cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional reflectance spectroscopy. IV - The extinction coefficient and the opposition effect

An analytical model is developed for the opposition effect (heiligenshein) in the case of light scattering from a semi-infinite, particulate medium with particles that are large relative to the wavelength. The effect is common for natural materials, and comprises a brightness surge in light diffusively reflected from a surface at near zero phase. A generalized expression is devised for the extinction coefficient of a particulate medium. Models are developed for step function and hyperbolic tangent distributions of light scattered from a stratified medium and exhibiting the opposition effect. A maximum brightness amplitude increase of 0.753 is projected for the effect. Greater values must have other causes.
Trajectory tracking with collision avoidance for nonholonomic vehicles with acceleration constraints and limited sensing

Nowadays, autonomously operated nonholonomic vehicles are employed in a wide range of applications, ranging from relatively simple household chores (e.g. carpet vacuuming and lawn mowing) to highly sophisticated assignments (e.g. outer space exploration and combat missions). Each application may require different levels of accuracy and capabilities from the vehicles, yet, all expect the same critical outcome: to safely complete the task while avoiding collisions with obstacles and the environment. Herein, we report on a bounded control law for nonholonomic systems of unicycle-type that satisfactorily drive a vehicle along a desired trajectory while guaranteeing a minimum safe distance from another vehicle or obstacle at all times. The control law is comprised of two parts. The first is a trajectory tracking and set-point stabilization control law that accounts for the vehicle's kinematic and dynamic constraints (i.e. restrictions on velocity and acceleration). We show that the bounded tracking control law enforces global asymptotic convergence to the desired trajectory and local exponential stability of the full state vector in the case of set-point stabilization. The second part is a real-time avoidance control law that guarantees collision-free transit for the vehicle in noncooperative and cooperative scenarios independently of bounded uncertainties and errors in the obstacles' detection process. The avoidance control acts locally, meaning that it is only active when an obstacle is close and null when the obstacle is safely away. Moreover, the avoidance control is designed according to the vehicle's acceleration limits to compensate for lags in the vehicle's reaction time. The performance of the synthesized control law is then evaluated and validated via simulation and experimental tests.
Partially-Averaged Navier–Stokes Simulations of High-Speed Mixing Environment

Accurate simulation of the fuel-air mixing environment is crucial for high-fidelity scramjet calculations. We compute the velocity fields of jet into supersonic freestream flow and cavity flow typical of scramjet flame-holding applications at different scale resolutions using the partially-averaged Navier–Stokes (PANS) method. We present a sequence of variable resolution computations to demonstrate the potential of PANS method for high-speed mixing environment calculations.
The Matter of Habit

This article is a historical investigation of the concept of habit in sociology. Beginning with the claim that historians of sociology need to look beyond the now-famous ideas that appear in the foreground of the works of the sociological masters, the article examines the neglected idea of habit to document that this concept was long a staple term in the conceptual vocabulary of Western social theorists and that it continued to function as a major background factor in the substantive writings of both Emile Durkheim and Max Weber-a factor that previous scholarship on Durkheim and Weber has almost completely overlooked. It is shown that Durkheim viewed habit not only as a chief determinant of human action in a great variety of areas but also as one of the principal supports for the moral fabric of modern societies. Similarly, habit is found to be significant in Weber's treatment of modern economic and political life, Calvinism and the spirit of capitalism, and the force of traditionalism, which is so centra...
Age and ethanol concentration-dependent effects of acute binge drinking in the HIV-1 transgenic rat

Background Binge drinking is common in young people. Alcoholic beverages vary significantly in their ethanol (EtOH) concentration [alcohol by volume (ABV)]. We previously showed EtOH concentration-dependent activation of the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus. In the HIV-infected population, incidence of alcohol abuse is close to 50%. We found age-dependent expression of HIV-1 viral proteins in the HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat. Thus, we hypothesized that there are age- and EtOH concentration-dependent effects of binge drinking in HIV-1-positive individuals.
Simulations of flame-vortex interactions

Abstract Full numerical simulations are used to study the interaction of a vortex and a premixed flame as a model problem for turbulent flames. A vortex structure is constructed that avoids boundary condition difficulties. The effects of heat release and the importance of the relative length and time scales of the vortex and flame are examined. Changes in the internal structure as well as the overall shapes of the flame and vortex are studied. Frozen flame and frozen vortex cases are studied to isolate various effects and aid in understanding the full interaction. The principal effect of the frozen flame is to expand the vorticity normal to the flame surface. A model using the baroclinic torque is developed to explain this effect. The principal effect of the frozen vortex on the flame is to increase the flame area. This is modeled using the total strain rate associated with the vortex. Important changes in internal flame structure were found to occur only at relatively low Damkohler numbers (Da
Effect of hyaluronidase on the ocular penetrance of ampicillin.

