cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coping with racism: a selective review of the literature and a theoretical and methodological critique

Racism is a stressor that contributes to racial/ethnic disparities in mental and physical health and to variations in these outcomes within racial and ethnic minority groups. The aim of this paper is to identify and discuss key issues in the study of individual-level strategies for coping with interpersonal racism. We begin with a discussion of the ways in which racism acts as a stressor and requires the mobilization of coping resources. Next, we examine available models for describing and conceptualizing strategies for coping with racism. Third, we discuss three major forms of coping: racial identity development, social support seeking and anger suppression and expression. We examine empirical support for the role of these coping strategies in buffering the impact of racism on specific health-related outcomes, including mental health (i.e., specifically, self-reported psychological distress and depressive symptoms), self-reported physical health, resting blood pressure levels, and cardiovascular reactivity to stressors. Careful examination of the effectiveness of individual-level coping strategies can guide future interventions on both the individual and community levels.
Variation of satellite intensity factors with n for 1 s 2 ε l →1 s 2 pnl →1 s 2 nl dielectronic-recombination processes in heliumlike ions

Satellite intensity factors ${\mathit{F}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$(s-f) have been calculated for the 1${\mathit{s}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\epsilon}l\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1s2pnl\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1${\mathit{s}}^{2}$nl dielectronic-recombination processes of heliumlike Ne, Si, Ar, Ti, Cr, and Ni. The relevant atomic parameters have been calculated explicitly for all intermediate resonance states \ensuremath{\Vert}s〉=\ensuremath{\Vert}1s2pnlSLJ〉 with n=2--8 and l=0--6 in the intermediate-coupling scheme. The 1/${\mathit{n}}^{3}$ scaling, which has often been used in extrapolating ${\mathit{F}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$(s-f) for n\ensuremath{\ge}4, is tested against these values of ${\mathit{F}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$(s-f).
Size effects on the magnetic hyperfine fields at non-magnetic impurities in iron

An important contribution to the magnetic hyperfine fields at non-magnetic impurities in magnetic metals arises from the conduction-electron polarization (CEP). In the model of Stearns the CEP at the impurity site,Pce, arises from the exchange interaction of the conduction electrons at that site with the localized 3d host electrons. In this modelPce is a negative constant, independent of the impurity, so that an emperical volume-misfit correction has to be introduced to explain the observed positive hyperfine fields. The purpose of this paper is to show thatPce is not constant, but is strongly affected by the distortion of the lattice around the impurity. The correct form ofPce includes a volume term equivalent to that postulated by Stearns. The hyperfine fields for Cu, Zn, Sn, Sb and Au are calculated, taking the distortion effects into account. A fair agreement with the observed hyperfine fields is obtained. Furthermore, the effects of pressure on the CEP are discussed.
Single mode PT symmetric large area lasers

We experimentally demonstrate single longitudinal mode operation in microring laser using the concept of PT symmetry. A PT-symmetric coupled resonator arrangement can considerably enhance the maximum achievable gain of single mode microring cavity. The method is broadband thus work well for inhomogenously broadened gain mediums. It doesn’t rely on any additional component to ensure its mode selective performance, and it is robust with respect to fabrication inaccuracies. This result may pave the way for a novel way of designing integrated laser sources based on PT symmetry.
A generalization of the Bramble-Hilbert lemma and applications to multivariate interpolation

Abstract The Bramble-Hilbert lemma is a useful tool for proving error bounds for multivariate interpolation and approximation. It has two versions, a basic one and a more general “sharpened” version. In this paper we prove a generalization of the sharpened form of the lemma. The proof given here is much simpler than the original. We consider several multivariate interpolation schemes and compare the error bounds given by the (basic) lemma, its sharpened form, and the generalization proved here.
Epithelial Sodium Channels Are Activated by Furin-dependent Proteolysis

Epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) are activated by extracellular trypsin or by co-expression with channel-activating proteases, although there is no direct evidence that these proteases activate ENaC by cleaving the channel. We previously demonstrated that the α and γ subunits of ENaC are cleaved during maturation near consensus sites for furin cleavage. Using site-specific mutagenesis of channel subunits, ENaC expression in furin-deficient cells, and furin-specific inhibitors, we now report that ENaC cleavage correlates with channel activity. Channel activity in furin-deficient cells was rescued by expression of furin. Our data provide the first example of a vertebrate ion channel that is a substrate for furin and whose activity is dependent on its proteolysis.
Control of respirable particles in indoor air with portable air cleaners

Abstract Eleven portable air cleaning devices have been evaluated for control of indoor concentrations of respirable particles using in situ chamber decay tests. Following injection of cigarette smoke in a room-size chamber, decay rates for particle concentrations were obtained for total number concentration and for number concentration by particle size with and without air cleaner operation. The size distribution of the tobacco smoke particles was log normal with a count median diameter of 0.15 μm and a geometric standard deviation of 2.0. Without air cleaner operation, the natural mass-averaged surface deposition rate of particles was observed to be 0.1 h −1 . Air cleaning rates for particles were found to be negligible for several small panel-filter devices, a residential-sized ion-generator, and a pair of mixing fans. Electrostatic precipitators and extended surface filters removed particles at substantial rates, and a HEPA-type filter was most efficient air cleaner studied.
A comparison of audio computer-assisted self-interviews to face-to-face interviews of sexual behavior among perinatally HIV-exposed youth.

Computer-assisted interview methods are increasingly popular in the assessment of sensitive behaviors (e.g., substance abuse and sexual behaviors). It has been suggested that the effect of social desirability is diminished when answering via computer, as compared to an interviewer-administered face-to-face (FTF) interview, although studies exploring this hypothesis among adolescents are rare and yield inconsistent findings. This study compared two interview modes among a sample of urban, ethnic-minority, perinatally HIV-exposed U.S. youth (baseline = 148 HIV+, 126 HIV−, ages 9–16 years; follow-up = 120 HIV+, 110 HIV−, ages 10–19 years). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a sexual behavior interview via either Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) or FTF interview. The prevalence of several sexual behaviors and participants’ reactions to the interviews were compared. Although higher rates of sexual behaviors were typically reported in the ACASI condition, the differences rarely reached statistical significance, even when limited to demographic subgroups—except for gender. Boys were significantly more likely to report several sexual behaviors in the ACASI condition compared to FTF, whereas among girls no significant differences were found between the two conditions. ACASI-assigned youth rated the interview process as easier and more enjoyable than did FTF-assigned youth, and this was fairly consistent across subgroup analyses as well. We conclude that these more positive reactions to the ACASI interview give that methodology a slight advantage, and boys may disclose more sexual behavior when using computer-assisted interviews.
Skin tests and blood leukocyte histamine release of patients with allergies to laboratory animals

Abstract Skin tests and in vitro histamine-release reactions were used to evaluate 130 patients observed in an employee allergy clinic at a biomedical research facility. The allergens used included extracts from pollens (ragweed, grasses, trees, weeds), molds, mixed feathers, house dust, cat, dog, mouse, rat, rabbit, guinea pig, and hamster. Of all patients, 66% complained of allergic symptoms on laboratory animal exposure, although only 52% worked directly with animals. Among patients with symptoms, 91 % were positive by skin test to at least one laboratory animal, and 46% had asthma. The median length of exposure to laboratory animals before onset of symptoms was 2.8 yr with 60% of the patients developing their symptoms within 3 yr. Among patients who had allergic symptoms before exposure to laboratory animals, 79% were skin test positive to laboratory animals when they were evaluated in this study. There was a close association found between the skin test and histamine-release results with the laboratory animal allergens: 91 % of the 4 + skin reactors had leukocytes positive for histamine release versus 5% of the leukocyte donors with
Evaluation of procedures to desorb bacteria from granular activated carbon

