cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Treatment Efficacy and Safety of Remdesivir for COVID-19: a Meta-analysis.

Remdesivir is one of few FDA-approved treatments for severe cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To better assess its efficacy and safety, we conducted a meta-analysis to systematically identify and synthesize existing findings. We conducted a comprehensive literature search among six electronic databases and unpublished studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to summarize the risk ratio (RR) and rate estimates from eligible studies. Funnel plots, the Egger test, and the trim and fill analysis were used to detect publication bias. Thirteen eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis, giving a pooled sample size of 10,002 COVID-19 hospitalized patients (5068 administered remdesivir; 4934 control). Among patients on remdesivir, we synthesized mortality (15%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9%, 22%), clinical improvement (64%, 95% CI: 51%, 78%), recovery (70%, 95% CI: 57%, 83%), hospital discharge (74%, 95% CI: 60%, 87%), serious adverse effect (SAE) (21%, 95% CI:13%, 29%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse effect (AE) (30%, 95% CI: 12%, 48%). Patients on remdesivir were 17% (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.65, 1.06) less likely to die than those within the control group. Additionally, remdesivir had favorable outcomes in terms of clinical improvement, recovery, and hospital discharge. Lastly, non-mechanically ventilated patients had better overall clinical outcomes than mechanically ventilated patients. Remdesivir shows a moderate-favorable treatment efficacy among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with disproportionate impact among non-mechanically ventilated patients; however, a substantial proportion of COVID-19 patients may suffer from SAE or Grade 3 or 4 AE during the treatment course.
p53 Transactivation from response element sequences within cells may not reflect in vitro DNA binding ability

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 3969 The tumor suppressor p53, a master regulatory gene, controls the differential expression of target genes in a sequence-specific manner from promoter response elements (REs). However, the mechanisms of regulation of multiple target genes within its transcriptional network remain unclear, particularly the relationship between target RE sequence and transactivation. Specifically, we wanted to determine if transactivation from various REs reflects p53 binding ( i.e. , dissociation constants) to these sequences in vitro. We developed a yeast-based luciferase reporter system to establish the role of RE sequence variation and p53 expression levels on transactivation capacity by wild type and mutant p53 proteins. The chromosomal position of the human derived REs was identical and the number of p53 molecules/cell could be varied over several hundred-fold using an integrated GAL::p53 construct that is sensitive to levels of galactose in the medium. Consistent with our previous findings, transactivation by wt p53 differs considerably between REs where small changes in sequence can dramatically affect functionality. Transactivation is independent of the biological role of the RE-associated genes. Surprisingly, the initial induction of transcription occurs at comparable levels of p53 expression or all REs regardless of the maximum transactivation achievable. Furthermore, the maximal transactivation is always reached at levels well-below maximum p53 protein induction. More importantly, we found that in spite of comparable in vitro p53 binding reported for some REs, there were large differences in transactivation capacity in vivo. In addition, in contrast to reports that REs containing up to 13 bp spacers between decamers [RRRCWWGYYY (n = 0 to 13) RRRCWWWYYYY] can bind p53, we find that in vivo transactivation is greatly reduced when spacers are >2 bp. Based on our results with the various REs obtained under isogenomic conditions, we suggest that sequence can have a large influence on transactivation in a manner that is separable from simple binding. This leads us to propose that the role of RE sequence in transactivation by a master regulator such as p53 must be addressed using isogenomic in vivo systems and that current genomic views on what constitutes a transcriptional network must be addressed with caution. We are investigating reasons for sequence-specific differences in transactivation.
Production Frontiers: Topics in Efficiency Measurement

Introduction In each of the earlier chapters in this monograph, we have focused on a single general topic. In contrast, this chapter contains several topics, all of which allow for customization of the models already introduced in this manuscript. As we shall see, the programming framework readily allows such customization – additional constraints may be added in a straightforward way, and behavioral objectives also may be modified readily, allowing us to identify the frontier in nontraditional or restricted cases and to measure easily deviations from those frontiers. These topics are intended to be suggestive and not exhaustive; they are an invitation to the reader to extend the models introduced here to suit their area of interest. In Section 10.1 we discuss subvector efficiency. By subvector efficiency we understand that only some inputs or some outputs are exposed to scaling while the others are fixed. This allows us to consider short-run efficiency, for example. Constrained profit maximization is the topic of Section 10.2. In this section we demonstrate how to formulate profit maximization in a programming framework, and how to modify the basic problem to account for fixed inputs as well as for constraints which limit expenditure on a subvector of inputs. An example of this type of constraint is a credit constraint faced by a producer purchasing variable inputs. Measures of plant capacity and its utilization are introduced in Section 10.3. Here we investigate capacity in terms of inputs and outputs rather than in terms of cost, in order to provide an operational measure of the notion of capacity as defined by Johansen (1968), which seeks maximum achievable output given fixed inputs, but allowing unrestricted application of variable inputs.
Crest factor reduction engine for multicarrier WCDMA transmitted signals

