cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introducing "The Origin of Life"

One of the finest lectures I (NE) have ever had the privilege to attend was given by Prof. Antonio Lazcano—editor of this present issue on “The Origin of Life.” I had known Antonio for many years as we shared the program as speakers on evolutionary biology in wonderful venues in Spain, Italy, and elsewhere. But the lecture that I found the most compelling, the most riveting, was Prof. Lazcano’s bilingual tour-de-force at his home university in Mexico City just a few years ago. Seemingly without recourse to notes, and speaking sometimes in Spanish and then in English, Antonio Lazcano delivered an astonishingly brilliant speech on the history of scientific discovery and analysis bearing on the subject of the origin of life. It was that great presentation that led us to invite Prof. Lazcano to design and assemble this present issue of E:E&O focusing on the origin of life. As readers will discover, authors (starting with Charles Darwin) have often made the distinction between studies of the origin of life (clearly, in its essence, a chemical problem) and processes and patterns underlying the subsequent diversification of living systems into the forms of life as we know them today. Yet evolution is all about origins (as in “the origin of species”)—so the search for a naturalistic, material causal explanation for the origin of life on earth is in itself quintessentially a core scientific problem for the biological sciences and an integral aspect of the study of the history of life on earth, i.e., “evolution” in its broadest sense. We are extremely grateful to Prof. Lazcano for his great efforts in assembling this wonderful collection of papers that summarizes where science stands in understanding the nature, processes, and events involved with the very origin of life. We are sure that our readership will find this issue to be the most compelling and useful review of the subject! And stay tuned for exciting news about the future of E: E&O to be announced in our next issue!
Beyond meat and potatoes: A review essay

Harvey Levenstein. Revolution at the Table: The Transformation of the American Diet. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.
Testing second-order delta–sigma modulators using pseudo-random patterns

Abstract Single-bit second-order delta–sigma modulators are commonly used in high-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). This type of modulator requires high-resolution test stimulus, which is difficult to generate. This paper proposes a novel and robust technique to determine the performance of the modulator by characterizing its key parameters using a pseudo-random pattern sequence. This technique is suitable for BIST application since a pseudo-random sequence can be generated on-chip using LFSR. Numerical simulation results show that this technique is capable of identifying parameters that affect the performance of a second-order delta–sigma modulator ADC.
Teacher response to ambulatory monitoring of voice

Voice accumulation and dosimetry devices are used for unobtrusive monitoring of voice use. While numerous studies have used these devices to examine how individuals use their voices, little attention has been paid to how subjects respond to them. Therefore, the purpose of this short communication is to begin to explore two questions: 1) How do voice monitoring devices affect daily communication? and 2) How do participants feel about the physical design and function of these types of voice monitoring devices? One key finding is that most of the subjects remain aware of the dosimeter while wearing it, which may impact the data collected. Further, most subjects have difficulty with the accelerometer and/or the data storage device.
Adiabatic Expansion for a Metric Perturbation and the Condition to Solve the Gauge Problem for the Gravitational Radiation Reaction Problem

We examine the adiabatic approximation in the study of a relativistic two-body problem with the gravitational radiation reaction. We recently pointed out that the usual metric perturbation scheme using a perturbation of the stress-energy tensor may not be appropriate for study of the dissipative dynamics of the bodies due to the radiation reaction. Over a time scale during which the usual perturbation scheme is valid, the orbits may not deviate substantially relative to the orbits of the background orbits. As a result, one can eliminate the orbital deviation through a gauge transformation. This is called the gauge problem of the gravitational radiation reaction exerted on the bodies, and it has been reported that a careful gauge fixing may be necessary to produce a physically reasonable prediction for the evolution of the system. We recently proposed a possible approach to solve this problem with a linear black hole perturbation. This paper proposes a non-linear generalization of that method for a general application of this problem. We show that, under a specific gauge condition, the method actually allows us to avoid the gauge problem.
The human subject as a language-effect

Regard theorique et historique sur le sujet en tant qu'«effet-langage» a partir des notions selon lesquelles les sujets sont formes et limites par les systemes linguistiques qu'ils utilisent, et que le langage - concu autrement - ouvre un espace pour une liberation hors de la subjectivite concrete (Barthes, Foucault, Althusser, Mallarme, Bataille...)
A statistical model of retinal optical coherence tomography image data

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an important mode of biomedical imaging for the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. Here we report on the construction of a synthetic retinal OCT image data set that may be used for quantitative analysis of image processing methods. Synthetic image data were generated from statistical characteristics of real images (n = 14). Features include: multiple stratified layers with representative thickness, boundary gradients, contour, and intensity distributions derived from real data. The synthetic data also include retinal vasculature with typical signal obscuration beneath vessels. This synthetic retinal image can provide a realistic simulated data set to help quantify the performance of image processing algorithms.
Experimental results of chemical recording using thermally sensitive liposomes

