve performance of code-division multiple-access (CDMA) communication systems in time-varying channels. We propose a reduced-dimension space-time (ST) RAKE architecture that matches the ST correlation structure of the data received by a circular array. In time-varying channels, this reduced-dimension architecture outperforms the full-dimension architecture due to improved convergence of its adaptive processor.
LIMU EDIBLE SEAWEED IN TONGA, AN ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Seaweeds (limu) have a long tradition of human use in Tonga. Low-income families who reside near tidal areas rely almost exclusively on ocean resources for their family's nutritional needs and eat limu as part of their regular diet. However, most Tongans consume limu as a novelty item in their diet, with the exception of times of stress that follow major hurricanes and droughts. Nine taxa of seaweed are eaten in Tonga; however, Caulerpa racemosa is by far the most common species eaten. One specific type of limu, tanga'u (Cladosiphon sp.), is now being commercially harvested in Tonga and sent to Japan. There are no rules or laws establishing a gathering season or restricting the amount of limu that can be harvested. Conservation is practiced primarily on an incidental level in Tonga, meaning that conservation takes place primarily because of other issues. Up until now, limu has been used sustainably. However, with the lack of formal conservation methods, limited research, and recently introduced i...
Physical Education and Language Arts: An Interdisciplinary Teaching Approach

(2008). Physical Education and Language Arts: An Interdisciplinary Teaching Approach. Strategies: Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 19-23.
Management of three-dimensional ultrasound patient data via networks

The increasing availability of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging equipment in clinical practice offers a variety of advantages including the important capability to be able to send patient volume data via an electronic network to specialists or other centers. As a result, interpretation and acquisition of volume data may occur at different locations, often separated by great distances. Such opportunity provides a means for patients to benefit from expert knowledge to optimize their management. In order to ensure the highest quality of three-dimensional ultrasound studies, however, more exacting protocols for data acquisition and review are required. This paper reviews the current state of the art and presents strategies for obtaining optimal diagnostic imaging studies from data acquired and analyzed via networks.
A prototype cloud physics laser nephelometer

The design and performance characteristics of a prototype cloud physics laser nephelometer are described. The instrument measures radiation scattered from individual cloud droplets, determining droplet concentrations from scattered light-pulse count rates and size distributions from pulse amplitudes.
Triton-X-100 acts as a scintillant when used as a wavelength shifter in Čerenkov counting systems

Abstract When Triton-X-100 ∗ is added to Cerenkov counting systems as a wavelength shifter it acts as a scintillant. When Triton-X-100 is combined with other wavelength shifters such as sodium salicylate the counting efficiency for beta particles, which have insufficient energy to cause a Cerenkov response, can exceed 80%. This can cause potential errors for dual-radionuclide counting by liquid scintillation- Cerenkov counting methods.
A longitudinal study of Bartonella infection in populations of woodrats and their fleas.

Abstract Rodent-borne bartonellae have been identified as human pathogens. Little is known about Bartonella infections in woodrat hosts and their fleas and how woodrat-flea associations may affect the dynamics of Bartonella infections. We collected blood samples and fleas from two species of woodrats (Neotoma micropus and N. albigula) from Santa Fe County, NM, from 2002–2005. The most predominant flea species were Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. neotomae. Bartonella prevalence in woodrats was 64% overall, with a lower prevalence occurring in the pre-reproductive period compared to the early and late reproductive periods. A negative correlation between Bartonella prevalence in N. micropus and weight of N. micropus was observed. Flea load in Neotoma species was highest in the early reproductive period compared to the pre- and late reproductive periods and was higher in N. micropus compared to N. albigula. Bartonella prevalence in fleas was highest in the early reproductive period and lowest in the late reprodu...
Heteroepitaxial growth of lanthanum aluminate films derived from mixed metal nitrates