Code division multiple access (CDMA) systems can have high peak to average power ratio (PAR) due to their multicode nature. Power amplifiers (PA) that are used to boost the power of multicarrier (multiple radio frequency carriers) CDMA transmitted signal have to operate with significant back-off in order to avoid saturation. Power amplifier saturation causes intermodulation products and adjacent channel interference (ACI). Crest factor reduction (CFR) techniques are used to reduce transmitted signal peak power to a certain level in order to avoid PA saturation and lead to a more efficient usage of PAs. However, by reducing the peak power to a programmable level the actual transmitted signal is distorted. There is a trade off between signal peak compression and CDMA transmitted waveform quality.
Yates's Continuity Correction

This correction refers to the Pearson chi-squared statistic for testing independence in a 2 × 2 contingency table. With this correction, the P-value obtained from the chi-squared distribution with df = 1 approximates the P-value obtained with the hypergeometric distribution in Fisher's exact test. Keywords: exact tests; Fisher's exact test; hypergeometric distribution; Pearson chi-square statistic; test of independence
The Design of Wireless Sensor Networks Node for Measuring the Greenhouse's Environment Parameters

Wireless sensor networks are integrated of sensor techniques, embedded system techniques, distributed computation techniques and wireless communication techniques. It’s a hot research area in the world. It will be widely used in agriculture. This paper introduces the hardware and software design of wireless sensor networks node for the measurement of greenhouse environment parameters. These nodes can form networks themselves, measure the environment parameters precisely, transfer data safely, and solve the difficulty of wiring in greenhouse, making the earlier research of wireless sensor networks used in greenhouse
Inventing the French Revolution: Controlling French history: the ideological arsenal of Jacob-Nicolas Moreau

In 1760, at the end of a decade of bitter constitutional struggle in France, a confidential memorandum circulated in ministerial circles at Versailles under the title “Principes de conduite avec les parlements.” A powerful blueprint for ideological action in defense of the absolute monarchy, it was drafted by a young lawyer and government propagandist, Jacob- Nicolas Moreau. He was to pursue the campaign outlined in this document for the next thirty years, for the greater part of which period he enjoyed the official title of historiographer-royal. An analysis of his activities and arguments in this regard reveals some interesting dimensions of the process of ideological elaboration that occurred in France during the last decades of the Old Regime. Moreau was born in 1717 at Saint-Florentin in Burgundy, the son of a “hardened Jansenist” obliged by his religious convictions to abandon a prospective ecclesiastical career for the traditional family practice of the law. Brought up a “good little Jansenist,” as he confessed in his Souvenirs , he was sent to Paris in 1734 to be educated at the College de Beauvais, then one of the principal centers of Jansenism. His father's contacts brought him a ready entry into Jansenist and legal circles in the capital, where he was taken under the wing of the devout magistrate Jerome-Nicolas de Pâris (brother of the miracle-working deacon of Saint-Medard) and enjoyed the patronage of the family of Chancellor d'Aguesseau (whose grandchildren he briefly tutored).
Nitric oxide regulates endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses in rabbit hindquarters vascular bed in vivo

The objective of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) could function as a negative feedback modulator of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in vivo. To this end, the influence of exogenous NO on vasodilator responses in the rabbit hindquarters vascular bed was determined. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that NO inhibits both neuronal NO synthase from rat cerebellum as well as NO synthase derived from bovine aortic endothelial cells. The present study was conducted in the rabbit hindquarters vascular bed under conditions of constant blood flow so that changes in pressure directly reflected changes in vascular resistance. Under these in vivo conditions, the NO donor agent S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) reversibly attenuated responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators, acetylcholine and bradykinin. In contrast, SNAP did not influence the endothelium-independent vasodilator response to SNAP itself or to 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. These observations indicate clearly that NO interferes with endothelium-dependent vasodilator action and support the view that endogenous NO may actually play a physiological role in regulating vascular tone.
Rapid identification and mapping of insertion sequences in Escherichia coli genomes using vectorette PCR