It has been suggested that hyaluronidase when given subconjunctivally may increase the penetration of antibiotics such as penicillin into ocular fluids and tissues. Its effect on a synthetic penicillin, viz. ampicillin, has been evaluated here. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two numerically equal groups. Group I received 62.5 mg ampicillin and Group II received 62.5 mg ampicillin + 30 T.R.U. of hyaluronidase. All injections were made subconjunctivally. Ampicillin levels in cornea, aqueous, vitreous and optic nerve were determined. The results suggest that hyaluronidase has no effect in increasing the intraocular penetration of antibiotics.
Backscatter Models for Large-Eddy Simulations

Using previously established properties of nonlinear subgrid-scale interactions we derive deterministic models of backscatter for large-eddy simulations. The models provide approximately equal amounts of forward and inverse transfer and consequently affect only weakly the total kinetic energy of turbulence. The modeling procedures are tested on a simple case of forced isotropic turbulence with the inertial range and in turbulent channel flow. The presence of backscatter increases the physical realism of large-eddy simulations.
Studies on the developmental toxicity of ozone. I. Prenatal effects.

Ozone, the predominant oxidant in photochemical smog, produces pulmonary and systemic toxicities, and yet possible effects on the fetus have received little attention. Long-Evans rats were exposed during early (Day 6–9), mid (Day 9–12) or late (Day 17–20) gestation, or throughout the period of organogenesis (Day 6–15) to concentrations of ozone varying from 0 to 1.97 ppm. No terata were produced by any regimen, but the resorption rate was increased following exposure to concentrations of ozone above 1.26 ppm in midgestation. Exposure to ambient levels (0.44 ppm) for 8 hr/day during the period of organogenesis produced no significant effects. Fetal heart rates, electrocardiograms, hematocrits, and plasma electrolytes were unaltered by exposure to 1 ppm during mid- or late gestation when examined on Day 20. Finally, sodium salicylate (150 mg/kg on Day 10) was shown to be synergistic with ozone (1 ppm in midgestation), in that the combined treatment decreased fetal weight, and to a lesser extent increased the resorption rate. These effects were minimal from either treatment administered alone.
Investigating the Impact of Microwave Breakdown on the Responses of High-Power Microwave Metamaterials

We investigate the effect of microwave-induced breakdown on the frequency responses of a class of metamaterials composed of planar sub-wavelength periodic structures. When breakdown occurs in such a structure, its frequency response changes based on the nature of the plasma created within its unit cell. We examine how the frequency responses of such periodic structures change as a result of creation of microwave-induced discharges within their unit cells. To do this, we examine single-layer metasurfaces composed of miniature LC resonators arranged in a 2-D periodic lattice. These metasurfaces are engineered to be opaque at microwave frequencies when operated at low power levels but can be made transparent if a localized discharge is created within the LC resonators. By measuring their transmission and reflection coefficients under high-power excitation in different conditions, the impact of breakdown on the frequency responses of these devices is determined. Several prototypes of such structures are examined both theoretically and experimentally. It is demonstrated that when breakdown occurs in air and at atmospheric pressure levels, the responses of such periodic structures can be predicted with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Additionally, when the unit cell of the metasurface is composed of two different resonators, breakdown is always observed to occur in both resonators despite their different topologies and local field enhancement factors. In such structures, the discharge in one resonator appears to be mediated by the one in the other.
Detoxification ability and toxicity of quinones in mouse and human tumor cell lines used for anticancer drug screening

The in vitro testing of antitumor drugs involves the use of mouse and human tumor cells. In particular, there is interest in developing agents active against human solid tumors. We examined several biochemical parameters that may contribute to the differential sensitivity of the cell lines used in our laboratory to the toxic effects of antitumor compounds. The tumor cell lines examined were of mouse (colon 38, L1210 leukemia, and C1498 leukemia) and human origin (CEM leukemia, CX1 colon, H116 colon, HCT8 colon and H125 lung). Quinone reductase activity was markedly different between leukemia and solid-tumor cell lines of either mouse or human origin, with increased activity being observed in the solid-tumor cell lines relative to the leukemia lines. GSH transferase activity also was generally increased in solid-tumor relative to leukemia cell lines. Superoxide dismutase activity and thiol levels were similar in leukemia and solid-tumor cell lines, except that thiol levels were very low in colon 38. Mouse cell lines from in vitro passage had somewhat higher activity of superoxide dismutase and thiol levels than did cells maintained in vivo, indicating relatively increased antioxidant defenses. The toxicity of 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, a model quinone that exerts its toxic effects via production of reactive oxygen species, was significantly lower in mouse lines maintained in vitro than in those tested in vivo, whereas the toxicity of another quinone, menadione, was just slightly lower. Quinone reductase activity, GSH transferase activity, and thiol levels were significantly higher in the human lines than in the mouse lines. Accordingly, the toxicity of both quinones tended to be lower in the human lines than in the mouse lines.
A self-adjusting dynamic logic module