A new generation of inertial measurement technology is being developed enabling a 10-micron particle to be "aware" of its geospatial location and respond to this information. The proposed approach combines an inertially-sensitive nano-structure or nano fluid/structure system with a nano-sized chemical reactor that functions as an analog computer. By using chemistry to perform the necessary computational steps in our device, it is possible to overcome traditional limitations on device size. The proposed nanodevice utilizes mechanical sensing and chemical recording to record the time history of various state variables. Using a micro-track containing regions of different temperatures and thermally-sensitive liposomes (TSL), a range of accelerations can be recorded and the position determined. Through careful design, TSL can be developed that have unique transition temperatures and each class of TSL will contain a unique DNA sequence that serves as an identifier. Acceleration can be detected through buoyancy-driven convection. As the liposomes travel to regions of warmer temperature, they will release their contents at the recording site, thus documenting the acceleration. This paper will present the initial proof-of-concept experimental results achieved from chemical recording of the state variable temperature. The experiment focuses on the liposome release of the DNA due to temperature variations and subsequent binding and recording of the time history. These results prove the feasibility of this method of sensing and recording of the history of state variables.
Six-year predictors of problems in a national sample: IV. Young adult signs of disturbance.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify adolescent predictors of young adult signs of disturbance. Method Family variables and parent-and self-reported syndromes, competencies, and stressful experiences were tested as predictors of school dropout, unwed pregnancy, substance use, mental health services, suicidal behavior, police contacts, and being fired from jobs. Results Most signs were predictable with considerable accuracy, especially suicidal behavior and being fired from jobs among females. The Delinquent Behavior syndrome and poor school functioning predicted the most poor outcomes. Concurrent scores on young adult syndromes were significantly associated with most signs. Conclusions Across the diversity of a national sample, young adult signs of disturbance were predictable from risk and protective factors assessed in adolescence. The predictors can help to identify youth at risk for particular signs. Parents are important contributors to assessment of young adults' problems.
Timolol therapy in secondary angle-closure glaucoma post penetrating keratoplasty

Timolol maleate (o.25% or 0.5% twice a day) was used in 13 eyes of 13 patients with secondary angle-closure glaucoma post penetrating keratoplasty uncontrolled on miotics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or both. When added to each patient's current regimen, tomolol controlled 9 of the 13 eyes that no longer required cyclocryotherapy, and it was well tolerated locally and systemically. Its ocular hypotensive effect appears to supplement miotics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Diamond metal-semiconductor-metal ultraviolet photodetectors

Abstract Metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors have been fabricated in natural, synthetic, and polycrystalline insulating diamonds. The detectors were characterized over a wavelength range of 130–700 nm. Low dark currents of 10–12 A were observed. Of the materials investigated, natural diamond demonstrated the highest quantum efficiency of 39% at a wavelength of 200 nm and a factor of 103 lower response to visible light.
Influence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate on the relationship between local cerebral glucose utilization and local cerebral blood flow in the rat brain.

The relationship between local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) and local CBF (LCBF) was examined during the action of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) (900 mg/kg i.v.) in conscious rats. GHB induced discrepant effects on blood flow and metabolism. LCGU was markedly depressed in all structures examined, whereas LCBF was differently affected in that no related changes were observed. Global glucose utilization was markedly depressed (-51%), whereas global blood flow was not significantly altered. The marked dissociation between the changes in global glucose utilization and global blood flow induced by GHB is reflected only to a minor degree in the local values inasmuch as the correlation between LCGU and LCBF was only slightly weakened and its heterogeneity was increased.
Spatial Diffusion of Wal-Mart: Contagious and Reverse Hierarchical Elements

In its 30 years of existence, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has grown to become the largest retailer in the United States in terms of sales volume. This paper describes and analyzes the geographic expansion of Wal-Mart from its origin in northwest Arkansas. During its early years the firm grew slowly and opened stores primarily in small towns. In recent years it has expanded into metropolitan areas in order to serve more completely the U. S. market. The firm's expansion pattern has been characterized by elements of both neighborhood contagious diffusion and reverse hierarchical diffusion.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection reduces lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice exposed to vanadium pentoxide