Insertion sequences (IS) are small DNA segments capable of transposing within and between prokaryotic genomes, often causing insertional mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. Although several methods are available for locating ISs in microbial genomes, they are either labor-intensive or inefficient. Here, we use vectorette PCR to identify and map the genomic positions of the eight insertion sequences (IS1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 30, 150, and 186) found in E. coli strain CGSC6300, a close relative of MG1655 whose genome has been sequenced. Genomic DNA from strain CGSC6300 was digested with a four-base cutter Rsa I and the resulting restriction fragments ligated onto vectorette units. Using IS-specific primers directed outward from the extreme ends of each IS and a vectorette primer, flanking DNA fragments were amplified from all but one of the 37 IS elements identified in the genomic sequence of MG1655. Purification and sequencing of the PCR products confirmed that they are IS-associated flanking DNA fragments corresponding to the known IS locations in the MG1655 genome. Seven additional insertions were found in strain CGSC6300 indicating that very closely related isolates of the same laboratory strain (the K12 isolate) may differ in their IS complement. Two other E. coli K12 derivatives, TD2 and TD10, were also analyzed by vectorette PCR. They share 36 of the MG1655 IS sites as well as having 16 and 18 additional insertions, respectively. This study shows that vectorette PCR is a swift, efficient, reliable method for typing microbial strains and identifying and mapping IS insertion sites present in microbial genomes. Unlike Southern hybridization and inverse PCR, our approach involves only one genomic digest and one ligation step. Vectorette PCR is then used to simultaneously amplify all IS elements of a given type, making it a rapid and sensitive means to survey IS elements in genomes. The ability to rapidly identify the IS complements of microbial genomes should facilitate subtyping closely related pathogens during disease outbreaks.
Cerebroside sulfatase activity in cultivated human skin fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells

In an effort to improve the precision in prenatal monitoring for metachromatic leukodystrophy, levels of cerebroside sulfatase were determined in fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells. Cells from MLD patients demonstrated no significant sulfatide hydrolysis, whereas cultures from heterozygous subjects hydrolyzed diminished but definite amounts of sulfatide. Cells from a fetus with low arylsulfatase A activity were able to cleave considerable amounts of sulfatide; enzyme assays performed postnatally suggest that the infant is heterozygous for MLD. This report documents the value of cerebroside sulfatase assays in the in utero monitoring for MLD.
Paul, Galatians, and Jerusalem

HE conflict between Paul and the Jerusalem leaders in the Epistle to the Galatians is clarified when it is viewed as one between two groups divided by unacknowledged political and social differences. These differences were expressed in religious and theological terms, and the exegesis of Galatians has been generally theological. If we start with the political history, though, we can make sense of the theological expressions, and the method of this article is to relate the latter constantly to the former, although it may be that in some cases the connection is indirect. The thesis can be stated simply: In Galatians we see traces of the nationalist crisis that preceded by a decade or so the war of 66-70. Paul is on one side and James on the other. The theological discussion, then, can be "translated" into terms of secular history.
CREATIVITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL VARIATION

Abstract Is the nature of creativity essentially the same around the globe? The effect of cultural factors on creativity is reviewed. Distinct Western and Oriental perspectives on the definition of creativity and the creative process are described. Culture is also shown to channel creative activity by promoting certain domains, social groups, and characteristic ways of approaching the world. The effects of world-view and pressure for conformity are then presented as cultural features that relate to the nurturance of creativity across domains. The cultural variation described is supported by ethnographic and experimental evidence. Limitations on the scope of the review and methadoiogical issues in crosscultural research on Creativity are also discussed. The effects of culture on creativity are understood within an interactive framework that incorporates both the person and the environment.
Use of the poisson probability mass function in a retrospective evaluation of the worldwide Fusarium keratitis epidemic of 2004-2006.

PURPOSE The Poisson distribution can be used to model discrete events that occur infrequently in time, and it was applied, retrospectively, to recently reported clusters of Fusarium keratitis. METHODS This distribution was utilized with data reported from 6 geographically diverse ophthalmic centers during the worldwide Fusarium keratitis epidemic of 2004-2006. The expected numbers of cases, determined from published historical data, were compared with the observed and probabilities were calculated. The Poisson probabilities were also used to determine the numbers of cases in each cluster required to reach statistical significance. RESULTS The probabilities that the numbers of cases observed in the various clusters were a chance variation from the expected, and not due to an outbreak, were between 3.83 x 10(-5) and 4.72 x 10(-47). The recognition of the first 2 or 3 cases in each cluster was sufficient to establish that an outbreak was present. CONCLUSIONS Because these probabilities are all much less than 0.05, multiple Fusarium keratitis outbreaks have thus been documented. Future use of the Poisson distribution may serve as an "early warning system" that a new, potentially modifiable, factor may be operating to increase the occurrence of a disease above its historic baseline endemic rate.
Affect processing in chronically psychotic patients : development of a reliable assessment tool

We developed an economical clinical tool for assessing affect processing deficits in patients with chronic schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Using trained raters, we assessed spontaneous prosody, prosodic comprehension, prosodic repetition, and recognition of facial affect. High interrater reliability and good separation between subscales was demonstrated. Our tool discriminated between the performance of subjects versus controls on measures of spontaneous prosody and prosodic comprehension, suggesting the presence of prosodic deficits in psychiatric patients. These findings underscore the need for reliable and valid testing tools which will allow greater understanding of affective prosodic processing deficits in psychiatric populations.
Spectrum of the Kerzman–Stein operator for a family of smooth regions in the plane