Abstract Physical, chemical, and enzymatic means for the desorption of microorganisms from granular activated carbon (GAC) were assessed. Homogenization at 16 000 rpm (4°C) with a solution of Tris buffer (0.01 M, pH 7.0), Zwittergent 3–12 (10 6 M), ethyleneglycol-bis-( β amino-ethyl ether)- N , N 1 -tetra acetic acid (EGTA, 10 3 M) and peptone (0.01%) gave the highest removal efficiency of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) organisms. This method was also effective in removing Escherichia coli from GAC. Four media were tested for their ability to enumerate desorbed HPC bacteria. R2A medium incubated at 28°C for 7 days provided maximal counts.
Specification and reasoning in SE projects using a Web IDE

A key goal of our research is to introduce an approach that involves at the outset using analytical reasoning as a method for developing high quality software. This paper summarizes our experiences in introducing mathematical reasoning and formal specification-based development using a web-integrated environment in an undergraduate software engineering course at two institutions at different levels, with the goal that they will serve as models for other educators. At Alabama, the reasoning topics are introduced over a two-week period and are followed by a project. At Clemson, the topics are covered in more depth over a five-week period and are followed by specification-based software development and reasoning assignments. The courses and project assignments have been offered for multiple semesters. Evaluation of student performance indicates that the learning goals were met.
Isotope labelling of lipids using the Favorsky rearrangement

The synthesis of tetradeuterated 10-methylundecanoic acid, dideuterated tetracos-2-enoic acid, (1-14C)pristanic acid and (1-14C)tetracos-2-enoic acid using the Favorsky rearrangement are described. They will be used for studies of long-chain fatty acid metabolism in patients. The positions of isotope labelling were determined by mass spectrometry.
A simple empirical method for the estimation of activation energies in radical molecule metathesis reactions

Several new empirical methods are presented for the prediction of activation energies E of the metathetical transfer reaction of single bonded atoms in radical-molecule reactions of the type A· + BC AB + C· The methods assign additive contributions to E for the endgroups A· and C·, neglecting the effect of the transferred atom B. Most of the predicted values agree to within l kcal mol−1 with the experimental activation energies (average error = 0.82 and standard deviation = 1.02 kcal mol−1). This is comparable to the best of the more complex schemes available for such estimation.
Toward a Methods Course Requirement at the Graduate Level

U NDERGRADUATE methods courses for prospective teachers of modern foreign languages have become targets of considerable discussion and criticism. Recent surveys indicate that there are almost as many different methods courses as there are colleges and universities offering them.' None of these courses appears to be completely adequate for helping the beginning teacher get off to a good start in the field. To begin with, there are too many topics to be covered in a relatively short time. The cursory introduction of a multiplicity of topics to neophytes is of questionable value. Secondly, much that is presented in an undergraduate methods course does not become meaningful until one has actually taught. Clearly, a methods course requirement after some teaching experience could contribute to better instruction in our schools. All elementary and secondary teachers of modern foreign languages should be required to take a three-semester-hour methods course at
Panic attacks in families of patients with mitral valve prolapse.

Summary One explanation for the association between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and panic attacks in clinic populations is that panic attacks represent a set of symptoms caused by mitral prolapse. Since mitral prolapse is often familial, this hypothesis predicts a higher incidence of panic attacks in relatives of persons with prolapse than the general population and the incidence of panic attacks in the relatives should be independent of panic attacks in the proband. We interviewed 50 probands with mitral prolapse and obtained family history data on panic attacks in their first degree relatives. The incidence of panic attacks in these relatives was 4.5 * 1.4% which is consistent with control rates which we have reported in previous studies. Twelve MVP probands also had panic attacks. The incidence of panic attacks in their relatives (15.7 * 5.1%) was significantly higher than the rate found among relatives of 38 probands without panic attacks (1.2 2 0.8%). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that mitral prolapse and panic attacks are segregating independently in these families.
Gang-related cyber and computer crimes: Legal aspects and practical points of consideration in investigations