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) exposure is a cause of occupational bronchitis and airway fibrosis. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that causes airway inflammation. It is unknown whether individuals with pre-existing respiratory viral infection are susceptible to V2O5-induced bronchitis. We hypothesized that respiratory viral infection will exacerbate vanadium-induced lung fibrosis. In this study we investigated the effect of RSV pre- or post-exposure to V2O5 in male AKR mice. Mice were pre-exposed by intranasal aspiration to RSV or media vehicle prior to intranasal aspiration of V2O5 or saline vehicle at day 1 or day 7. A parallel group of mice were treated first with V2O5 or saline vehicle at day 1 and day 7 then post-exposed to RSV or media vehicle at day 8. V2O5-induced airway inflammation and fibrosis were decreased by RSV pre- or post-exposure. Real time quantitative RT-PCR showed that V2O5 significantly increased lung mRNAs encoding pro-fibrogenic growth factors (TGF-β1, CTGF, PDGF-C) and collagen (Col1A2), but also increased mRNAs encoding anti-fibrogenic type I interferons (IFN-α, -β) and IFN-inducible chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10). RSV pre- or post-exposure caused a significantly reduced mRNAs of pro-fibrogenic growth factors and collagen, yet reduced RNA levels of anti-fibrogenic interferons and CXC chemokines. Collectively these data suggest that RSV infection reduces the severity of V2O5-induced fibrosis by suppressing growth factors and collagen genes. However, RSV suppression of V2O5-induced IFNs and IFN-inducible chemokines suggests that viral infection also suppresses the innate immune response that normally serves to resolve V2O5-induced fibrosis.
Algebraic Notation of Kinship

WITH reference to Mr. Davison's letter in NATURE (vol. xxxiv. p. 571), I wish to point out that the subject of algebraic notation, not only for kinship, but for kinship and affinity, has been pretty fully discussed in several papers which I contributed to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and especially in a paper entitled “Analysis of Relationships of Consanguinity and Affinity,” which, at the request of Mr. Galton and Dr. Tylor, I contributed to the Anthropological Institute (Journal of the Anthropological Institute, August 1882). Some idea of the nature of that paper may be got from a statement of the several tables which are appended to it. Table I. gives the notation for the general relations of the first five orders, states the general and singular meaning of each, and classifies them according to index, sign, and grade. Table II. shows how these general relationships are divided into ultimate species. Table III. gives all the possible relationships of a man to a woman, and of a woman to a man, within the first five orders; and such relationships as exclude marriage according to the laws of England are marked with an asterisk. Table IV. gives the consanguineous relationships of the first five orders grouped in lines and species, the agnatic system being formed by the extreme terms on the left, and the uterine system by the extreme terms on the right. Table V. gives strict definitions of the English terms of relationship.
Generalized feature learning and indexing for object localization and recognition

This paper addresses a general feature indexing and retrieval scenario in which a set of features detected in the image can retrieve a relevant class of objects, or classes of objects. The main idea behind those features for general object retrieval is that they are capable of identifying and localizing some small regions or parts of the potential object. We propose a set of criteria which take advantage of the learned features to find regions in the image which likely belong to an object. We further use the features' localization capability to localize the full object of interest and its extents. The proposed approach improves the recognition performance and is very efficient. Moreover, it has the potential to be used in automatic image understanding or annotation since it can uncover regions where the objects can be found in an image.
Neutral models and the deviation from neutral pattern metric

