cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychometric reevaluation of the Women in Science Scale (WiSS)

The Women in Science Scale (WiSS) was first developed in 1984, and is still being used in contemporary studies, yet its psychometric properties have not been evaluated with current statistical methods. In this study, the WiSS was administered in its original 27-item form to 1,439 middle and high school students. Confirmatory factor analysis based upon the original description of the WiSS was modestly supportive of the proposed three-factor structure, but the claimed dimensions showed substantial redundancy. Therefore, we split our sample and performed exploratory factor analyses on one half. The most satisfactory solution, a two-factor model, was then applied to the crossvalidation sample with a confirmatory factor analysis. This two-factor structure was supported with a total of 14 items. Factor 1, Equality, contains eight items, and factor 2, Sexism, six items. Although our data are limited to adolescents, the WiSS, with improved psychometric properties, may be used descriptively to assess attitudes toward women in science and with additional stability and repeatability testing, may be used in evaluation research. The shortened WiSS should result in shorter administration time, fewer missing data, and increased acceptance among survey administrators in classroom settings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1461–1478, 2007
Temporal stability of eight phthalate metabolites and their glucuronide conjugates in human urine

Humans are exposed to phthalates due to the ubiquitous use of these chemicals in consumer products. In the body, phthalates metabolize quickly to form hydrolytic and oxidative monoesters which, in turn, can be glucuronidated before urinary excretion. Exposure assessment studies typically report the total urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites (i.e., free plus glucuronidated species). Nevertheless, because conjugation may potentially reduce the bioactivity of the metabolites by reducing their bioavailability, measuring the concentrations of free species may be of interest. An accurate, quantitative measurement of phthalate monoesters and their conjugated species requires data on the stability of these species in urine after sample collection and before analysis. We studied the stability of eight phthalate metabolites and their glucuronide conjugates at 25, 4, and -70 degrees C. Interestingly, the total concentrations of phthalate metabolites decreased over time at 25 and 4 degrees C, but not at -70 degrees C for up to 1 year and despite several freeze-thaw cycles. We further observed a considerable decrease in the concentrations of the glucuronides of some phthalate metabolites 1 day and 3 days after collection when the samples were stored at 25 and 4 degrees C, respectively. By contrast, the concentrations of the glucuronide conjugates at -70 degrees C remained unchanged for the whole duration of the study (1 year). Based on these findings, we recommend transferring urine specimens to a cooler or a refrigerator immediately after collection followed by permanent storage at subfreezing temperatures within hours of sample collection.
Mesoscale distributions of UV spectral irradiance obtained by merging satellite remote sensing and ground-based measurements

Global atmospheric trends in ozone column amount has focused attention on the environmental risk of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Monitoring UV irradiance in diverse and remote locations is necessary to understand the variability of exposure, dose rates and resultant vulnerability of ecological systems. The USDA UV-B Monitoring Program maintains a wide network for ground-based continuous measurement of solar radiation in several wavelengths of interest for photosynthesis, plant growth and UV exposure to humans. This network provides data for analysis of UV climatology and trends at those sites. A satellite-based technique for producing mesoscale-resolution mapped distributions of UV spectral irradiance has been developed for extending this information into a region surrouding the network sites. The methodology combines radiative transfer modeling, multispectral image pixel classification, cloud optical depth retrievals and auxiliary remote sensing data. The results of the method are compared with ground-based measurements and utilized to examine the role of cloud distribution and surface albedo in determining mesoscale variability of UV exposure in high-latitude and high-altitude environments.
Silicon microcavity light emitting devices

Abstract We report the optical and electrical properties of all-silicon microcavity light emitting devices (LEDs) made of a thin, high-porosity porous silicon active layer sandwiched between two Bragg reflectors made of several pairs of low index/high index of refraction porous silicon layers of lower porosities. The design and passivation of the structures are discussed. The electroluminescent properties are examined in detail, including the strong narrowing of the spectrum, the widely tunable peak position, the emission directionality, the power efficiency, and the stability. The possible uses of these silicon microcavity LEDs are considered and the challenges that need to be met in terms of materials science and device design are examined.
Evidence of hierarchies in cognitive maps.

Previous research suggested that the apparent hierarchical organization of landmarks in an environment will influence subjects’ judgments about spatial characteristics of that environment. We extended this previous work to a natural environment that has no predetermined, well-defined hierarchical structure. Using an algorithm that generates a hierarchy of landmarks from recall protocols, we constructed hypothesized clusterings of landmarks for a set of subjects familiar with the space. Then we tested these hypothesized clusters in a series of tasks, all of which required judgments about distances in the space. The results of these tests suggest that subjects do cluster landmarks on the basis of nonspatial attributes, and that the clusters have consequences for performance in various tasks that require access to spatial information.
The differential effect of interferon on T antigen production in simian virus 40-infected or transformed cells.