Epitaxial lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) thin films were deposited on single-crystal substrates by pyrolysis of spin-on mixed nitrate precursors. The films are epitaxial without any second phase. TEM micrographs show that all of these films have pores with sizes ranging from 5 to 30 nm. Grain boundaries are not observed. Selected area diffraction shows that the films are single-crystal-like, despite the porosity. All the films are smooth and crack-free. The precursors first decompose into an amorphous mixture. Heterogeneous nucleation occurs on the lattice-matched, single-crystal substrate surface. The epitaxial films grow upward and consume the amorphous regions. The crystallization temperature of LaAlO3 is lower for thin films than for bulk samples due to nucleation on the substrate. The crystallization of LaAlO3 does not exhibit linear growth kinetics. The Johnson–Mehl–Avrami exponent of growth is between 1.4 and 1.5. This deviation from the linear growth model (n = 1) can be attributed to continuous nucleation on the substrate/film interface.
What is a healthy ecosystem

Rapid deterioration of the world’s major ecosystems has intensified the need for effective environmental monitoring and the development of operational indicators of ecosystem health. Ecosystem health represents a desired endpoint of environmental management, but it requires adaptive, ongoing definition and assessment. We propose that a healthy ecosystem is one that is sustainable ‐ that is, it has the ability to maintain its structure (organization) and function (vigor) over time in the face of external stress (resilience). Various methods to quantify these three ecosystem attributes (vigor, organization, and resilience) are discussed. These attributes are then folded into a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem health. A network analysis based ecosystem health assessment is developed and tested using trophic exchange networks representing several different aquatic ecosystems. Results indicate the potential of such an ecosystem health assessment for evaluating the relative health of similar ecosystems, and quantifying the effects of natural or anthropogenic stress on the health of a particular ecosystem over time.
Linear Regression Metamodeling as a Tool to Summarize and Present Simulation Model Results

Background/Objective. Modelers lack a tool to systematically and clearly present complex model results, including those from sensitivity analyses. The objective was to propose linear regression metamodeling as a tool to increase transparency of decision analytic models and better communicate their results. Methods. We used a simplified cancer cure model to demonstrate our approach. The model computed the lifetime cost and benefit of 3 treatment options for cancer patients. We simulated 10,000 cohorts in a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and regressed the model outcomes on the standardized input parameter values in a set of regression analyses. We used the regression coefficients to describe measures of sensitivity analyses, including threshold and parameter sensitivity analyses. We also compared the results of the PSA to deterministic full-factorial and one-factor-at-a-time designs. Results. The regression intercept represented the estimated basecase outcome, and the other coefficients described the relative parameter uncertainty in the model. We defined simple relationships that compute the average and incremental net benefit of each intervention. Metamodeling produced outputs similar to traditional deterministic 1-way or 2way sensitivity analyses but was more reliable since it used all parameter values. Conclusions. Linear regression metamodeling is a simple, yet powerful, tool that can assist modelers in communicating model characteristics and sensitivity analyses. Key words: sensitivity analysis; cost-effectiveness; economic evaluation; decision analysis; design of experiments; metamodel; regression. (Med Decis Making 2013;33:880–890)
Random projection for high dimensional data clustering: a cluster ensemble approach

We investigate how random projection can best be used for clustering high dimensional data. Random projection has been shown to have promising theoretical properties. In practice, however, we find that it results in highly unstable clustering performance. Our solution is to use random projection in a cluster ensemble approach. Empirical results show that the proposed approach achieves better and more robust clustering performance compared to not only single runs of random projection/clustering but also clustering with PCA, a traditional data reduction method for high dimensional data. To gain insights into the performance improvement obtained by our ensemble method, we analyze and identify the influence of the quality and the diversity of the individual clustering solutions on the final ensemble performance.
Molecular Biology of Selenoproteins

Article de synthese sur la biologie moleculaire des selenoproteines. Etude du metabolisme du selenium (Se), des quatre classes de selenoproteines, de la glutathion peroxidase (GPX) Se-dependante et non dependante, de la phospholipide hydroperoxide GPX, de la GPX plasmatique, de seleno-proteines de mammiferes (rats). Etude de la regulation de l'expression de la GPX par le Se chez les eucaryotes
Film Geography: A Review and Prospectus