Abstract This paper presents an ASOCS (adaptive self-organizing concurrent system) model for massively parallel processing of incrementally defined rule systems in such areas as adaptive logic, robotics, logical inference, and dynamic control. An ASOCS is an adaptive network composed of many simple computing elements operating asynchronously and in parallel. This paper focuses on Adaptive Algorithm 2 (AA2) and details its architecture and learning algorithm. AA2 has significant memory and knowledge maintenance advantages over previous ASOCS models. An ASOCS can operate in either a data processing mode or a learning mode. During the learning mode, the ASOCS is given a new rule expressed as a Boolean conjunction. The AA2 learning algorithm incorporates the new rule in a distributed fashion in a short, bounded time. During the data processing mode, the ASOCS acts as a parallel hardware circuit.
Refinement of the HeH2 potential surface through inversion of nuclear spin relaxation data

Proton spin relaxation times, T1/ρ (the slope of the longitudinal relaxation time, T1, vs density, ρ) in the infinite dilution limit as measured by Lemaire and Armstrong [J. Chem. Phys. 81, 5275 (1984)] at temperatures between 86 and 298 K are used to refine the anisotropic term of the Rodwell–Scoles HeH2 potential [J. Phys. Chem. 86, 1053 (1982)]. Prior to the refinement, a sensitivity study is performed which indicates that the data are primarily sensitive to the relative anisotropy of the repulsive wall. The inversion problem is posed as a first-order Fredholm integral equation with a kernel composed of functional sensitivities that relate potential perturbations to spin relaxation rate perturbations. The inversion scheme consists of a least-squares regularization procedure with singular system analysis and stabilization as used previously to refine atom–atom potentials [T.-S. Ho and H. Rabitz, J. Chem. Phys. 89, 5614 (1988); 90, 1519 (1989); 91, 7590 (1989)] with modifications which incorporate a prio...
Favorable adverse event profile of sofosbuvir/ribavirin compared to boceprevir/interferon/ribavirin for treatment of hepatitis C

Background Triple therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with first-generation directly acting antiviral agents, the non-structural serine protease inhibitors boceprevir (BOC) and telaprevir have resulted in improved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates. However, a high incidence of adverse events (AEs), high pill burdens and drug interactions remain significant barriers to successful completion of therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the AEs observed with BOC triple therapy in comparison to IFN-free sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SOF/RBV) therapy in HCV monoinfected, genotype-1 (GT-1) individuals.
From a quark model to effective hadron theories

Abstract In the context of the quark exchange model of Lenz and others (1986), effective hadron theories are constructed and the resulting physical observables compared to their “experimental” values as defined by the calculations using the exact quark model operators. This model study illustrates convergence issues for an effective hadron basis in a quark model in which all physical observables can be computed exactly.
The effect of monoclonal antibody and route of immunization on the humoral immune response against Porphyromonas gingivalis

Immunomodulation mediated by exogenous antibodies has been proposed as a vaccine strategy to improve immune protection against pathogenic microorganisms and suggested to contribute to protection following passive immunization. To test whether a monoclonal antibody directed against an adhesion epitope of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis could influence the humoral immune response following mucosal immunization, BALB/c mice were immunized orally or intranasally with P. gingivalis alone or P. gingivalis coated with monoclonal antibody 61BG1.3. Differences in antigenic specificity of anti- P. gingivalis serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) were demonstrated between groups of mice that received monoclonal antibody-coated P. gingivalis versus those that received P. gingivalis alone by either route of immunization. Binding of monoclonal antibody 61BG1.3 to P. gingivalis prior to immunization did not influence the serum IgG subclass distribution. However, minor differences in subclass distribution were observed between the various routes of mucosal immunization. These results support the hypothesis that specific monoclonal antibody bound to a bacterial vaccine can alter the quality of the humoral immune response to that organism.
Substrate choices made by marine larvae settling in still water and in a flume flow

Larvae of several species of invertebrates that live just below the surface of the seabed (infaunal species) are known to make active and consistent choices among sedimentary habitats; generally they choose the sediments most similar to those occurring in the habitats where the adult stages live in the field1–5. But, previous experiments designed to investigate habitat selection by such larvae were con-ducted almost entirely in still water and never under realistic flow conditions. Therefore, although larvae are able to actively select settlement sites, it is not known whether these choices are exercised in natural field flows5. We report here that the larvae of the infaunal polychaete, Capitella sp. I and the infaunal bivalve Mercenaria mercenaria, actively choose appropriate substrates in still water, but the species differ in their selection capabilities under controlled, realistic and defined flow conditions in the laboratory.
Cooperative navigation in transitional environments