Abstract The ability of interferon (IF) to inhibit T antigen (Ag) production in simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected or transformed cells was studied primarily through the use of immunoprecipitation followed by gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Addition of IF to monkey cells prior to or subsequent to inoculation with SV40 resulted in an inhibition in the amount of T Ag that was synthesized late in infection. In contrast when a similar experiment was performed with a is mutant of SV40, tsA58, which does not replicate at the nonpermissive temperature, there was no inhibition in the amount of immunoprecipitable T Ag when IF was added at 30 hr postinfection at 40.5°. The effect of IF on an integrated versus nonintegrated genome within the same cell population was studied in an SV40-transformed mouse cell, H6-15, which is temperature sensitive for the transformed phenotype and for expression of T antigen. In shift-down experiments it was shown that the reappearance of SV40 T Ag was insensitive to the addition of IF whereas superinfection of these same cells with polyoma virus resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of polyoma T Ag infection. An SV40-transformed mouse cell line (nonpermissive) and two SV40-transformed human cell lines (semipermissive) were passaged in the presence of IF for four generations. Approximately the same amount of labeled T Ag could be immunoprecipitated from IF-treated compared to control mouse cultures whereas, there was a marked decrease in the amount of newly synthesized T Ag in IF-treated human cultures. All these results are compatible with the hypothesis that IF affects differentially the expression of early viral genes whether the viral DNA is integrated or not integrated.
Upregulation of α-synuclein during localized radiation therapy signals the association of cancer-related fatigue with the activation of inflammatory and neuroprotective pathways.

Purpose Neuroinflammatory mechanisms are associated with fatigue in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s. The symptoms in Parkinson’s including fatigue are thought to be related to α-synuclein overexpression. This study investigated genomic correlates of fatigue experienced by men with prostate cancer receiving external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).
Flow of Solution in Hydrothermal Autoclaves with Various Aspect Ratios

A good understanding of the natural convective flow in hydrothermal autoclaves is essential for the control of the growth rate and the quality of the grown crystals. This paper presents a numerical simulation of turbulent natural convection in industry-size autoclaves with various aspect ratios. A simplified 2D axisymmetric model was developed. Numerical results were obtained for autoclaves with aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 20. Results show typical two counter-flow cells in both the bottom and upper chambers. Heat conduction through the baffle is negligible. Detailed analyses and discussions are presented to characterize the bulk flows in the upper chamber under various aspect ratios, and their effect on crystal growth. As the aspect ratio increases the gradients in flow velocity and temperature decrease making uniform growth possible in larger autoclaves.
Directly Pumped Silicon Lasing

Enhanced photoluminescence and 1.28 mum laser emission from nano-engineered silicon originating respectively from phonon k-selection rule breaking and point defect-mediated phononless recombination in an array of emissive structural deformation zones in a SOI wafer are reported.
Differential origins of spinothalamic tract projections to medial and lateral thalamus in the rat.

In an earlier study (Giesler et al., 1976), antidromically identified cells of origin of the rat spinothalamic tract (STT) were found to be widely distributed throughout the lumbar dorsal horn and intermediate gray zone (IGZ). Interestingly, it appeared that STT neurons located within the ventral dorsal horn and IGZ, which appeared to respond to stimuli delivered to subcutaneous tissue, tended to be activated only from midline thalamic structures. In contrast, STT neurons within nucleus proprius and the marginal zone, which responded to noxious and innocuous cutaneous stimuli, were activated from lateral thalamic structures. The present study has investigated this apparent dichotomy in thalamic afferents using the technique of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Single and multiple small injections of HRP were made in various thalamic regions. Tissue was reacted with diaminobenzidine (DAB) or o-dianisidine (OD). Our data provide evidence that DAB histochemistry yields a more accurate reflection of the HRP concentrations surrounding an injection site which are necessary for visible retrograde transport. On the other hand, OD was found to be the more useful technique for examining labeled spinal cord neurons. With this method, 3 to 5.3 times more STT neurons were seen and far greater morphological detail was evident. Multiple HRP infusions which filled an entire hemi-thalamus labeled large numbers of cells within the spinal extensions of the dorsal column nuclei, the lateral cervical nucleus, the ventral horns and IGZ bilaterally within C1 and C2, and the nucleus proprius and IGZ at all levels. STT neurons were also seen, but in lesser numbers within the marginal zone. Labeling in spinal segments below C3 was, with a single exception, exclusively contralateral. The lumbar enlargement was seen to contribute a greater number of STT neurons than the cervical enlargement. Injections into posterior medial thalamic structures produced bilateral labeling in the ventral horns and IGZ in upper cervical segments. Within the cervical and lumbar enlargements, labeled neurons were restricted to ventral dorsal horn and to IGZ contralaterally. With the exception of the ventral horn cells of C1 and C2 where a marked reduction in labeling occurred, more anterior medial thalamic injections produced labeling within the identical areas of the gray matter and in numbers comparable to those produced by more posterior medial thalamic injections. In contrast, injections into lateral thalamic areas yielded dense labeling within the caudal extensions of the dorsal column nuclei and lateral cervical nucleus. Labeled cells were seen in the marginal zone and nucleus proprius at all levels. Together with our earlier findings, these data suggest that the rat STT is composed of two components which vary in their cells of origin, their terminations and, very likely, their functions.
Using a Strengths Model to Build an On-line Nursing Education Program