With this paper we review past works that have established film geography as a sub-discipline. The paper is organized around the author-text-reader (ATR) model and pays particular attention to its role in defining the area of study and how it is approached theoretically and methodologically. The textual metaphor from which the ATR model is derived is a signifying practice associated with the cultural production of meaning through various forms of representation. Textual analysis is a hermeneutical method that became hegemonic in film studies beginning in the 1970s following Christian Metz’s influential application of semiotics to film, which occurred concomitantly with the establishment of film theory as a serious discipline (c.f. Shiel 2001). The method came to geography later during the “linguistic turn” in the social sciences that did not take full effect until the late 1980s (Lukinbeal and Zimmermann 2008). While the ATR model consists of three modalities, researchers have tended to focus on only one at a time (Dixon et al. 2008). An author-centered approach focuses on the pre-filmic processes of meaning creation. Here, the emphasis is on production, labor, the auteur, the generative process of meaning creation, and the overall economic conditions within the creative industries. A text-centered approach analyzes the construction of meaning within the film’s diegesis and mise-en-scene. Reader-centered approaches investigate film as a spectatorial practice, the audience as market, the situatedness of consumption, the ethnography of film audiences, and film exhibition.
Development of a robust and automated infrasound event catalogue using the International Monitoring System

S U M M A R Y Methods for detecting, associating and locating infrasound events recorded on the global International Monitoring System (IMS) infrasound network are presented. By using likelihood arguments, and reducing the use of empirically determined parameters, our techniques enable us to formally quantify the false alarm rate at both station and network levels, and to calculate confidence areas for event localization. We outline a new association technique that uses graph theory for associating arrivals at multiple spatially separated stations, and perform Monte Carlo simulations to quantify the performance of the scheme under different scenarios. The detection, association and location techniques are applied to 10 large events in the Reviewed Event Bulletin of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. Out of 10 events, a total of seven were automatically detected and associated. By analysing the three missed events, we identify improvements that might be made to improve the algorithms.
Effects of Atrazine and Glyphosate ingestion on body weight and nutritional well-being of Coturnix quail

A test on how the herbicides Atrazine and Glyphosate affect nutritional well-being of Japanese quail (Coturnix quail japonica) was run. Individual quail were fed control, Atrazine or Glyphosate-treated food with concentrations as follows: food was treated with Atrazine or Glyphosate at 1-fold, 4-fold, or 10-fold estimated concentrations or spilled grain that label concentrations of the herbicides would produce. These treatments corresponded to 347, 1388, or 3470 ppm of the active ingredients of each herbicide. Each treatment group had 10 individually penned quail. Twelve controls were used. Amounts of each food consumed were recorded for each quail. Data from controls were compared against both Atrazine-treated and Glyphosate-treated food groups as all treatments were run simultaneously. Quail fed Atrazine-treated food had reduced (P<0.05) body masses for all 3 Atrazine treatments. Body fat content was reduced (P<0.05) in 4-fold and 10-fold treatments in comparison to body fat content of quail fed Glyphosate-treated food and to controls. Atrazine contamination of foods appears to adversely influence nutritional well-being and body fat content. Glyphosate appears not to impact body masses and fat masses.
Solute Diffusion in Ionic Liquids, NMR Measurements and Comparisons to Conventional Solvents

Diffusion coefficients of a variety of dilute solutes in the series of 1-alkyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides ([Prn1][Tf2N], n = 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10), trihexyltetracedecylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide [P14,666][Tf2N], and assorted imidazolium ionic liquids are measured using pulsed field gradient 1H NMR. These data, combined with available literature data, are used to try to uncover the solute and solvent characteristics most important in determining tracer diffusion rates. Discussion is framed in terms of departures from simple hydrodynamic predictions for translational friction using the ratio ζobs/ζSE, where ζobs is the observed friction, determined from the measured diffusion coefficient D via ζobs = kBT/D, and ζSE = 6πηR is the Stokes friction on a sphere of radius R (determined from the solute van der Waals volume) in a solvent with viscosity η. In the case of neutral solutes, the primary determinant of whether hydrodynamic predictions are accurate is the r...
Hybrid Actuation in Coupled Ionic / Conducting Polymer Devices