Abstract Ecological variables are inherently spatial with arrangement on the landscape often directly attributed to underlying processes. Historically, assumptions regarding the relationships among scale, pattern, and process have been used to characterize landscapes as well as compare multiple landscapes or changes in landscapes over time. Despite the utility of landscape comparisons, they often fail to adequately link scale, pattern, or process, and far too frequently are presented as logical interpretations leading to prediction of pattern to process relationships. Pattern metrics and measures of spatial autocorrelation have evolved to characterize and model landscape phenomena. Unfortunately, the two are quite often misapplied. This research presents an alternative metric, Deviation from Neutral (DFN), which permits the comparison of multiple landscapes.
Microbial dissolution and reduction of uranyl crystals by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Abstract Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB) can harvest energy for growth and activities by respiring metals, but it is so far unknown whether DMRB can acquire crystalline-phase actinides. In the present study, we used Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to investigate microbially-mediated dissolution and reduction of U(VI) in three uranyl(VI) borate and boronate crystals (i.e., UO2(CH3BO2)(H2O) (UCBO); UO2B2O4 (UBO); and Na[(UO2)B6O10(OH)]·2H2O (NaUBO)). Comparison of the dissolved U(VI) concentrations between samples with and without bacteria indicates that MR-1 facilitated dissolution of UCBO and UBO. Based on the assumption that only dissolved U(VI) was reduced, U(VI) reduction was substantially underestimated for UCBO and NaUBO, indicating that MR-1 directly reduced crystalline U(VI) in these two compounds. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis implied that interactions occurred between microbial ligands and the residual particles of uranyl compounds. We found that S. oneidensis MR-1 can mediate the dissolution and reduction of crystalline U(VI) through facilitated dissolution and consequent reduction of crystals or direct reduction of U(VI) in crystals. These results help evaluate the environmental fate of solid-phase U(VI), critical for predicting U transport and remediating U-contaminated sites.
Thrombopoietin expression and plasma concentrations in chronic myeloproliferative disorders.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the key growth factor for physiologic megakaryopoiesis and is essential for platelet production [1–5]. TPO acts through its receptor, c-Mpl (member of the cytokine receptor superfamily), and the JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway [6,7]. The human TPO gene has been mapped to 3q27 [8] and that of c-Mpl to 1p34 [9]. In both human fetal and adult tissues, the highest TPO mRNA concentrations are found in the liver while a lesser degree of TPO expression is seen in the spleen, bone marrow (BM), and kidney [10–12]. Furthermore, local BM production of TPO may contribute to normal megakaryopoiesis as well as hemopoiesis in general [13–16]. Normal TPO production is constitutive [17] and circulating TPO is regulated by c-Mpl-mediated platelet binding, internalization, and catabolism [18–22]. As such, plasma TPO levels are, usually, inversely proportional to total megakaryocyte/platelet mass [23,24]. Accordingly, in hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia including amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, there is marked elevation of serum TPO levels [25–28]. In contrast, in hypermegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia including immune thrombocytopenic purpura and post-transfusion purpura, the serum TPO levels are either not increased or only slightly increased [25–27]. The situation in thrombocythemic states is more complicated. Both reactive thrombocytosis (RT) and primary thrombocythemia associated with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) are associated with either elevated or normal TPO levels despite the associated increase in megakaryocyte/platelet mass [29–33]. In case of RT, elevated plasma TPO level has been shown to antedate the increase in platelet count and is often associated with an increase in other megakaryopoietic cytokines that may contribute to increased hepatic production of TPO [34–37].
Towards a Splicing Code

A combination of experimental and bioinformatics approaches leads Burge and colleagues (Wang et al., 2004 [this issue of Cell]) to a global view of how an RNA segment may be selected or avoided in mature mRNAs due to biased distributions of exonic enhancers and silencers, a process vital for genome evolution, developmental control, and disease onset.
Intra-abdominal injuries in polytrauma

The most important preoperative objective in the management of the patient with abdominal trauma is to ascertain whether or not a laparotomy is needed and not the diagnosis of a specific organ injury. This objective is complicated in multiple trauma patients by the extra-abdominal injuries which change the abdominal findings. Peritoneal lavage is of great help in making this decision. The second important decision relates to whether or not the control of abdominal blood loss is to be achieved as a part of or after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Clearly, the blood bank must be alerted and sufficient personnel must be available to pump the blood. Such surgery must always be conducted under full physiologic monitoring of cardiopulmonary function, with a warming blanket to prevent hypothermia, and with x-ray facilities. The third decision concerns the role of the laparotomy in the treatment of the other injuries the patient has received. It is usually wise to have 2 operating teams at work. Given the nature of blunt trauma it is wise to prepare the patient from the sternal notch to mid-thighs so that any surgical eventuality may be managed. This is associated with a long midline incision. The first operative objective is control of hemorrhage; the second, prevention of further contamination; and the third, a precise diagnosis of the anatomy of each injury. The subsequent objectives for liver, pancreaticoduodenal, gastrointestinal, and splenic injuries are discussed in detail. In the severely contaminated abdomen, delayed primary closure of the wound above the fascia is utilized.
Evaluation and management of scleroderma lung disease using bronchoalveolar lavage

Abstract purpose: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in 43 nonsmoking patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) to determine the frequency of alveolitis, the status of BAL findings over time, and the relationship of such findings to pulmonary status initially and at follow-up. patients and methods: Forty-three nonsmoking patients with systemic sclerosis underwent extensive pulmonary evaluation including pulmonary function tests, chest radiographs, and BAL with analysis of cells, IgG, albumin, immune complexes, and fibronectin. results: Alveolitis was detected on initial BAL evaluation in 21 patients (49%). Alveolitis was characterized by hypercellular lavage fluid, due to an absolute increase in alveolar macrophages and due to an increase in both the absolute number and percentage of granulocytes (neutrophils and eosinophils). Patients with systemic sclerosis had significantly higher levels of IgG and immune complexes in BAL fluid than did control subjects, and alveolar macrophages from patients with systemic sclerosis released higher amounts of fibronectin in vitro . In serial studies, alveolitis was found to persist. Patients with alveolitis had greater dyspnea than patients without alveolitis (p = 0.02), and they had greater reductions in lung volumes and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) (p = 0.004). Furthermore, patients with persistent alveolitis had significantly greater reductions in pulmonary function over time than patients without alveolitis (forced vital capacity [FVC]: −0.69 L versus −0.05 L, p conclusion: We conclude that alveolitis occurs frequently in systemic sclerosis and that BAL is useful in identifying such patients who are at risk for a further decline in pulmonary status. Preliminary observations suggest that treatment of patients with active alveolitis may result in improvement in pulmonary status.
Self- and mutual admittances of two identical circular loop antennas in a conducting medium and in air