The on-line environment is the new frontier for academia struggling to define its place in the evolving economy. A concern is how to engage students who maximize their on-line experience and graduate in a timely manner. A strengths model was used as the basis for development of an on-line doctoral nursing program. Upon entering the program, students were given a strengths assessment that focused both students and faculty on the positive attributes students were bringing to their doctoral studies. A positive feedback methodology using on-line discussions in each course was used to support the identified strengths. The optimal picture of a successful entering doctoral student appears to be a person whose top five strengths are learner, achiever, input, connectedness and responsibility. A strengths model promotes a positive learning environment and supports a teacher–learner dynamic where faculty members are encouraged to focus on the students' strengths rather than their challenges.
Mechanical Characteristics of Tissue Engineered Bone-Ligament-Bone Constructs Following ACL Replacement in Sheep

With approximately 400,000 reported each year, anterior crucial ligament (ACL) injuries are the most common injury in the US. Unfortunately current ACL replacement strategies, which involve using either allografts from cadavers or autografts from patients’ own patellar tendons (PT) or hamstring tendons as a replacement, have several limitations including graft availability, risk of rejection, increased morbidity and, more importantly, unmatched intra-articular biomechanical properties of grafts and ACL. The objective of this study is to use self-assembling, scaffold-less bone-ligament-bone (BLB) engineered tissue constructs as grafts in a sheep ACL repair model to characterize the biomechanical behaviors of native ACL, PT, and tissue engineered ligament and subsequently present a viable option of using tissue engineered ligament graft for ACL repair.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Biological monitoring of iodine, a water disinfectant for long-term space missions

In order to establish guidelines for exposure of astronauts to iodine, used as a water disinfectant in space, we studied the usefulness of hair, saliva, and urine for biological monitoring in humans and in the human hair/nude mouse model. The monitoring of iodine in patients that received 150 mCi of Na131I (carrier-free) showed similar patterns of elimination for blood, saliva, and urine. The mean correlation coefficient (r) between iodine elimination for blood/saliva was 0.99, for blood/urine, 0.95, and for saliva/urine, 0.97. The absolute value of iodine concentrations in urine revealed marked variability, which was corrected by adjusting for creatinine levels. The autoradiographic studies of human hair demonstrated that iodine is rapidly incorporated into external layers of the hair root and can be removed easily during washing. These data were confirmed after iodine exposure using the human hair/nude mouse model. Hair does not provide satisfactory information about exposure due to unstable incorporation of iodine. The most useful medium for biological monitoring of astronauts exposed to high doses of iodine in drinking water is urine, when adjusted for creatinine, and saliva, if quantitative evaluation of flow rate is provided.
Electrical resistivity of rare-earth alloys☆

Resistivities of solid solution alloys in the systems Gd-Lu, Tb-- Lu, Gd- - Er, and Y-Lu were measured at 4.2 to 320 deg K to determine the behavior of the resistivity in alloy systems with magnetic phenomena arising from localized magnetic moments, A large contribution to the residual resistivity is caused by the random distribution of these localized moments through the lattice. An analysis of the lattice resistivity of the metals shows large variations across the heavy rare-earth series which are possibly correlated with the change of c/a ratio of the metals and the attendent changes in the Fermi surface geometry. (auth)
Approaching The Natural Background Limit With The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (Sirtf)

The primary goal of SIRTF is to conduct astronomical observations to a sensitivity limited by the photon noise produced by zodical dust emission. This fundamental natural background limit to sensitivity cannot be exceeded, regardless of telescope design. To approach this limit a cryogenic, baffled telescope is a necessity. For the SIRTF Technology Integrated System (TIS) Study for NASA, Perkin-Elmer studied the implications of obtaining natural background limited sensitivity with the baseline Cassegrain design. The major contributions to an infrared signal originating from the telescope that could exceed this level are as follows: 1) Stray Light from the sun and moon that results from scatter and diffraction; 2) Photon noise due to thermal emission from the telescope; 3) Scan noise due to a dc offset that results from telescope chopping in the presence of thermal gradients; 4) Thermal drift noise, which results from the offset caused by telescope temperature changes. Our major results are as follows: 1) The noise specification for the 200p - 300p band was the major system driver 2) Chopping removes stray light as a major noise contribution; 3) The black surfaces associated with the secondary mirror constitute the major source of photon, scan, and drift noise in the far infrared and should be masked with a cold stop from the view of the focal plane; 4) Heat dissipation flowing into the secondary mirror from the chopper can be a major source of noise in the far infrared and low dissipation and thermal isolation should be chopper requirements; 5) The telescope should be cooled to less than 5K; 6) Thermal control to hold the mirror surface thermal changes to the level of a mK/s is necessary; 7) Barrel baffle temperatures as high as 30K are within reauirements; the sunshade is a negligible contributor to the background.
Stomatal Responses to Flooding of the Intercellular Air Spaces Suggest a Vapor-Phase Signal Between the Mesophyll and the Guard Cells