Abstract The Kerzman–Stein operator is the skew-hermitian part of the Cauchy operator defined with respect to an unweighted hermitian inner product on the boundary. For bounded regions with smooth boundary, the Kerzman–Stein operator is compact on the Hilbert space of square integrable functions. Here we give an explicit computation of its Hilbert–Schmidt norm for a family of simply connected regions. We also give an explicit computation of the Cauchy operator acting on an orthonormal basis, and we give estimates for the norms of the Kerzman–Stein and Cauchy operators on these regions. The regions are the first regions that display no apparent Mobius symmetry for which there now is explicit spectral information.
Irreversibly binding anti-metal chelate antibodies: Artificial receptors for pretargeting

Antibodies against metal chelates may potentially be used in biomedical applications such as targeted imaging and therapy of cancer. Highly specific monoclonal antibodies can be developed, but their binding strength needs to be maximized for them to be of practical use. In general, the half-life for dissociation of an antibody-ligand complex is more than an order of magnitude lower than the half-lifetimes for decay of medically useful radiometal ions. Practically speaking, the metal chelate-based ligand will not be bound to its receptor long enough for all of the bound radiometal to decay. A novel approach to this problem is a combination of synthetic chemistry and site-directed mutagenesis, to position a mildly reactive group on the metal chelate adjacent to a complementary reactive group on the antibody when the complex is formed. The partners are chosen to be sufficiently unreactive so that they coexist with other molecules in living systems without undergoing reaction. When the antibody-chelate complex is formed the effective local concentrations of the two groups can be non-physically large, so that a permanent link is formed in the complex even though no reaction occurs when the partners are free in solution.
Experimental studies on compressible leading-edge vortices

Abstract A review emphasizing the quantitative studies of leading-edge vortices at supersonic speed is presented. While quantitative investigations of vortical flow over delta wings are extensive in the incompressible regime, and to a degree in transonic range, their measurements in supersonic freestream are very scarce. It is illustrated that the existing knowledge of leading-edge vortices in the supersonic regime is mainly qualitative, compiled from large amount of flow visualization experiments. A brief account of the flow visualization studies is first presented, followed by a comprehensive survey of the various measurement attempts to quantify these vortices. On the qualitative side, this survey reveals that in spite of the past efforts, the literature still lacks a unified topological description of the compressible leeward vortical flows. In quantitative investigations, the experience with pressure probes and seed based optical measurement techniques is highlighted, and the associated results summarized. Amongst them, although there exists a topological similarity in the delta wing leeward flow at low- and high-speeds, available measurements suggest that leading-edge vortices in supersonic flow have a very different axial flow character. Additional salient features of leading-edge vortices in supersonic freestreams are also provided in the paper.
Application Specific Instruction Accelerator for Multistandard Viterbi and Turbo Decoding

There is an increasing demand for converged solution for multi-standard radio processors to support existing and future standards. In this work, heterogeneous multi-processor platform is proposed for multi standard wireless communication system which is programmable and scalable in adapting to future standards. Channel decoding algorithms form important constituent of wireless communication system because of their computational complexity. A programmable radio processor is proposed for channel decoding with application specific instruction accelerators. Viterbi and Turbo channel decoding algorithms are analyzed for computational parallelism in the algorithms and for hardware reusability across the algorithms. Application specific instruction accelerator is designed by exploiting similar characteristics and computational parallelism across the algorithms. The analysis shows that the throughput of 54Mbps for UWB Viterbi Decoder and 12 Mbps for UMTS Turbo Decoder at 91.7MHz can be achieved using the proposed design.
Mothers' and infants' roles in the development of independence ofMacaca nemestrina

Development of the mother-infant relationship of pigtailed monkeys raised in controlled environments was studied by a quantitative observational method during the infants' first 15 weeks of life. Mothers and their infants achieved an increasing amount of mutual independence. Mothers played an active role in instigating independence. They began to leave their infants early, to orient less of their behavior toward them and more toward the environment and themselves. Behavior directed at infants became increasingly punitive and less nurturant. Communicative facial expressions by mothers were regulators of the independence process. Infants appeared to provoke their mothers by increased activity on and near them and responded to the instigation of independence by utilizing the larger environment. Infants were the restores of contact with mothers. Development in all of the measures tended to begin early and suggested a continuous process.
A Role for CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein β in the Basal Regulation of the Distal-Less 3 Gene Promoter in Placental Cells