This paper describes initial research effort aimed at enabling multi-sensory, robust cooperative navigation solution, including seamless transition capabilities between different types of navigation platforms that navigate together, with the focus on transitional environments. The emphasis of the navigation performance assessment is on the 3D imagery, furnished by a flash LiDAR sensor, Kinect, in the indoor environment, and the transition from/to outdoor environment. The sensor and systems used in this demonstration are (1) multi-sensor assembly placed in a land-based platform, and (2) personal navigator, transitioning from the land-based platform (deployment vehicle) to the indoor environment. The algorithmic approach as well as the navigation results will be discussed.
A constitutive model for layer development in shear zones near the brittle-ductile transition

[1] The microstructure of ductile shear zones differs from that of surrounding wall rocks. In particular, compositional layering is a hallmark of shear zones. As layered rocks are weaker than their isotropic protolith when loaded in simple shear, layering may hold the key to explain localization of ductile deformation onto ductile shear zones. I propose here a constitutive model for layer development. A two-level mixing theory allows the strength of the aggregate to be estimated at intermediate degrees of layering. A probabilistic failure model is introduced to control how layers develop in a deforming aggregate. This model captures one of the initial mechanism of phase interconnection identified experimentally by Holyoke and Tullis (2006a, 2006b), fracturing of load bearing grains. This model reproduces the strength evolution of these experiments and can now be applied to tectonic modeling.
Rho-kinase/nuclear factor-κβ/angiotensinogen axis in angiotensin II-induced renal injury

Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the only known substrate for renin, which is the rate-limiting enzyme of the renin–angiotensin (Ang) system. Because the level of AGT is close to the Michaelis–Menten constant for renin, not only renin levels but also AGT levels can control the activity of the renin–Ang system, and upregulation of AGT levels may lead to elevated Ang peptide levels.1 Recent studies on transgenic mice have documented the involvement of AGT in the activation of the renin–Ang system.2 Enhanced intrarenal AGT mRNA and/or protein levels have been observed in kidney diseases including diabetic nephropathy3 and experimental nephritis.4,5 Thus, intrarenal AGT has an important role in the development and progression of kidney diseases.6
Zero-voltage states in ac-driven long Josephson junctions

Magnetic coupling to long Josephson junctions is analyzed by use of a recently proposed model. The model is discussed in detail, and for a specific geometry of the system we are able to make analytical predictions of zero-voltage steps in the I-V characteristic of the junction embedded in an ac magnetic field. Good agreement is found when comparisons are made to numerical experiments performed on the nonsimplified system.
Selective pharmacological inhibitors reveal the role of Syk tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol-3′-kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in Fc receptor-mediated signaling of chicken heterophil degranulation

Fc receptors of avian heterophils play a primary role in the elimination of bacterial pathogens in poultry. The cross-linking of Fc receptors with IgG-bacteria complexes results in the secretion of toxic oxygen metabolites and anti-bacterial granules. We have been investigating the upstream signaling events that precede degranulation following crosslinkage of Fc receptors on heterophils. Previously when using the non-selective pharmacological inhibitors genistein, chelerythrine, verapamil, and pertussis toxin, we found no significant inhibitory effects on Fc-mediated heterophil degranulation. In the present studies, we used more selective pharmacological inhibitors to investigate the roles of protein tyrosine kinases, phospholipase C (PLC), phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, and the family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) on Fc-mediated heterophil degranulation. Inhibitors of the receptor-linked tyrosine kinases (the tryphostins AG 1478 and AG 1296) had no attenuating effects on the Fc receptor-mediated degranulation of chicken heterophils. Likewise, PP2, a selective inhibitor of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases, had no inhibitory effects on degranulation. However, piceatannol, a selective inhibitor of Syk tyrosine kinase, significantly attenuated the effect of Fc receptor-mediated degranulation. Additionally, Fc-mediated degranulation was significantly attenuated by SB 203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, but not by PD98059, an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). An inhibitor of phospholipase C, U73122 and LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphoinositol-3 kinase significantly decreased heterophil degranulation. These results suggest that the Fc receptors on chicken heterophils, like their counterparts on mammalian neutrophils, have no intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, but probably mediate downstream events through activation of tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM). Activation of the Syk tyrosine kinase stimulates downstream phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, phospholipase C, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase as signaling pathways that regulate Fc-receptor-mediated degranulation of chicken heterophils. Engaging Fc receptors on chicken heterophils activates a Syk-->PLC-->PI3-K-->p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway that induces degranulation.
Synthesis, Decomposition and Crystallization Characteristics of Peroxo−Citrato−Niobium: An Aqueous Niobium Precursor