Flooding the intercellular air spaces of leaves with water was shown to cause rapid closure of stomata in Tradescantia pallida, Lactuca serriola, Helianthus annuus, and Oenothera caespitosa. The response occurred when water was injected into the intercellular spaces, vacuum infiltrated into the intercellular spaces, or forced into the intercellular spaces by pressurizing the xylem. Injecting 50 mm KCl or silicone oil into the intercellular spaces also caused stomata to close, but the response was slower than with distilled water. Epidermis-mesophyll grafts for T. pallida were created by placing the epidermis of one leaf onto the exposed mesophyll of another leaf. Stomata in these grafts opened under light but closed rapidly when water was allowed to wick between epidermis and the mesophyll. When epidermis-mesophyll grafts were constructed with a thin hydrophobic filter between the mesophyll and epidermis stomata responded normally to light and CO2. These data, when taken together, suggest that the effect of water on stomata is caused partly by dilution of K+ in the guard cell and partly by the existence of a vapor-phase signal that originates in the mesophyll and causes stomata to open in the light.
Effects of route of administration on the production of gastric hemorrhage in the rat by aspirin and sodium salicylate

Dose response curves were obtained in food-deprived rats for aspirin-induced incidence of gastric hemorrhage by four routes of administration: oral (ED50=18 mg/kg); intravenous (ED50=36 mg/kg); small intestinal (ED50=34 mg/kg); and colonic (ED50=12 mg/kg). A similar study with sodium salicylate gave a dose response curve after oral administration (ED50=33 mg/kg), but no incidence of gastric hemorrhage was produced when sodium salicylate was given by the other three routes, even at toxic dose levels. The data indicate that aspirin can produce gastric hemorrhage in the rat by parenteral as well as by oral route, but that sodium salicylate causes gastric hemorrhage in the rat only on direct contact with the gastric mucosa.
Fall cover cropping can increase arbuscular mycorrhizae in soils supporting intensive agricultural production

Abstract Intensive agricultural practices, such as tillage, monocropping, seasonal fallow periods, and inorganic nutrient application have been shown to reduce arbuscular mycorrrhizal fungi (AMF) populations and thus may reduce benefits frequently provided to crops by AMF, such as nutrient acquisition, disease resistance and drought tolerance. We have evaluated the ability of different cover crops to elevate the native mycorrhizal inoculum potential of soils under soil–climatic conditions typical of the upper Midwest U.S. production agricultural region. We measured the number of soil AMF propagules at three sites in the late fall following cover crops that were seeded into summer-harvested small grains within a no-till rotation. At all three sites, soil AMF propagule numbers were generally low (≤1 propagule g−1). Fall cover crops significantly increased the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of the soils. Forage oats (Avena sativa (L.) Hausskn.), by itself or in mixtures, was most effective at both sites where it was planted. At the third site, a cover crop mixture doubled the inoculum potential of these soils. The effect of cover crop treatments on AMF propagules was corroborated at one site over two seasons by measuring AMF biomass with the neutral lipid fatty acid mycorrhizal biomarker, C16:1cis11. Identification of AMF-promoting cover crops for inclusion in diversified, no till cropping rotations in the upper Midwest U.S. will provide opportunity for reduced inorganic nutrient application with economic and environmental benefit.
Aging and infective endocarditis.

The clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infective endocarditis in the elderly are reviewed. In elderly persons with infective endocarditis, the clinical diagnosis is often difficult, complications are frequent, and mortality rate is high.
Two stages of juvenile hormone-mediated growth of secondary follicles in Culex pipiens

Abstract To investigate the effect of juvenile hormone deprivation on the growth of secondary follicles during the second gonotrophic cycle, female mosquitoes, Culex pipiens L., were allatectomized daily after the first blood meal. Allatectomy on days 1–3 suppressed growth of secondary follicles indicating that juvenile hormone was required for a second gonotrophic cycle. When allatectomy was performed 4 days or more after the first blood meal, secondary follicles grew, indicating the presence of juvenile hormone. However, if mosquitoes were allatectomized before oviposition, only 25% developed a second batch of eggs after a second blood meal. Allatectomies performed 1 and 24 h after oviposition indicated that additional juvenile hormone was released after deposition of the first batch of eggs, and that this second release was needed for secondary follicles to complete previtellogenic growth. Thus, in C. pipiens , secondary follicles undergo two periods of juvenile hormone-mediated growth-one before and one after oviposition.
Using scenarios to explore future energy demand in industrialized countries

Abstract We present three scenarios of OECD average sectoral energy intensities in the year 2010. These represent the direction in which current and expected trends seem to be moving; what might happen if energy efficiency were given a high priority by governments and the private sector; and what might be achieved if restraining energy use became a very high priority for public policy (eg if CO2 emissions were recognized as a serious problem). The scenarios delineate an important (if somewhat vague) boundary between a relatively easily attainable improvement in efficiency and a more problematical level of change. With a mixture of pricing and other policies, they suggest that OECD primary energy use in 2010 could be 20–25% less than currently seems likely (or about equal to demand in 1989) if fairly determined efforts were made. To increase that reduction to 40–45% would be very challenging, but not impossible.
Minimally invasive spine instrumentation.