The homeodomain protein Distal-less 3 (Dlx3) is essential for normal placental development in mice. Dlx3-null mice die by embryonic day 10.0 due to placental failure. The aim of our studies was to examine the transcriptional regulation and expression of Dlx3 in choriocarcinoma cell lines and primary trophoblasts from human placenta. A Dlx3 promoter fragment coupled to a luciferase reporter gene was sufficient to increase luciferase activity more than 11-fold over a luciferase control vector in choriocarcinoma cells, but not in a heterologous gonadotrope cell line. A 5' deletion series of the Dlx3 promoter revealed that a 13-nucleotide CCAAT box-containing element was required for basal expression in choriocarcinoma cell lines. Mutation of the CCAAT box within the context of the full-length promoter resulted in reduced basal activation of the Dlx3 reporter gene, suggesting that the CCAAT box was required for full basal expression. Western blot analysis revealed that Dlx3, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha), and C/EBP beta were present in choriocarcinoma cells and isolated trophoblasts from term human placentas. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed the formation of a specific complex between choriocarcinoma cell nuclear extracts and the Dlx3 CCAAT box sequence. Competition and antibody electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBP beta) binds the Dlx3 CCAAT box sequence. Overexpression of C/EBP beta was sufficient to increase basal expression of a Dlx3 reporter gene in a dose-dependent manner. These studies provide the first insight into the mechanism(s) of Dlx3 gene expression in placental cells and suggest a role for C/EBP beta in the basal regulation of the Dlx3 gene.
Carrier spacecraft using Ariane-5 GTO piggyback launch

Abstract Several design concepts for interplanetary carrier spacecraft (S/C) using the Ariane-5 GTO piggyback launch opportunities have been studied over the past year by JPL and CNES. The study has been fucused on carrier S/C design which will deliver one or more entry probes to Mars/Venus. The probes ranges from 35–90 cm in diameter and weighs 10–50 kg each. A planetary orbiter design has also been identified, which will carry additional fuel for orbit insertion, at the expense of reducing the science payload to between 2–10 kg. The design concepts are compatible with the Ariane-5 Structure for Auxiliary Payloads (ASAP) launch constraints for the single-mounted (ASAP-standard) and the dual-mounted (ASAP-Banana) secondary payload configurations — carrying up to 100 kg and 180 kg payloads, respectively. The feasibility of these interplanetary carrier S/C have been confirmed through an industry survey and by Arianespace.
Managerial decision support with knowledge of accuracy and completeness of the relational aggregate functions

Aggregate data produced by decision support systems is utilized by managers in their decision making process to run or improve their firm's operations. Often, data residing in corporate databases and data warehouses are far from being perfect, and their imperfections have an impact on decision quality and outcome. Therefore, having knowledge about the effect of data errors on aggregate data could lead to more informed decisions, reduced risks, and competitive advantage. In this paper, we present a methodology to estimate the effects of data accuracy and completeness, as two important data quality dimensions, on the relational aggregate functions Count, Sum, Average, Max, and Min. Our methodology defines a set of attribute value types and deploys sampling strategies to determine the maximum likelihood estimates of each value type. We show the effect of data error rates on the scalar values returned by the aggregate functions and demonstrate the efficiency of our estimates by Monte Carlo simulations.
Diagnosis and anatomic reconstruction of extensor carpi ulnaris subluxation.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of dynamic ultrasound to diagnose extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subluxation and assess the results of a new technique for anatomic ECU tendon sheath reconstruction. Methods Dynamic ultrasound was used to confirm the diagnosis of ECU tendon subluxation in patients presenting with painful snapping of the ulnar wrist during supination and pronation. Twenty-one patients with persistent subluxation had reconstruction of the ECU tendon sheath using a new technique. In this procedure, the ECU tendon is elevated within its sheath dorsally and radially. The distal ulnar groove is deepened with a power burr, and 2 or 3 suture anchors are placed along the ulnar margin of the reconstructed groove. The sutures are passed through the ulnar border of the ECU sheath and tied, securing tendon sheath to bone. Preoperative wrist flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, pronation-supination, grip strength, and ratings of pain, satisfaction, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were recorded and compared with postoperative values in a prospective study. Fourteen male patients and seven female patients were followed from 24 to 45 months postoperatively (mean, 31 mo). Results Twenty-one patients presented with symptomatic ECU tendon subluxation confirmed by dynamic ultrasound of the wrist. We noted a statistically significant increase in arc of wrist flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, pronation-supination, and grip strength after reconstruction. There was a statistically significant improvement in pain, satisfaction, and DASH scores after ECU stabilization. Conclusions Dynamic ultrasound is an effective and noninvasive method of diagnosing ECU tendon subluxation. Our technique of anatomic ECU tendon sheath reconstruction improved postoperative wrist range of motion, grip strength, pain, satisfaction, and DASH scores. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Sequence of the cysteine peptide from the copper-subunit of bovine cardiac cytochrome oxidase

Summary It has been proposed that the subunit of molecular weight about 22,000 is the copper-containing subunit of bovine cardiac cytochrome oxidase. It has been suggested that the copper in this subunit may bind to the cysteine residues. A 36 amino acid residue tryptic peptide has been isolated from this subunit and the amino acid sequence of this peptide has been determined. Construction of molecular models show that the peptide has potential copper binding sites of the type suggested by Hemmerich.
Problems encountered in the use of neutron methods for elemental analysis on planetary surfaces.