The synthesis of peroxo−citrato−niobium, a novel aqueous precursor of niobium, is reported. Niobium oxalate was decomposed with acidified H2O2 to form a peroxo−niobium complex, which was reacted with citric acid at pH ∼ 7.5 to form the stable peroxo−citrato−niobium complex. IR and Raman spectroscopy indicate that the peroxo−citrato−niobium complex consists of tridentate bridging citrato and bidentate peroxo ligands. The aqueous complex is binuclear with peroxo groups chelated to niobium and the precipitated complex is polynuclear with bridging type peroxo groups. Due to kinetic limitations during crystallization, the formation of seven-coordinated niobium in peroxo−citrato−niobium energetically favors the formation of niobium oxides with seven-coordinated niobium, viz. TT−Nb2O5 and T−Nb2O5. Consequently, nanocrystalline metastable TT−Nb2O5, with a particle size of ∼25 nm, crystallizes from the peroxo−citrato−niobium complex at 580 °C. On further heating, TT−Nb2O5 transforms to T−Nb2O5 at 800 °C, M−Nb2O5 a...
The Effect Teaching Experience Has on Perceived Effectiveness of Interactive Television as a Distance Education Model for Elementary School Science Teacher’s Professional Development: Another Digital Divide?

The first year of a 5 year professional development project for elementary teachers in two mid-western states integrated a bridge of two distinctly different distance education networks (T-1 and fiber optics) to provide science professional development for elementary school teachers in rural communities. Interactive television (ITV), the title given to the distance component, consisted of a series of twenty-four, 2 h presentations by scientists and content specialists. It provided expansion to the science pedagogical content knowledge of the elementary teachers involved. Eighty-five teachers in 38 school districts from the two states completed individual surveys following the final ITV session. Analysis of variance of participants’ post-session survey scores yielded differences (p < 0.05) on the subscales measuring perceived effectiveness of using distance education for professional development purposes and years of teaching experience. Teachers with over 20 years of classroom experience perceived the use of distance education technologies for science professional development to be more effective than teachers with 16–20 years of classroom experience. These results might suggest another digital divide.
Hypertension in the elderly: a review of the importance of systolic blood pressure elevation.

The elderly, those 65 years of age and older, will account for 20% of the population by the year 2040. Hypertension affects more than one half of the elderly and its prevalence continues to increase with age. The presence of hypertension confers an increased risk of stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, end-stage renal disease, and death. Although both diastolic and systolic blood pressure elevations are independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the younger individual, as vascular compliance becomes reduced at age 60, an increasing systolic blood pressure and lower diastolic blood pressure (or wider pulse pressure) increase cardiovascular risk in the elderly. Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common form of hypertension seen in the elderly. Lifestyle modification, including weight loss and salt restriction, reduces blood pressure, and may decrease the need for pharmacologic therapy. When the systolic blood pressure is 160 mm Hg or more and the diastolic blood pressure is <90 mm Hg, the initial use of a diuretic-based or calcium channel blocker-based regimen improves outcome. Alpha blocker therapy should not be used as initial monotherapy. Most elderly hypertensives will require two to three drugs to achieve the present blood pressure goal of <140 mm Hg. Caution should be exercised when lowering diastolic pressure to <55 mm Hg in those with isolated systolic hypertension. Although side effects of therapy are no more likely to occur in the elderly than in the younger individual with hypertension, blood pressure reduction should be accomplished gradually.
Chicana/Latina Testimonios on Effects and Responses to Microaggressions

Testimonio in educational research can reveal both the oppression that exists within educational institutions and the powerful efforts in which students of color 1 engage to challenge and transform those spaces. We utilize testimonio as a methodological approach to understand how undocumented and U.S.-born Chicana/Latina students experience the effects of and responses to a systemic, subtle, and cumulative form of racism, racist nativist microaggressions. We draw from critical race and Chicana feminist frameworks to understand the effects of microaggressions as embodied systemic oppression (Cruz, 2006; Moraga & Anzaldua, 2002b). Our analysis reveals that the students engaged and created counterspaces within K-12 institutions that challenged oppression and sought to transform the educational spaces that marginalized them. Throughout these findings, we explore the process of conocimiento (Anzaldua, 2002) that allowed the women to engage in reflection, healing, and celebration of their resiliency.
Recurrence rates of cardiac manifestations associated with neonatal lupus and maternal/fetal risk factors.