Objective We discuss the instrumentation used with minimally invasive spine surgery. Methods Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized all areas of surgery. The use of endoscopes permits surgical maneuvers to be performed through small incisions. Results Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be used for a variety of spinal indications. The nerve roots and the spinal cord can be decompressed, bone grafts can be placed for interbody fusion and vertebral body reconstruction, and internal fixation devices can be applied to stabilize the spine. Thoracoscopy can be used to perform thoracic sympathectomies, to resect thoracic disk herniations, to biopsy thoracic vertebral body lesions, to release complex spinal curvatures for the reduction of scoliosis, to perform vertebrectomies, to resect tumors, to debride infections, and to treat spinal fractures. Laparoscopic techniques have been applied to the lumbar spine. Laparoscopic procedures have been used for anterior and posterior approaches to the lumbar spine. Anterior arthrodesis has been performed by laparoscopic insertion of the Bagby and Kuslich cages into the L4-5 and the L5-S1 intervertebral disc spaces. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal techniques have been used for anterior plating to fixate the anterior column rigidly to restore stability. In addition, the posterolateral approach has been used for pedicle screw fixation of the lumbar spine using endoscopic techniques. Conclusion Minimally invasive techniques have been used successfully for treating spinal disorders. With the use of endoscopic techniques, a spine surgeon can perform complex spinal instrumentation through small portals, thus reducing morbidity for the patient.
EPR of Mn2+ doping single crystals of Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O and NiK2(SO4)2·6H2O

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of Mn2+ ion doping single crystals of nickel acetate tetrahydrate (Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O) and nickel potassium tutton salt (NiK2(SO4)2·6H2O) have been made at room, liquid-nitrogen, and liquid-helium temperatures. In order to understand the interaction of the Mn2+ ion with the surrounding Ni2+ ions, studies of line widths as a function of temperature and of external magnetic field intensity have been made. The absolute signs of the parameters have been determined from the relative intensity of lines at liquid-helium temperature. The values of the parameters have been computed using a rigorous least-squares fitting procedure, and exact diagonalization of the spin Hamiltonian matrix, fitting simultaneously the resonant line positions obtained for several orientations of the magnetic field.
Late fees and price discrimination

Abstract Late penalties for items (like videos) sometimes exceed the rental fee, which itself exceeds the re-renting opportunity cost. This puzzling feature of rental pricing can be justified as price discrimination when consumers have stochastic costs of returning items on time.
Phorbol esters, fatty acids and tumour promotion.

CROTON oil is a complex lipid mixture obtained from the seeds of Croton tiglium L. (family Euphorbiaceae), a leafy shrub native to India and Ceylon. This oil has been used medicinally for its counterirritant, vesicant and cathartic properties (a practice long since abandoned for humans). It is also a potent promoter of tumour formation in mouse skin1. The active principles of croton oil have been isolated and identified as diesters of the diterpene alcohol phorbol, of which 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is the most active biologically2,3. TPA induces changes in cellular morphology4, stimulates cell division5,6 and is the most powerful tumour promoter known2,3,7. The extremely low doses needed to elicit these responses (10−8–10−6 M in vitro and 17 × 10−9 mol per application in vivo), plus the fact that minor structural changes in TPA eliminate its activity2,6, indicate that the interaction with the target cells is structurally specific and TPA is therefore a valuable tool for examining not only the control of DNA synthesis and cell division, but also those events controlling tumour formation.
A Study of Multicomponent Streams in Off-Design Centrifuge Cascades

International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors employ several safeguards measures to ensure only declared operations are occurring at a gas centrifuge plant. One safeguards tool, environmental sampling, can help quantify the materials present in a cascade and gas centrifuge plant. The sampling results can be compared with expected values to determine if the concentrations found are reasonable. In this paper, a methodology is presented for determining the operating envelope of isotope enrichment and material throughput that can be achieved in a reduced throughput cascade. The effects of feed material and centrifuge performance and optimization are studied.
Simulation of Heat and Mass Transfer Processes in a Surrogate Bronchial System Developed for Hygroscopic Aerosol Studies