Abstract From experimental studies of gamma rays from fast and thermal neutron reactions in hydrogeneous and non-hydrogeneous, semi-infinite samples and from Monte Carlo calculations on soil of a composition which might typically be encountered on planetary surfaces, it is found that gamma rays from fast or inelastic scattering reactions would dominate the observed spectra. With the exception of gamma rays formed by inelastically scattered neutrons on oxygen, useful spectra would be limited to energies below 3 MeV. Other experiments were performed which show that if a gamma-ray detector were placed within 6 m of an isotopic neutron source in a spacecraft, it would be rendered useless for gamma-ray spectrometry below 3 MeV because of internal activation produced by neutron exposure during space travel. Adequate shielding is not practicable because of the size and weight constraints for planetary missions. Thus, it is required that the source be turned off or removed to a safe distance during non-measurement periods. In view of these results an accelerator or an off-on isotopic source would be desirable for practical gamma-ray spectral analysis on planetary surfaces containing but minor amounts of hydrogen.
Nuclear magnetic resonance structure of d(GCATATGATAG). d(CTATCATATGC): a consensus sequence for promoters recognized by sigma K RNA polymerase.

The three-dimensional structure of d(GCATATGATAG).d(CTATCATATGC), from the promoter region of a gene regulating sporulation in Bacillus subtilis mother cells, was determined utilizing two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D NOE) and double-quantum-filtered COSY (2QF-COSY) spectra. To minimize the effect of methods used to obtain restraints and refine structure, several variables were studied. Interproton distance bounds were calculated very conservatively by running the complete relaxation matrix program MARDIGRAS hundreds of times using 2D NOE spectra for exchangeable and for nonexchangeable protons at different mixing times, assuming different overall correlation times and different starting structures. The 435 distance restraints were used with two different structural refinement methods: restrained molecular dynamics (rMD) and restrained Monte Carlo calculations (rMC). Refinement using different procedures and starting structures resulted in essentially the same structure (<0.8 A rmsd), indicating that the structure is defined by experimental restraints and not the refinement method or variables used. R factors indicate the structures fit the experimental NOE data very well. Some helical parameters, notably large negative X displacement, are characteristic of A-DNA, but others are characteristic of B-DNA. As with TG.CA steps in other duplex DNA sequences studied in our laboratory, the two TG.CA steps have a positive roll, with T6-G7 exhibiting the largest, and consequently a bent helix axis. The converged structure represents a time-averaged structure. However, multiple conformations, especially in deoxyriboses, were evident from vicinal coupling constants obtained from quantitative simulations of 2QF-COSY cross-peaks and from persistent inconsistencies in experimental distances due to nonlinear conformational averaging.
Characterization of molecular beam epitaxially grown InSb layers and diode structures

Abstract InSb epitaxial layers have been grown on GaAs and InSb substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). A 14 μm-thick InSb film grown on a GaAs substrate with a 300 A buffer layer of InSb grown by atomic layer epitaxy has 65,000 and 125,000 cm 2 /Vs electron mobilities at room temperature and 77 K, respectively, and a 41 arcsec full width at half maximum (FWHM) X-ray rocking curve. The mobility was 60,000 and 110,000 cm 2 /Vs at room temperature and 77 K, respectively, for thicknesses of 4–5 μm when the sample was sequentially stripped. InSb diode structures were grown on GaAs substrates and processed to make mesa diodes. They had large leakage currents and zero bias resistance area products ( R 0 A ) were less than 100 Σ-cm 2 at 77 K. However a homoepitaxially grown InSb diode had a R 0 A value of 2.5 × 10 5 Ω-cm 2 at 77 K. The leakage current density was 7.0 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 at 25 mV reverse bias. This is the first reported high performance InSb diode grown by MBE.
Contributions of bone density and structure to fracture risk assessment in men and women