The normalized self- and mutual admittances of two identical bare circular loop antennas have been evaluated when the loops are immersed in either air or an infinite homogeneous conducting medium. By decomposing the voltage and current into symmetric and antisymmetric components, the simultaneous integral equations for the distribution of current along the loop have been converted into a single integral equation similar to that for the isolated circular loop antenna which has already been studied. The computed results are presented graphically. The measured results are in good agreement with theory.
Diuretic therapy and resistance in congestive heart failure

Treatment of congestive heart failure has changed dramatically during the past 20 years, but diuretic drugs remain an essential component. Diuretics are essential despite the fact that these drugs stimulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) axis and lead to adaptive responses that may be counterproductive. In this paper, new diuretic drugs and new uses of older drugs are discussed. These approaches emphasize low-dose combination therapy and may prove superior to traditional approaches that rely exclusively on loop diuretics. Such approaches aim to prevent adverse compensatory processes that appear to result from chronic diuretic treatment. These include acute and chronic increases in plasma renin activity and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, both of which increase afterload and may tend to increase mortality. They also include adaptive changes in nephron structure and function resulting from diuretic-induced increases in distal sodium load and diuretic-induced neurohormonal stimulation. These adaptations blunt the effectiveness of diuretic therapy. Diuretic strategies that rely on combinations of diuretics are emphasized as a method to prevent resistance. If diuretic resistance does develop, higher-dose combination regimens, continuous diuretic infusions and mechanical ultrafiltration can be used to overcome diuretic adaptations and restore diuretic efficacy. The goal of reducing the extracellular fluid volume with the least stimulation of the RAA axis and minimal changes in nephron architecture can be achieved in many patients.
Role of solvent and vibrations on proton tunneling in clusters

In this paper we present a theoretical framework for describing the role of solvent and vibrations on proton tunneling rates. Recent experiments indicate that excited-state proton transfer in ROH(NH3)n clusters (where ROH is 1-naphthol or phenol) occurs by a tunneling mechanism. Two previous models of proton tunneling are examined; one based on a solvent-independent bound- continuum potential and the other on a solvent-activated bound-bound potential. Here we extend the latter model to incorporate coupling of the proton to reactant and product vibrations. All three models are compared to experimental tunneling rates in clusters.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Three Dimensional Fully Localized Waves on Ice-Covered Ocean

We have recently shown [1] that fully-localized three-dimensional wave envelopes (so-called dromions) can exist and propagate on the surface of ice-covered waters. Here we show that the inertia of the ice can play an important role in the size, direction and speed of propagation of these structures. We use multiple-scale perturbation technique to derive governing equations for the weakly nonlinear envelope of monochromatic waves propagating over the ice-covered seas. We show that the governing equations simplify to a coupled set of one equation for the envelope amplitude and one equation for the underlying mean current. This set of nonlinear equations can be further simplified to fall in the category of Davey-Stewartson equations [2]. We then use a numerical scheme initialized with the analytical dromion solution of DSI (i.e. shallow-water and surface-tension dominated regimes of Davey-Stewartson equation) to look for dromion solution of our equations. Dromions can travel over long distances and can transport mass, momentum and energy from the ice-edge deep into the solid ice-cover that can result in the ice cracking/breaking and also in posing dangers to icebreaker ships.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Composition of Rural Employment Growth in the “New Economy”

This article examines changes in the patterns of occupational employment in urban and rural labor markets in seven southern states between 1970 and 1990. A method is developed for assessing whether occupational employment patterns are becoming more differentiated over time. The analysis identifies a process of increasing similarity across all occupational groups between 1970 and 1980. In contrast, the 1980–90 period is characterized by increasing rural specialization in Operator (low-skill) occupations amid increasing similarity in four of nine inclusive occupational categories. These results provide partial support for conjectures regarding greater differentiation of tasks performed in rural and urban labor markets.
Inferring Protein Structures from Sparse and Ambiguous Data

We have developed a new computational framework called MeLD: Modeling with Limited Data. MeLD is an integrative modeling approach that combines physical modeling and statistical mechanics with data from experiment and bioinformatics. The approach is tailored to deal with data with the following properties: (1) the data is sparse, where there may be little to no information about some part of the structure; (2) the information is often ambiguous and not totally reliable. I will present several applications of MeLD, including successful structure determination from sparsely-labeled NMR data and EPR data, accurate structures predicted from evolutionarily inferred contacts, and the correct prediction of the binding mode of an intrinsically disordered protein based on site-directed mutagenesis data.
Antibody sensed protein surface conformation