In order to study quantitatively the behavior of inhaled hygroscopic aerosol particles, a surrogate tracheobronchial system, capable of simulating the in vivo atmosphere (i.e., temperature and relative humidity) in a physiologically realistic manner, was developed and is reported here. This surrogate tracheobronchial system is a tubular, multicomponent physical model in which the average Reynolds number value for the airflow within each respective compartment, or section, equals the value within the corresponding bronchial airway generation of Weibel's Model A network. The mass transport phenomenon (i.e., the in vivo water flow through a tracheobronchial wall and its membrane, and subsequent water evaporation into inhaled air) was simulated using this system. Detailed information regarding localized air temperature and water vapor concentration patterns for the steady flow rate of 13.5 L/min is reported in this work. The impact of the laryngeal simulator was studied, and average values of Nusselt and Sher...
Learning About Ares I from Monte Carlo Simulation

This paper addresses Monte Carlo simulation analyses that are being conducted to understand the behavior of the Ares I launch vehicle, and to assist with its design. After describing the simulation and modeling of Ares I, the paper addresses the process used to determine what simulations are necessary, and the parameters that are varied in order to understand how the Ares I vehicle will behave in flight. Outputs of these simulations furnish a significant group of design customers with data needed for the development of Ares I and of the Orion spacecraft that will ride atop Ares I. After listing the customers, examples of many of the outputs are described. Products discussed in this paper include those that support structural loads analysis, aerothermal analysis, flight control design, failure/abort analysis, determination of flight performance reserve, examination of orbit insertion accuracy, determination of the Upper Stage impact footprint, analysis of stage separation, analysis of launch probability, analysis of first stage recovery, thrust vector control and reaction control system design, liftoff drift analysis, communications analysis, umbilical release, acoustics, and design of jettison systems.
Creation and Implementation of a National Emergency Medicine Fourth-Year Student Examination

Abstract Background A National Board of Medical Examiners examination does not exist for Emergency Medicine (EM) students. To fill this void, the Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine tasked a committee with development of an examination for 4th-year (M4) EM students, based on a published syllabus, and consisting of questions written according to published question-writing guidelines. Study Objectives Describe examination development and statistics at 9 months. Methods The committee reviewed an existing EM student question database at www.saemtests.org for statistical performance, compliance with item-writing guidelines, and topic inclusion within the published EM M4 syllabus. For syllabus topics without existing questions, committee members wrote new items. LXR 6.0 software (Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc., Georgetown, SC) was used for examination administration. Data gathered included numbers of examinations completed, mean scores with SD, and point biserial correlation (rpb). Results Of the 553 questions assessed, 157 questions met the stated criteria, and 37 were included in the examination. Thirteen new questions were written by committee members to cover all curriculum topics. The National EM M4 Examination was released online August 1, 2011. Nine months later, the examination had been completed 1642 times by students from 27 clerkships. Mean score was 79.69% (SD 3.89). Individual question difficulties ranged from 26% to 99%. Question rpbs ranged from 0.067 to 0.353, mean 0.213 (SD 0.066). Conclusions A national group of EM educators developed an examination to assess a published clerkship syllabus. The examination contains questions written according to published item-writing guidelines, and exhibits content validity, appropriate difficulty levels, and adequate question discriminatory ability.
Some trust issues in social networks and sensor networks

Trust and reputation are becoming increasingly important in diverse areas such as search, e-commerce, social media, semantic sensor networks, etc. We review past work and explore future research issues relevant to trust in social/sensor networks and interactions. We advocate a balanced, iterative approach to trust that marries both theory and practice. On the theoretical side, we investigate models of trust to analyze and specify the nature of trust and trust computation. On the practical side, we propose to uncover aspects that provide a basis for trust formation and techniques to extract trust information from concrete social/sensor networks and interactions. We expect the development of formal models of trust and techniques to glean trust information from social media and sensor web to be fundamental enablers for applying semantic web technologies to trust management.
Genes for the protein antigens of the tuberculosis and leprosy bacilli

The lambda gt 11 expression vector permitted us to survey protein antigens of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis expressed in Escherichia coli. Using monoclonal antibodies, recombinant clones were detected producing three major antigens of M. tuberculosis and five major protein antigens of M. leprae. These recombinant antigens produced in E. coli should prove useful for diagnosis, epidemiology and possibly the development of recombinant mycobacterial vaccines.
Circadian phase response curves to light in older and young women and men