Although bone mineral density (BMD) is a strong predictor of fractures, it is only a surrogate for bone strength. Bone structural parameters can now be measured on BMD scans, but it is unclear whether they would be more useful for risk assessment. We measured structural parameters using the Hip Structural Analysis Program and evaluated their association, compared with standard hip BMD, with fracture risk in a population-based sample of 213 postmenopausal women and 200 men ≥50 years of age. Altogether, 38% of the women and 27% of the men had experienced a fracture due to moderate trauma (half involved hip, spine or distal forearm), while 23% and 36%, respectively, had a previous fracture due to severe trauma. In logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, the hip BMD and structural parameters were all associated with moderate trauma fractures generally, and osteoporotic fractures specifically, in women, but the best predictor in a multivariate model was femoral neck BMD (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–4.0). BMD and the structural parameters were strongly correlated, however, and could be interchanged with little reduction in predictive power. These variables were less predictive of moderate trauma fractures in men. The best model included age (OR per 10 years, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1), femoral neck section modulus (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5) and intertrochanteric buckling ratio (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–2.0). Correction for body size did not alter these relationships. Fractures due to severe trauma were best predicted by structural parameters: in women, femoral neck buckling ratio (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.04–1.5) and, in men, intertrochanteric buckling ratio (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.6). These data suggest that selected structural variables as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry would be as good as standard BMD measurements for predicting fracture risk. Because of the strong correlations, however, some judgment can be used in selecting the variables easiest to measure.
Combined scalable and mutiview extension of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)

The scalable and multiview extension of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is being designed to support scalable layers and multiple views at the same time. Applications of the combined scalable and multiview HEVC coding include scalable stereoscopic video (e.g. 1080p stereo to the emerging 4K stereo), mixed resolution multiview coding, etc. However, there has been no prior work on the coding efficiency of the combined scalable and multiview HEVC coding. In this paper, the scalable multiview HEVC codec is developed based on the scalable HEVC reference software and the performances of inter-layer prediction and inter-view prediction are evaluated in the scalable stereo coding application. Two scalable HEVC coding frameworks, namely TextureRL and RefIdx, are compared as well in the same application.
Recent developments in chemotherapy of ocular diseases.

ABSTRACT The profile of organisms responsible for ocular infections has changed over the past few decades. Although nonresistant and resisant staphylococci still lead the list, gram-negative, mixed infections and anaerobic organisms have become more evident. In spite of more potent and broader spectra antibiotics, resistant organisms still emerge. The therapy of intraocular infections requires an awareness of the latest antibiotics, particularly their advantages, limitations, toxicities, and administration. Iontophoresis through the sclera overlying the pars planum area with small diameter applicators may offer another route of administration which may reduce or eliminate the value of direct intravitreal injections of antibiotics. Reduction of the harmful effects of endotoxins of organismal origin might minimize the adverse effects of intraocular infection, particularly after gram-negative invasion. The choice of antibiotic may influence the quantities of endotoxins released.
TOP CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY LITERATURE: 1996-2005

An erratum has been published for this article in Psychology in the Schools 43(7) 2006, iii-vi. []. S.G. Little (1997) reported the top contributors to the school psychology literature from 1987 to 1995. The present study represents a follow-up by examining the top contributors from 1996 to 2005. Similar to Little, a list of the top 50 contributors was developed using a point system that assigned more credit based on fewer coauthors and higher authorship placement. Expanding upon the Little study, we also computed a list of the top 50 contributors in terms of number of articles authored, thus facilitating a comparison of the two methods. Melissa Bray ranked first on both lists. The top 10 authors in terms of articles also were ranked in the top 13 in terms of points. Thus, for the most productive authors, choice of criteria for ranking does not appear important; however, in terms of encouraging versus discouraging collaboration among researchers, criteria choice may be important. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 737–743, 2006.
Complete determination of x-ray polarization using multiple-beam Bragg diffraction.

Phase-sensitive interference and polarization mixing in multiple-beam diffraction lead to a method of measuring the polarization of electromagnetic waves in the x-ray regime. With this technique one can determine all three components of the Poincar\'e polarization vector and therefore characterize the polarization completely. Experimental results using GaAs(442) multiple reflections are presented.
Effect of x-ray treatments on pathogenic bacteria, inherent microbiota, color, and texture on parsley leaves.

This work is a part of systematic studies of the effect of X-ray treatments on fresh produce. The main objective of this investigation was to study the effects of X-ray treatments in reducing the concentration of artificially inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Shigella flexneri, and inherent microbiota on parsley leaves. The secondary objective was to study the effects of X-ray treatments on color and texture parameters on treated parsley leaves. The Dip-inoculated method was used to inoculate parsley leaves with a mixture of two or three strains of each tested organism at 10(8) to 10(9) colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL; the inoculated parsley leaves were then air-dried and followed by treatment with different doses of X-ray (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy) at 22°C and 55-60% relative humidity. Surviving bacterial populations on parsley leaves were evaluated using a nonselective medium (tryptic soy agar) with a selective medium overlay for each bacterium: E. coli O157:H7 (CT-SMAC agar), L. monocytogenes (MOA), and S. enterica and S. flexneri (XLD). Approximately 5.8, 3.1, 5.7, and 5.2 log CFU reductions of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. enterica, and Shigella flexneri were achieved by treatment with 1.0 kGy X-ray, respectively. Furthermore, the populations of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. enterica, and Shigella flexneri were reduced to less than the detectable limit (1.0 log CFU/g) by treatment with 1.5 kGy X-ray. Treatment with 1.5 kGy X-ray significantly reduced the initial inherent microbiota on parsley leaves, and inherent levels were significantly (p 0.05) in color or texture of control and treated samples with 0.1-1.5 X-ray were observed. The results of investigation indicated that X-ray is an effective technology to eliminate E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. enterica, and Shigella flexneri, and to extend the shelf life of parsley leaves.
Modeling and testing of snow penetration