Objective Identifying the frequency of recurrent cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus (NL) in a second child is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of anti-SSA/Ro–mediated injury and would improve counseling strategies regarding future pregnancies and power the design of clinical prevention trials. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to address the recurrence rates of cardiac NL and associated risk factors in a large US-based cohort. Methods Families enrolled in the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus were evaluated for rates of recurrence of cardiac NL and potential risk factors, with a focus on pregnancies immediately following the birth of an affected child. Results The overall rate of recurrence of cardiac NL in 161 pregnancies of 129 mothers with anti-SSA/Ro antibodies was 17.4% (95% confidence interval 11.1–23.6%). Analysis of the potential risk factors among 129 mothers with a pregnancy immediately following the birth of a child with cardiac NL showed that the maternal diagnosis was not associated with the outcome in a subsequent pregnancy. In this group, 23% of mothers who were either asymptomatic or had an undifferentiated autoimmune syndrome, compared with 14% of mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus or Sjogren's syndrome, had a second child with cardiac NL (P = 0.25). The recurrence rate was not statistically significantly different in mothers who had taken steroids compared with those who had not taken steroids (16% versus 21%; P = 0.78). The antibody status of the mother was not predictive of outcome in subsequent pregnancies. Moreover, death of the first child with cardiac NL was not predictive of recurrence of cardiac NL in a subsequent pregnancy (P = 0.31). The risk of cardiac NL was similar between male and female children (17.2% versus 18.3%; P = 1.0). Conclusion In this cohort, the overall recurrence rate for cardiac NL was 17%. The recurrence rate appeared to be unaffected by maternal health, use of steroids, antibody status, severity of cardiac disease in the first affected child, or sex of the subsequent child.
The E5 gene of HPV-16 enhances keratinocyte immortalization by full-length DNA.

Abstract Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is the most common papillomavirus genome found in human cervical cancers and its DNA is capable of immortalizing primary keratinocytes in vitro. When expressed by their native promoter, two separate HPV-16 oncogenes, E6 and E7, cooperate to immortalize primary human keratinocytes. Early HPV cervical lesions express abundant amounts of E5-specific RNA, and using a quantitative keratinocyte immortalization assay, we demonstrate here that E5 can act in cis to increase (4–10 fold) the efficiency of cellular immortalization by E6/E7. These results suggest that the expression of the HPV-16 E5 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of early HPV infections by potentiating the effects of E6/E7.
Safety Products, Inc.: A case in financial analysis of a failing company

Abstract Safety Products, Inc. was a small, private corporation that manufactured acrylic sheet plastic. After a massive fire, the company filed a claim against its business interruption insurance for lost income. The policy covered profits that would have been earned, based on Safety’s financial records, had the disaster not occurred. The insurance company denied the claim on the grounds that Safety Products was not a going concern , and, therefore, there were no lost earnings. The basic learning objective of the case is to develop the students’ abilities to use and analyze a company history, along with its financial statements and ratios, to evaluate the going-concern assumption. The AICPA Core Competency Framework identifies a set of skills-based competencies needed to enter the accounting profession. The case provides a means to develop student skills in the Functional, Personal, and Broad Business Competencies, which are core skills relevant to long-term career opportunities. [American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) (2001). AICPA core competency framework for entry into the accounting profession (the framework). Retrieved from http://www.aicpa.org/edu/corecomp.htm > on April 3, 2006] The case is directed to an upper-division undergraduate or graduate course in Financial Statement Analysis. However, the case could be used in any accounting course that examines the going-concern or continuity assumption among the traditional assumptions of the accounting model.
COHERENCE IN WORKPLACE INSTANT MESSAGES

In our case study, we examined the instant messaging (IM) workplace discourse of a pair of expert IM users. We found that the participants maintained discourse cohesion and thus coherence via short, rapidly sent transmissions that created uninterrupted transmission sequences. Such uninterrupted transmission sequences allowed each participant to maintain the floor. Also, the participants used topicalizations and performative verbs to maintain coherence. We also found that the participants' use of short transmissions may have ambiguated their enactment of their institutional roles and the rights afforded to them by those roles.
The changing use of esophageal manometry in clinical practice

Objective: Clinical practice guidelines now advise against the use of esophageal manometry in the early evaluation of unexplained chest pain. We examined data from patients referred for manometric evaluation over a 10-yr period (1987–1996) to see if clinicians were changing practice patterns and whether manometric diagnoses were affected by the changes. Methods: Principal indications for the procedure and manometric findings were extracted from a review of 1162 subjects referred to a single clinical laboratory. The tracings were analyzed using a standardized classification method and categorized according to a pathophysiology-based scheme. Referral indications and manometric diagnoses were compared for the first and second 5-yr periods of study. Results: Chest pain as a referral indication declined from the first to the second half of the study period (odds ratio, 0.44; p < 0.0001), whereas dysphagia and preoperative evaluations became more common (odds ratio, 1.3; p < 0.05; odds ratio, 13.7; p < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, hypermotility disorders decreased in frequency (odds ratio, 0.63; p = 0.0001), whereas hypomotility disorders increased (odds ratio, 1.6; p < 0.01). The decrease in hypermotility disorders was solely related to a decrease in nonspecific spastic disorders, including nutcracker esophagus (odds ratio, 0.58; p < 0.0001); the proportion of diagnoses of achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm remained stable. Conclusions: These data show that practice patterns are already following current guidelines. They also reflect the disillusionment of clinicians with the poor specificity of manometry in chest pain management, the increasing popularity of antireflux surgery, yet the ongoing observation that nonspecific spastic disorders are closely associated with unexplained chest pain and may have a still-undefined pathogenetic role.
Differential use of other tobacco products among current and former cigarette smokers by income level.