The phase of a circadian rhythm reflects where the peak and the trough occur, for example, the peak and trough of performance within the 24 h. Light exposure can shift this phase. More extensive knowledge of the human circadian phase response to light is needed to guide light treatment for shiftworkers, air travelers, and people with circadian rhythm phase disorders. This study tested the hypotheses that older adults have absent or weaker phase-shift responses to light (3000 lux), and that women's responses might differ from those of men. After preliminary health screening and home actigraphic recording baselines, 50 young adults (ages 18–31 years) and 56 older adults (ages 59–75 years) remained in light-controlled laboratory surroundings for 4.7 to 5.6 days, while experiencing a 90-min ultra-short sleep-wake cycle. Following at least 30 h in-lab baseline, over the next 51 h, participants were given 3 treatments with 3000 lux white light, each treatment for 3 h, centered at one of 8 clock times. The circadian rhythms of urinary aMT6s (a melatonin metabolite), free cortisol, oral temperature, and wrist activity were assessed at baseline and after treatment. Light (3000 lux for 3 h on 3 days) induced maximal phase shifts of about 3 h. Phase shifts did not differ significantly in amplitude among older and young groups or among women and men. At home and at baseline, compared to the young, the older adults were significantly phase-advanced in sleep, cortisol, and aMT6s onset, but not advanced in aMT6s acrophase or the temperature rhythm. The inflection from delays to advances was approximately 1.8 h earlier among older compared to young participants in reference to their aMT6s rhythm peaks, and it was earlier in clock time. In these experimental conditions, 3000 lux light could shift the phase of circadian rhythms to about the same extent among older and young adults, but the optimal light timing for phase shifting differed. For an interval near 4 PM, bright light produced only negligible phase shifts for either age group.
Cdc13 N-Terminal Dimerization DNA Binding and Telomere Length Regulation

The essential yeast protein Cdc13 facilitates chromosome end replication by recruiting telomerase to telomeres, and together with its interacting partners Stn1 and Ten1, it protects chromosome ends from nucleolytic attack, thus contributing to genome integrity. Although Cdc13 has been studied extensively, the precise role of its N-terminal domain (Cdc13N) in telomere length regulation remains unclear. Here we present a structural, biochemical, and functional characterization of Cdc13N. The structure reveals that this domain comprises an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB) fold and is involved in Cdc13 dimerization. Biochemical data show that Cdc13N weakly binds long, single-stranded, telomeric DNA in a fashion that is directly dependent on domain oligomerization. When introduced into full-length Cdc13 in vivo, point mutations that prevented Cdc13N dimerization or DNA binding caused telomere shortening or lengthening, respectively. The multiple DNA binding domains and dimeric nature of Cdc13 offer unique insights into how it coordinates the recruitment and regulation of telomerase access to the telomeres.
Short communication: Relationship between natural antibodies and postpartum uterine health in dairy cows

Postpartum uterine diseases of dairy cows compromise animal welfare and may result in early removal from the herd or impaired reproductive performance. The relationship between poor immune status around calving and uterine diseases is well established; however, that between natural antibodies (NAb) and uterine health has not yet been studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of circulating NAb levels around parturition with puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis, and the intrauterine presence of the Escherichia coli virulence factor FimH. One hundred six pregnant heifers were enrolled; NAb in serum samples collected at 30 ± 3 d prepartum and at 2 ± 1 and 35 ± 3 d in milk (DIM) were measured by ELISA. Puerperal metritis was defined as the presence of fetid, watery, red-brown uterine discharge and rectal temperature >39.5°C at 6 ± 1 DIM. Clinical endometritis was defined as presence of pus in the uterine lavage sample collected at 35 ± 3 DIM. The intrauterine presence of the fimH gene at 2 ± 1 DIM was evaluated by PCR. The overall optical density (wavelength of 650 nm) of ELISA-detected serum NAb was lower for cows diagnosed with puerperal metritis than for cows that did not have puerperal metritis. Additionally, cows diagnosed with clinical endometritis tended to have lower levels of NAb than did cows without clinical endometritis. Finally, FimH-positive cows had lower overall levels of serum NAb compared with FimH-negative cows. In conclusion, NAb detected in serum around parturition was associated with uterine health of dairy cows.
Control of cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity by sequestration of lipid transfer inhibitor protein in an inactive complex

Lipid transfer inhibitor protein (LTIP) is a physiologic regulator of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) function. We previously reported that LTIP activity is localized to LDL, consistent with its greater inhibitory activity on this lipoprotein. With a recently described immunoassay for LTIP, we investigated whether LTIP mass is similarly distributed. Plasma fractionated by gel filtration chromatography revealed two LTIP protein peaks, one coeluting with LDL, and another of ∼470 kDa. The 470 kDa LTIP complex had a density of 1.134 g/ml, indicating ∼50% lipid content, and contained apolipoprotein A-I. By mass spectrometry, partially purified 470 kDa LTIP also contains apolipoproteins C-II, D, E, J, and paraoxonase 1. Unlike LDL-associated LTIP, the 470 kDa LTIP complex does not inhibit CETP activity. In normolipidemic subjects, ∼25% of LTIP is in the LDL-associated, active form. In hypercholesterolemia,this increases to 50%, suggesting that lipoprotein composition may influence the status of LTIP activity. Incubation (37°C) of normolipidemic plasma increased active, LDL-associated LTIP up to 3-fold at the expense of the inactive pool. Paraoxon inhibited this shift by 50%. Overall, these studies show that LTIP activity is controlled by its reversible incorporation into an inactive complex. This may provide for short-term fine-tuning of lipoprotein remodeling mediated by CETP.
Transcription Activation at Class II CAP-Dependent Promoters: Two Interactions between CAP and RNA Polymerase