An antibody-modified atomic force microscope (AFM) tip was used to detect conformational changes of fibronectin deposited on a poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(acrylic acid) block copolymer compared to PMMA and a random poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(acrylic acid) copolymer with an identical chemical composition. Based on the antibody-protein adhesive force maps and phase imaging, it was found that the nanomorphology of the triblock copolymer induces the desired conformation of fibronectin. This finding demonstrates that block copolymer nanomorphology can be used to regulate protein conformation and potentially cellular response.
Ties that bind: community attachment and the experience of discrimination among Black men who have sex with men.

In the USA, the impact of psychological distress may be greater for Black men who have sex with men given that they may experience both racial discrimination in society at large and discrimination due to sexual orientation within Black communities. Attachments to community members may play a role in addressing psychological distress for members of this vulnerable population. This analysis is based on 312 Black men who have sex with men recruited for a behavioural intervention trial in New York City. Analyses were conducted using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship of discrimination and community attachment to psychological distress. Most participants (63%) reported exposure to both discrimination due to race and sexual orientation. However, a majority of participants (89%) also reported racial and/or sexual orientation community attachment. Psychological distress was significant and negatively associated with older age (40 years and above), being a high school gradu...
A Frequency Reconfigurable Transmitter Antenna With Autonomous Switching Capabilities

Frequency reconfigurable antennas have many benefits that can be used to improve the performance of wireless systems. Then again, many existing multiband systems cannot use a frequency reconfigurable antenna because of the additional control signals required to operate the antenna. In this communication, an autonomous frequency reconfigurable antenna topology that does not require these control signals from the radio is presented. To control the antenna, a power splitter and bandpass filter is used to pass a portion of the RF power driving the antenna in a particular band to voltage-doubling circuitry. This voltage-doubler circuit is then used to convert the RF signal into a DC output control voltage which then in turn controls the reconfigurable features of the antenna. By setting the bandpass filter to one of the reconfigurable frequencies, RF power can then be used to reconfigure the antenna in a specific band while not reconfiguring in other bands. This flexibility makes this design very useful for existing and future cost effective wireless systems.
Flow-induced oscillations of a cantilevered pipe conveying fluid with base excitation

Abstract It is known that a plain cantilevered pipe conveying fluid loses its stability by a Hopf bifurcation, leading to either planar or non-planar flutter for flow velocities beyond the critical flow velocity for Hopf bifurcation. If an external mass is attached to the end of the pipe (an end-mass), the resulting dynamics become much richer, showing 2D and 3D quasiperiodic and chaotic oscillations at high flow velocities. In this paper, a cantilevered pipe, with and without an end-mass, subjected to a small-amplitude periodic base excitation is considered. A set of three-dimensional nonlinear equations is used to analyze the pipe׳s response at various flow velocities and with different amplitudes and frequencies of base excitation. The nonlinear equations are discretized using the Galerkin technique and the resulting set of equations is solved using Houbolt׳s finite difference method. It is shown that for a plain pipe (with no end-mass), non-planar post-instability oscillations can be reduced to planar periodic oscillations for a range of base excitation frequencies and amplitudes. For a pipe with an end-mass, similarly to a plain pipe, three-dimensional period oscillations can be reduced to planar ones. At flow velocities beyond the critical flow velocity for torus instability, the three-dimensional quasiperiodic oscillations can be reduced to two-dimensional quasiperiodic or periodic oscillations, depending on the frequency of base excitation. In all these cases, a low-amplitude base excitation results in reducing the three-dimensional oscillations of the pipe to purely two-dimensional oscillations, over a range of excitation frequencies. These numerical results are in agreement with the previous experimental work.
Role of peritoneal inflammation in endometriosis-associated infertility.

This paper has discussed the evidence for the presence of infertility in patients with endometriosis and more critically reviewed some of the studies that have addressed the impact of various potential local peritoneal mechanisms that may lead to subfertility. Substantial evidence supports the notion that patients with endometriosis have reduced fecundability. Although several mechanisms, including, e.g., anatomic factors and ovulatory dysfunction, are possible, recent studies have pointed towards local inflammatory cells and their secretory products as being important mediators of subfertility. Ample evidence exists for the presence of an altered peritoneal inflammatory environment in patients with endometriosis. In addition, in vitro studies have identified peritoneal macrophages and their secretory products, specifically TNF-alpha as the most likely contributors to the reduced fecundability through effects on sperm function.
On Wind-Driven Lake Circulation