Gang-related criminal activity has become increasingly more sophisticated, taking advantage of technological advancements that have occurred during the past few decades. Among these advances, criminal gangs have begun to use the internet as an effective tool through which criminal activity can be conducted. Investigators must be adept and competent at locating and collecting gang-related evidence from the internet and from various electronic storage devices. Various techniques of investigation, the legal statutes associated with these types of investigations, and the legal parameters and limits when conducting these investigations are discussed.
Plasmon scanner and multiplexer

Nanoholes and nanoslits are efficient sources of plasmons on metal surfaces. We use arc-shaped nanoslits in thin silver films for generating sub-wavelength plasmon spots with enhanced optical near-fields. Introduction of a continuous phase delay along the nanoslits shifts the position of the plasmon focus spot. We show experimentally that such a phase control allows to scan the plasmon focus by micrometers with a nanometer precision and to launch it on separate silver nanowires placed in the focal plane. These experiments, demonstrating scanning and multiplexing functionality, show the feasibility of the nanoscale manipulation with optical fields.
Fourier transform spectroscopy: from organizing MISFITS to FTing it in a truck

Open-cell long-path Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has become a common technique for the monitoring of fugitive emission of VOCs in the atmosphere. Our entry into the study of VOCs in the atmosphere is presented in a historical context. The evolution of our techniques for carrying out field studies is described. Some representative examples of our monitoring activities are given and referenced. Some more recent concerns are presented and future directions are indicated.
MDM2 inhibitors in the search for an optimized neovascular age-related macular degeneration treatment

Murine double minute-2 inhibitors offer a durable treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration by inducing apoptosis in pathologically proliferating cells, a similar effect as radiation therapy, but with potentially a more favorable side-effect profile since it does not induce DNA damage. Murine double minute-2 inhibitors may be complementary to current anti-VEGF treatments and potentially reduce the cumulative number of intravitreal injections.
Scalable Video Coding across heterogeneous networks

Scalable video coding (SVC) is a standardized extension to the widely accepted H.264/MPEG-4 advanced video coding (AVC) standard. SVC provides scalability at a bit stream level and allows multiple formats of a single video source to be encoded in a single video stream. This facilitate the delivery of video content to a diverse set of end users with a variety of receive device capabilities, over transmission paths of varying bandwidth.
Chemostratigraphy of the Late Mesoproterozoic Atar Group, Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania: Muted isotopic variability, facies correlation, and global isotopic trends

a b s t r a c t Sedimentary strata of the Atar/El Mreiti groups, Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania, are characterized by car- bon isotope values that fall largely between −2.5‰ and +4.0‰, and contain stratigraphic trends that are strikingly similar to those recorded worldwide in strata with depositional ages from ∼1.2 Ga to 1.1 Ga. Chemostratigraphic results are consistent with recent Re-Os dates of ∼1.1 Ga for Atar/El Mreiti group strata (Rooney et al., 2010) and support an emerging dataset that identifies the Late Mesoproterozoic as an isotopically distinctive interval in Earth history. The relatively low-amplitude carbon isotope variabil- ity limits the use of chemostratigraphy in detailed correlation during this time interval. In this study, we combine chemostratigraphic data with key chronostratigraphic horizons and detailed analysis of deposi- tional facies to construct a rigorous and testable model for the intrabasinal correlation of Atar and el Mreiti group strata. Data support a depositional model that results in broadly uniform stratigraphic thicknesses across the West African craton, with predominantly stromatolitic facies of the Atar Group (Mauritania) and the Hank and Dar Cheikh groups (Algeria) representing deposition on shallow-water craton margins, and clayey-carbonate and shale facies of the El Mreiti Group (Mauritania) representing deposition on a broad, shallow-water, epicratonic platform. Within this stratigraphic framework, regional differences in carbon isotope composition are interpreted to reflect spatial differences in water chemistry likely asso- ciated with local carbon cycle dynamics in cratonic environments that have limited exchange with the open ocean. Similarly, distinct differences in trace element composition recorded in multilayered marine cements within deeper-water stromatolitic reef facies are interpreted to reflect vertical differences in water chemistry associated with redox-gradients in the water column. We use this multifaceted approach to test a recent hypothesis that suggests correlation of Atar/el Mreiti group strata with glaciogenic strata of the Vazante Group, Sao Francisco craton. Critically, preservation of shallow-water carbonate and evaporite strata across more than 1200 km of the predominantly epicra- tonic Taoudeni Basin—with minimal evidence for high-amplitude sea level change—is consistent with inferences of late Mesoproterozoic highstand conditions in a global greenhouse climate. Such charac- teristics are inconsistent with suggestions of a time-equivalency with glaciogenic strata of the Vazante Group, Sao Francisco craton, despite broad similarities in Re-Os geochronology and carbon isotope com- position. Together, these results emphasize both the utility and limitations of carbon isotope stratigraphy to inform hypotheses regarding global correlation and biospheric evolution. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Contesting the Politics of Culture, Rewriting the Boundaries of Inclusion: Working for Social Justice with Muslim and Arab Communities