Ionic polymer membrane actuators represent a relatively new and exciting entry into the field of smart materials. Several key limitations of these transducers have prevented them from experiencing widespread use, however. For example, the bandwidth of these devices is limited at very low frequencies by characteristic relaxation and at high frequencies by the low elastic modulus of the polymer. In this paper, an overview of the initial results of work with hybrid ionic / conducting polymer actuators is presented. These hybrid actuators are devices that combine the electromechanical coupling of ionic polymer actuators and conducting polymer actuators into one coupled device. Initial results show that these hybrid devices have the potential to offer marked advantages over traditional ionic polymer membrane transducers, including increased stress and strain generation and higher actuation bandwidth. Details of the preparation of these devices and performance metrics are presented and comparisons to baseline materials are made.
Analysis of AIDS Knowledge And The Related Behavior Characteristics Among The Drug Addicts who took Methadone Maintenance Out-patient Treatment In Huainan City

Objective To learn the awareness status of AIDS knowledge and the related behavior characteristics among the drug addicts who took methadone maintenance out-patient treatment(MMT) In Huainan city and provide evidence for developing intervention measures.Methods 217 drug addicts who accepted treatment from August to November in 2010 in Huainan municipal MMT were investigated using united questionnaire in order to learn their information about their demographic characteristics,their drug using behavior and sexual behavior.ResultsAmong the drug addicts in Huainan municipal MMT,the overall awareness rate of AIDS knowledge was 87.65%,the positive rate of Hepatitis C and syphilis was 72.35% and 4.15% respectively.10.75% of drug addicts had used shared syringes with others,12.07% had commercial sexual behaviors,33.33% had never used condoms,22.58% had ever had a withdrawal experience,and the positive rate of morphine in the urine test was 32.63%.ConclusionThere were potential risks of HIV/AIDS infection among drug addicts in MMT,so we should take the health education and implement the behavior intervention measures.
A Comparison of Different Age Estimation Methods of the Adult Pelvis

The adult human pelvis is useful to estimate age because it contains three age indicators—the pubic symphysis, auricular surface, and acetabulum. This study tested the accuracy, inaccuracy, and bias of age estimation from the Suchey-Brooks pubic symphysis, Osborne auricular surface, Rissech and Calce acetabulum aging methods, and a summary age of these indicators. The study sample consisted of 212 White individuals with known age and sex from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. The Rissech method performed the best, was the most accurate method with smallest inaccuracy and bias, followed by the Osborne, Suchey-Brooks, summary age, and then Calce methods. Though the Pearson correlation showed only the Suchey-Brooks method to correlate significantly with known age, it is likely the Suchey-Brooks study sample coincidentally reflected the age distribution of this test sample. Results suggested that Bayesian prediction may improve age estimation and should be applied to other age indicators.
Lifestyle, diet, and disease: Comparative perspectives on the determinants of chronic health risks

societies. I begin by considering the determinants of the central components of human energy requirements. Next, I examine the differences in daily energy expenditure, energy intake and diet composition between traditional (subsistencelevel) and modern societies. Finally, I explore the consequences of growing 'energy imbalances' in the modern world for metabolic health problems such as obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. These comparisons highlight how alterations in energy balance and diet composition contribute to the evolution of chronic health problems of the modern, industrialized world.
The Ties That Bind: A Taxonomy of Associational Criminal Structures

This chapter discusses patterns of relations among criminals that are not directly geared towards the commission of profit-making crimes. It argues that there is a broad range of criminal structures that are similar in that they perform the same core functions of creating and reinforcing social bonds between criminals, provide channels for privileged communication, foster mutual support and establish and enforce rules that increase security and predictability in a chaotic and risky environment. A fourfold typology along the dimensions of legality and formalisation is proposed to break down the class of associational criminal structures into meaningful subcategories for further theorising and research.