Abstract We consider here the flow induced by applying a wind stress at the surface of an initially quiescent lake. It is assumed that the Ekman number, based on an eddy viscosity, is small, and that the Rossby number is at most of the order of (Ekman number)½. Under these conditions, which are met in practice, a linear theory is applicable. The linear problem is solved using boundary layer methods. There are essentially five distinct regions: an outer region in which the horizontal velocity is independent of depth, Ekman layers at the upper and lower boundaries, a corner region at the edge of the lake at which the Ekman layers meet, and a shear layer adjacent to the corner region. Study of the Ekman layers provides the equations which hold in the outer and shear layer regions, and consideration of the corner region provides the boundary condition. The outer flow proves to he geostrophic and directed along curves of constant depth. The shear layer is needed to satisfy the boundary condition of zero net ou...
Palmar oblique ligament reconstruction for carpometacarpal joint dislocation in an 11-year-old: A case report

Traumatic dislocation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint has been rarely reported in children. An 11-year-old boy presented with a traumatic dislocation of the trapeziometacarpal joint. He was successfully treated surgically with ligament reconstruction as previously described.
Genome of the apes.

The Human Genome Project has generated both the information and technological infrastructure needed to accelerate genetic comparisons between humans and the African great apes (chimpanzees and gorillas). Sequence and chromosomal organization differences between these highly related genomes will provide clues to the genetic basis for recently evolved, specifically human traits such as bipedal gait and advanced cognitive function. Recent studies comparing the primate genomes have the potential to affect many aspects of human biomedical research and could benefit primate conservation efforts.
Evidence of stenotopy and anthropogenic influence on carbon source for two major riverine fishes of the Lake Victoria watershed

Stable isotope analysis was used to investigate the migratory status and to determine the relative contribution of allochthonous and autochthonous sources of carbon for the major riverine fish species (Barbus altianalis and Labeo victorianus) in rivers draining the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria. The two fish species derived carbon from both C4 and C3 plant sources, although L. victorianus exhibited less enriched isotopic carbon values. Fish samples from stations under direct influence of effluents from sugar factories exhibited enriched δ13C signals. Assuming that this reflects carbon sourcing from riparian C4 plants, it suggests that carbon from terrestrial sources can be a major energy source in some rivers. This heavy carbon enrichment associated with sugar factories was spatially restricted and occurred in all seasons, implying that sub-populations of the two fish species are non-migratory. The large migratory populations of these two species, for which Lake Victoria was once famous, may be no more.
Demonstration of the intercellular spaces of the human eccrine sweat gland by lanthanum. II. The duct.

The intercellular spaces of the human eccrine sweat duct were investigated using lanthanum as a tracer. In the coiled and straight portions of the intradermal duct, lanthanum permeated the interstices, basal lamina, lamina lucida, and the basal and luminal intercellular spaces, but was stopped at the luminal ends by the luminal complex of tight junctions. Since there were no tight junctions in the basal intercellular spaces, it was postulated that the reabsorbed precursor fluid of eccrine sweat may be dissipated into the interstices without being reabsorbed into the basal cells. In the keratinized portion of the intraepidermal duct, there was no connection between the luminal intercellular spaces and those of the epidermal cells since the distal tight junctions of the granular cells prevented the permeation of lanthanum.
Characteristics of cores of avian leuko-sarcoma viruses.

Abstract Rous sarcoma virus-Rous associated virus (RSV-RAV 1 ) mixtures were treated to remove lipoprotein envelopes, and the resulting virion cores were analyzed. Cores labeled with uridine- 3 H had a density (1.27 g/ml) different from intact virus (1.16 g/ml) and could be separated by isopycnic banding in potassium tartrate, cesium sulfate, or sucrose gradients. The viral RNA within the cores was susceptible to ribonuclease, and the general instability of cores could partially be explained on this basis. Cores obtained from murine leukemia virus had properties similar to those of RSV-RAV 1 . Density-purified cores exhibited complement-fixing activity when mixed with group-specific antiserum, but most of the group specific antigen was solubilized during processing of virions. Electron microscopic observations on the cores are presented.
An in vivo comparison of diagnostic information obtained from tuned-aperture computed tomography and conventional dental radiographic imaging modalities

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare diagnostic information obtained by means of 3-dimensional tuned-aperture computed tomography (TACT) and by means of conventional radiography of patients requiring surgery. Study design. TACT produced digital images that yielded a series of tomographic slices viewed interactively. Controls were conventional periapical and/or panoramic radiographs. Each of 4 independent dentists performed 2 tasks, one requiring an estimation of confidence in their clinical assessments of the patient and the other requiring an estimation of the resulting diagnostic potential for altering associated treatment options. Data were analyzed through use of the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U –Wilcoxon rank sum W test. Results. A statistically significant difference for both tasks was observed (2-sided; P Conclusions. TACT displays were more diagnostically informative and had more impact on potential treatment options than did conventional radiographs. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;88:239-47)
The Development of Message Evaluation Skills in Young Children