With the declining sales of cigarettes, the tobacco industry has been promoting other forms of combustible and smokeless tobacco to current and former cigarette smokers. Exposure to the promotion of tobacco products has been shown to vary by income level. We combined the 2006 through 2011 National Surveys on Drug Use and health to compare the prevalence and patterns of other tobacco use (cigar, snuff, and chewing tobacco) between current and former cigarette smokers by income level. Other tobacco use was minimal among females and among male non-smokers. Approximately a third of both current and former male cigarette smokers reported past-year other tobacco use. Overall, current smokers were more likely than former smokers to have used cigars (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.69, 95% CI 1.50–1.92) or snuff (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.28) in the past year. The association of smoking status with other tobacco use differed by income level (interaction term p value < 0.001). Among lower-income groups, current smokers were more likely to use cigars and snuff compared to former smokers. Among the highest income group, former smokers were just as likely to use smokeless tobacco as current smokers. The differing patterns of use of other tobacco between current and former smokers by income level highlight a need for studies to understand the motivations for the use of these products and their role in smoking cessation.
The Structure of Algebraically and Existentially Closed Stone and Double Stone Algebras

In this paper we study the varieties of Stone algebras ( S , ∧, ∨, *, 0, 1) and double Stone algebras ( D , ∧, ∨, *, +, 0, 1). Our primary interest is to give a structural description of the algebraically and existentially closed members of both classes. Our technique is an application of the natural dualities of Davey [6] and Clark and Krauss [5]. This approach gives a description of the desired models as the algebras of all continuous structure-preserving maps from certain structured Boolean spaces into the generating algebra for the variety. In each case the resulting description can be converted in a natural way into a finite ∀∃-axiomatization for these models. For Stone algebras these axioms appeared earlier in Schmid [20], [21] and in Schmitt [22]. Since both cases we consider satisfy the amalgamation property, the existentially closed members form a model companion for the variety which is also its model completion. Moreover, it is also ℵ 0 categorical and its countably infinite member is the unique countable homogeneous universal model for the variety. In the case of Stone algebras, explicit constructions for this model appear in Schmitt [22] and Weispfenning [23]. We give here an explicit construction for double Stone algebras of S. Hayes. This work was motivated by a problem of Stanley Burris. In [4] Burris and Werner superseded many previous results by showing that for any finite algebra A , the universal Horn class ISP has a model companion. Weispfenning [24], [25] discovered that this model companion is always ℵ 0 categorical and has a primitive recursive ∀∃-axiomatization. In spite of these very general theorems, there are few instances in which a structural description of the (any!) existentially closed members of ISP is available. Burris and Werner [4] solve this problem in a special setting.
Regularity results for solving systems of polynomials by homotopy method

The homotopy method for solving systems of polynomial equations proposed by Li (also Morgan) is believed to be one of the simplest for computer implementation. It is shown here that the parameters of the homotopy can be chosen from an open and dense set such that all isolated solutions of polynomial systems can be obtained.
Increased brain myo-inositol 1-phosphate in lithium-treated rats.

Lithium was found to produce a marked elevation in the levels of myo-inositol 1-phosphate in the cerebral cortex of treated rats. This effect was completely inhibited by atropine. A 40% reduction in the levels of myo-inositol 1-phosphate was observed when atropine was given alone.
The Power of Naming: The Toponymic Geographies of Commemorated African-Americans

The importance of commemorative place-naming has been the focus of numerous studies that explore the relationship between memory and political representation. Few studies, however, have systematically examined regional geographical patterns of racial minorities in the United States. Using a variety of Internet-based mapping tools, I have collected a data set on the regional variation of the commemoration of thirty famous African-Americans (fifteen men and fifteen women). The research presented here explores how there are regional characteristics associated with where African-Americans are commemorated, particularly pertaining to cities. I also explore the geographic dispersal of these commemorations and whether there is a gender bias in the process of commemoration. Additionally, I focus on the duality of commemorations as an index of both African-American and the dominant white power structures.
Synaptic Ribbons:Versatile Signal Transducers