Abstract Penetration by a cone into snow is commonly used to characterize snow properties. However, the effects of the diameter and half-angle of the cone on the mechanical properties of snow have not been systematically studied. In addition, no estimation of material parameters in a physically-based model has been made such that the results from penetration provide only an index of snow properties. In this paper, modeling and experimental methods are used to examine the effects of cone geometry on the maximum penetration force and associated hardness, with penetrometers ranging from 2.5 to 4 mm in diameter, 15° to 45° in cone half-angle, and testing both fine-grained and coarse-grained snows. The material point method, in conjunction with the Drucker–Prager cap plasticity model, was used to obtain the theoretical penetration force-distance relationship. Global sensitivity studies were conducted that indicate that the cohesion accounts for 86% of the penetration force, followed distantly by friction angle which accounts for 27%. A general trend, for the simulation results was established: for a given half-angle, the penetration force increases with the increase of diameter which holds for most of the test data as well; for a given diameter, the penetration force decreases with the increase of half-angle, which holds for some of the test data. In addition, for a given half-angle, the hardness decreases with the increase of diameter; for a given diameter, the hardness decreases with the increase of half-angle. To take into consideration the uncertainty of test data, a simple interval-based metric was used to compare test data with simulation results; the comparison was satisfactory. The material parameters from the simulations can thus be considered as calibrated ones for the snow studied.
Understory vegetation response to thinning and burning restoration treatments in dry conifer forests of the eastern Cascades, USA

Abstract Restoration/fuel reduction treatments are being widely used in fire-prone forests to modify stand structure, reduce risks of severe wildfire, and increase ecosystem resilience to natural disturbances. These treatments are designed to manipulate stand structure and fuels, but may also affect understory vegetation and biodiversity. In this study, we describe prescribed fire and thinning treatment effects on understory vegetation species richness, cover, and species composition in dry coniferous forests of central Washington State, U.S.A. We applied thinning and prescribed fire treatments in factorial design to 12 large (10 ha) management units, and surveyed understory vegetation before treatment and during the second growing season after treatment completion. Many understory vegetation traits changed significantly during the treatment period, regardless of treatment applied, and changes were often proportional to pre-treatment condition. In general, cover declined and species richness increased during the treatment period. Thinning followed by prescribed fire increased species richness, particularly in areas where species richness was low initially. Thinning alone had a similar, but lesser effect. Forb richness was increased by thinning, and shrub richness was increased by the combined thin/burn treatment, but graminoid richness was unaffected. Exotic cover and richness also increased in the combined thin/burn treatment, although they constituted only a very small portion of the total understory. Understory plant cover was not affected by treatments, but did decline from pre- to post-treatment sampling, with cover losses highest in areas where cover was high prior to treatment. Forb cover increased with thinning followed by burning where forb cover was low initially. Burning reduced graminoid cover with or without thinning. Species composition varied within and among treatment units, but was not strongly or consistently affected by treatments. Our study shows that thinning and burning treatments had mostly neutral to beneficial effects on understory vegetation, with only minor increases in exotic species. However, the pre-treatment condition had strong effects on understory dynamics, and also modified some responses to treatments. The maximum benefit of restoration treatments appears to be where understory richness is low prior to treatment, suggesting restoration efforts might be focused on these areas.
Numerical computations of two-dimensional unsteady sprays for application to engines

The problem of the numerical computation of the penetration and vaporization of two-dimensional unsteady sprays is considered. This topic is of interest in the field of modeling of combustion in direct injection, internal combustion engines with self-ignition (Diesel), or spark ignition (stratified charge). The spray equation, which is the governing equation and, in this application, exhibits six independent variables, is numerically solved using an upwind difference scheme which is first-order accurate and explicit in time. The problem is set up both as a boundary value problem and an equivalent initial value problem. The boundary value formulation is preferable for applications. A study of the numerical error of the initial value problem is undertaken by comparing the numerical solution with an analytical one. The analytical solution is obtained by discretizing the spray, reducing the spray equation to a set of ordinary differential equations, solving these equations in closed form, and reconstructing the solution for the entire spray by integrating the contributions from the individual, discretized spray parcels. It is concluded that the selected numerical method yields sufficiently accurate results in reasonable computational time. However, the practical usefulness of the model is presently limited due to the simplifying assumptions that were made in order to concentrate on the formulation of the problem, the method of solution, and computational time and accuracy.