The goal of this research was to learn if young children overestimate message quality because they evaluate their knowledge or assumptions about the intended meaning of the message, rather than its literal meaning. 2 experiments were conducted with preschoolers (4 years) and kindergartners (5-6 years). Second graders (8 years) also participated in the first experiment. Children evaluated the communicative quality of informative, ambiguous, and ineffective picture messages in a simple communication game. In the first experiment, children knew the intended referent when they evaluated the message. The results showed that younger children overestimated the informativeness of the ambiguous and ineffective messages, while older children evaluated message quality accurately, even though they knew the intended meaning. In the second experiment, younger children detected more of the message ambiguities when they did not know the target referent than when they were informed of the intended interpretation. The results suggest that young children overestimate message quality because they evaluate their interpretation of the message rather than its literal meaning.
Teaching applied value of marketing research: A questionnaire design project

Abstract This paper describes a class project designed to teach students how to apply marketing research concepts in the context of surveys developed and used by local small businesses to assess their customers' views of the company's products and services. Specifically, students are required to obtain an existing customer service survey from one of the local companies and analyze it following specific guidelines for effective questionnaire design and data collection. After analyzing the original company survey, the students prepare a written report and a presentation to document their analysis and the recommendations for improving the original survey. The students also prepare a revised version of the survey to be shared with the management of the company that authored the original survey. The analysis of students' feedback and the peer reviews of the resource suggest that this assignment is both effective and easy to implement. The paper provides step-by-step instructions, guiding questions, assessment of learning results, and discussion of project benefits and challenges.
Characterization of temperature‐dependent moisture diffusivity in PMR‐15 resin

The temperature-dependent moisture diffusion behavior of high-temperature polyimide resin, PMR-15, is presented. Adsorption and high temperature desorption tests are used to experimentally determine moisture diffusivity at several temperatures. Diffusivity is determined from the weight change based on the initial slope and using a nonlinear regression technique with Fickian diffusion assumption. The basic test procedures and diffusivity values are presented in this study. The results also include the relative humidity (RH) dependent equilibrium moisture concentration and a relationship between the RH and equilibrium moisture concentration. As direct measurement at typical operating temperature may be precluded by blistering, an Arrhenius-type temperature-diffusivity relationship is used to estimate the temperature-dependent moisture diffusivity for the PMR-15 resin. The moisture diffusivity of PMR-15 tested is estimated to be 6.64 E −10 m2/s at 288°C. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Densification of a powder-metal skeleton by transient liquid-phase infiltration

Transient liquid-phase infiltration (TLI) is a new method for densifying a powder-metal skeleton that produces a final part of homogeneous composition without significant dimensional change, offering advantages over traditional infiltration and full-density sintering. Fabrication of direct metal parts with complex geometry is possible using TLI in conjunction with solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes such as three-dimensional printing, which produce net-shape powder-metal skeletons directly from computer-aided design models. The TLI method uses an infiltrant material similar in composition to the skeleton, but also containing a melting-point depressant (MPD), which allows the liquid metal to fill the skeleton void space and later facilitates homogenization. The materials requirements for such a system are discussed, and four experimental material systems were developed with final compositions of approximately Ni-40 wt pct Cu, Ni-4 wt pct Si, Fe-3 wt pct Si, and Fe-12 wt pct Cr-1 wt pct C, with copper, silicon, and carbon serving as the MPDs. Infiltration techniques include gating the introduction of liquid, saturating the melt to prevent erosion, and controlling variations in bulk composition along the infiltration path. Infiltration lengths exceeded 200 mm in the two nickel systems and exceeded 100 mm in the two iron systems. After infiltration, various heat treatments were conducted and mechanical properties were tested, including the tensile, hardness, and impact strength.
Used consumer electronics: a comparative analysis of materials recycling technologies

The useful life of consumer electronic devices is relatively short, and decreasing as a result of rapid changes in equipment features and capabilities. This creates a large waste stream of obsolete electronic equipment, e-waste. In this paper, various recycling technologies for the glass, plastics, and metals found in e-waste are discussed. For glass recycling, glass-to-glass recycling and glass-to-lead recycling technologies are presented. For plastics, chemical (feedstock) recycling, mechanical recycling, and thermal recycling methods are analyzed by application to plastics found in obsolete electronic equipment. Recovery processes for copper, lead, and precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, and palladium are reviewed. These processes are described and compared on the basis of available technologies, resources, and material input-output systems.