One of the long-standing mysteries of ribbons has been their molecular composition. As discussed previously, ribbon synapses contain many of the proteins found at conventional synapse. But presumably, ribbons must also contain unique components. Recently, after a long and painstaking process of purificationSchmitz et al. 2000xSchmitz, F., Konigstorfer, A., and Sudhof, T.C. Neuron. 2000; 28: 857–872Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (266)See all ReferencesSchmitz et al. 2000 succeeded in cloning a novel protein from synaptic ribbons. RIBEYE is ∼120 kDa and is composed of two domains: a unique A domain that is specific for ribbons and a B domain homologous to CtBP2, a transcriptional repressor. While the exact function of RIBEYE remains mysteriousSchmitz et al. 2000xSchmitz, F., Konigstorfer, A., and Sudhof, T.C. Neuron. 2000; 28: 857–872Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (266)See all ReferencesSchmitz et al. 2000 propose an interesting model where ribbons are constructed in a modular fashion by the two subunits of RIBEYE. One subunit may act as an aggregating module, while the other may act as an enzyme. Interestingly, the gene for RIBEYE is not found in the genome of Drosophila or C. elegans, indicating it may be a vertebrate innovation. RIBEYE also does not seem to be present in hair cells, perhaps indicating yet again that hair cell ribbons may be fundamentally different from retinal ribbons. Given the very different tasks of the retina and cochlea, this may not be too surprising, after all. Clearly, many questions remain regarding RIBEYE function specifically, and the molecular composition of ribbons more generally. However, undoubtedly this tour de force study will open the door for further characterization of the composition and structure of ribbons.In summary, by a combination of ultrastructural studies and independent measurements of release, evidence has emerged that synaptic ribbons are reservoirs of a large RRP of synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, ribbons appear to function as highly efficient and versatile nanomachines for high-throughput exocytosis, operating in both phasic and tonic modes of release. Obviously, many key questions remain unresolved. However, the recent molecular studies, perhaps coupled to the novel microscopy techniques, may soon allow us to sort out fact from speculation as we unravel the raison d'etre of synaptic ribbons.*E-mail: vongersd@ohsu.edu
Quantitative analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI for assessment of bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease pilot study.

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of quantitative analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) data in the detection of bowel inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Materials and Methods Eleven patients who underwent magnetic resonance enterography for known or suspected Crohn's disease and had colonoscopy or surgery within 4 weeks of imaging were included in this study. DCE-MRI data were acquired using a 1.5-T scanner with temporal resolution of 5 to 12 seconds for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to analyze the data to obtain the volume transfer constant ( K trans ) and the extravascular extracellular space ( v e ). Additionally, semiquantitative parameters were derived using an empirical mathematical model to fit the contrast concentration curves. Endoscopic, surgical, and pathologic results were compared to the MRI data. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the parameters in the task of distinguishing normal tissue from inflammation. Results A total of 51 bowel segments (19 with inflammation, 32 normal) were included in the analyses. Inflamed bowel segments had faster K trans values, larger v e values, increased contrast uptake, larger initial areas under the contrast concentration curve, and steeper initial enhancement slopes than normal bowel segments ( P Conclusion These preliminary results demonstrate that the quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI data is possible for the assessment of bowel inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Future studies need be performed on larger numbers of patients to correlate the severity and type of inflammation with kinetic parameters.
Penicillin-Insensitive and Non-Neutralizable Variants of Feline Pneumonitis Virus

When penicillin-resistant feline pneumonitis virus was passed in chick embryo yolk sac, first in the presence of chloramphenicol and then in the presence of penicillin, a new type of virus was obtained (Moulder et al, 1958a). When it was inoculated into the yolk sac, embryo deaths were spread over a period of 5 to 10 days as compared with 1 or 2 for the original penicillin-resistant virus; hence the name spread for this variant. The spread strains were all completely resistant to penicillin and were not neutralized by antiserum against the original resistant virus. Strains of penicillin-resistant virus which produce closely grouped embryo deaths and are specifically neutralizable are called normal to distinguish them from the spread variants. This paper describes the isolation of the same type of variant from both penicillin-resistant and parent feline pneumonitis virus under several other widely differing selective conditions. Despite their diverse origins, the new s read mutants were all very similar and
A pilot study examining trainee treatment session fidelity when Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is implemented in community settings.

Research supports the impact of empirically based treatments, such as Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), on producing positive treatment outcomes for clients. However, achieving outcomes in community settings that are similar to those found in research settings can be challenging, and little research has been conducted on how to best train community providers to implement PCIT with fidelity. This study assessed trainee implementation fidelity to the PCIT protocol in community settings. Session fidelity was reviewed for trainees using pre-established session integrity checklists and post hoc video review of key sessions. Analyses revealed that trainees maintained strong overall session fidelity, although fidelity percentages varied by session type and treatment phase. Results also highlight those session content items that are frequently left out by trainees during implementation. Implications of these findings, limitations, and future directions for research and PCIT workshops and consultation are discussed.