At Class II catabolite activator protein (CAP)-dependent promoters, CAP activates transcription from a DNA site overlapping the DNA site for RNA polymerase. We show that transcription activation at Class II CAP-dependent promoters requires not only the previously characterized interaction between an activating region of CAP and the RNA polymerase α subunit C-terminal domain, but also an interaction between a second, promoter-class-specific activating region of CAP and the RNA polymerase α subunit N-terminal domain. We further show that the two interactions affect different steps in transcription initiation. Transcription activation at Class II CAP-dependent promoters provides a paradigm for understanding how an activator can make multiple interactions with the transcription machinery, each interaction being responsible for a specific mechanistic consequence.
The Community Readiness Model: Evaluating Local Smoke-Free Policy Development

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on community readiness and assess the utility of the community readiness model (CRM) for understanding and affecting smoke-free policy development and implementation. The CRM evaluates a community's capacity for successfully developing and implementing prevention or treatment interventions. The purposes of evaluating a community's readiness are to: (a) identify the stage of readiness for policy change, and (b) determine stage-specific strategies to advance a community toward policy change.
Bilateral Choroidal Metastasis from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Breast and lung cancers are the most common primary neoplasms to manifest with choroidal metastases. The incidence of choroidal metastases from metastatic lung cancer was reported to be 2–6.7%. We report a case of bilateral choroidal metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer. A 59-year-old Caucasian female patient, never a smoker, was diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma metastatic to the pleura, bones, and the brain. Her initial scan of the chest showed innumerable soft tissue nodules and mediastinal adenopathy compatible with metastatic disease. Her initial brain MRI showed numerous small enhancing lesions consistent with extensive disease. Unfortunately, during her follow-up visits, she presented with bulge on her left eye. Simultaneously, her follow-up chest scan showed increase in the size of the lung nodules. She continued to have a reasonable performance status at that time, except for mild increase in her dyspnea. The choroidal metastases require a multidisciplinary care and should be among the differential patients with malignancy who present with ocular symptoms.
Inverted Y Duplication of the Ureter with Associated Ureterocele and Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Inverted Y malformation is a rare ureteral duplication anoma1y.I Of the 31 cases in the literature only 4 were associated with a ~reterocele.",~ There is a marked female preponderance for this malformation and only 1 previously reported case presented with bladder outlet obstruction.3 We report the unique occurrence of this anomaly in a man. CASE REPORT A 25-year-old man presented with a progressive 2-year history of decreased force of stream and stranguria. Medical history and physical examination were unremarkable. Urinalysis and serum creatinine were normal. A urinary flow study demonstrated marked obstruction with a postvoid residual of 198 cc. Flexible cystoureteroscopy revealed a cystic mass at the bladder neck suggesting a large ectopic ureterocele. No other lesions were identified. Excretory urography showed a large left ureterocele and an inverted Y duplication of the left collecting system (fig. 1). The left ureters converged at S3 and the ureterocele arose from the caudad ureter. Rigid cystoscopy with the patient under general anesthesia
Finally Finale, Finely: The Recycled Presto in Beethoven's Opus 47

The original finale of Beethoven's violin sonata Op. 30, no. 1, wound up as the finale to his Op. 47, written in May 1803 for performance with George Bridgetower. Examining the Presto in its original context reveals numerous connections with the first two movements of Op. 30, no. 1. Taking the finale off the shelf one year later, Beethoven had to make two new movements that would seem to “grow toward” music already composed. These movements bear the imprint of their ready-made finale. To unpack the resultant “layering of reversals” entails remembering that what is staged in the finale as a recollection of “issues” in the preceding movements of Op. 47 is actually, given the order of composition, their “cause.” Much was at stake in Beethoven's endeavor, for his current symphonic project was the Eroica, for which the finale was essentially in place, in the guise of the Variations for Piano, Op. 35.
Verifiable functional purity in java

Proving that particular methods within a code base are functionally pure--deterministic and side-effect free--would aid verification of security properties including function invertibility, reproducibility of computation, and safety of untrusted code execution. Until now it has not been possible to automatically prove a method is functionally pure within a high-level imperative language in wide use, such as Java. We discuss a technique to prove that methods are functionally pure by writing programs in a subset of Java called Joe-E; a static verifier ensures that programs fall within the subset. In Joe-E, pure methods can be trivially recognized from their method signature. To demonstrate the practicality of our approach, we refactor an AES library, an experimental voting machine implementation, and an HTML parser to use our techniques. We prove that their top-level methods are verifiably pure and show how this provides high-level security guarantees about these routines. Our approach to verifiable purity is an attractive way to permit functional-style reasoning about security properties while leveraging the familiarity, convenience, and legacy code of imperative languages.