This article calls on anthropologists of education to assert a more public voice attacking the ideological purposes to which the concept of "culture" has been deployedfollowing the September 11 attacks. We must support schools, communities, and the media to address the power and politics of race and religion in contemporary social and political contexts, rather than focus primarily on multicultural education about Islamic and Arab "culture." Finally, this article urges us to expand our knowledge of the processes of social incorporation for Muslim and Arab immigrant youth to include a deeper understanding of how global politics contribute to young people's sense of emerging identities. Language is woefully inadequate for representing the enormity of impact wrought by the September 11 attacks, first and foremost on those who lost their lives or loved ones, but also on human consciousness worldwide. I am, however, wary of language that casts September 11 primarily in terms of rupture, for it risks turning attention away from the continuities of vast social, economic, and political injustices that cut across national boundaries. My commitment to working for social justice was born long before September 11, but that day and all that have followed have challenged me to wrestle anew with the nature of how I engage with this work professionally.1 In these past months perhaps no question has troubled me more than how my work as an educational anthropologist can contribute fruitfully and with some immediacy to a social justice agenda demanded by the changing contemporary political contexts. I have listened across various social spheres-schools, communities, and the media-for how people are struggling to make sense of September 11 and to address the ensuing shifts in local and global political landscapes. In doing so, I have become convinced that by bringing to bear our insights and knowledge about culture, ideology, and global politics, anthropologists of education have a vital role to play in these conversations. In this article, I take up three issues that educational anthropologists are well suited to address. First, I explore how the concept of culture is currently being employed in dominant discourse about September 11 and its aftermath and suggest that we must have a more public voice attacking the ideological purposes to which "culture" is being put. Secondly, I
Langmuir-Blodgett Silver Nanowire Monolayers for Molecular Sensing Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Langmuir−Blodgett technique was used to assemble monolayers (with areas over 20 cm2) of aligned silver nanowires that are ∼50 nm in diameter and 2−3 μm in length. These nanowires possess pentagonal cross-sections and pyramidal tips. They are close-packed and are aligned parallel to each other. The resulting nanowire monolayers serve as excellent substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with large electromagnetic field enhancement factors (2 × 105 for thiol and 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 2 × 109 for Rhodamine 6G) and can readily be used in ultrasensitive, molecule-specific sensing utilizing vibrational signatures.
Ambiguity surface manifestation of downslope converted noise sources

Deals with the manifestation of downslope converted continental shelf noise sources (primarily ships) in the matched-field processor (MFP) ambiguity surface. Of interest is how noise sources outside the range of interest leak into the ambiguity surface through the sidelobe structure of the effective MFP beam (or cell) pattern. This study is carried out with simulations using the parabolic equation model. A shallow 18 Hz source is assumed deployed at various locations on the continental slope, 1750 km from a 1000 m long vertical line array. The MFP search window extends in range across 500 km and in depth down to 1000 m. Shallow sources on the slope show up in the MFP ambiguity surface as deep peaks when downslope conversion takes place. Shallow sources at locations on the slope or in deep water adjacent to the slope where downslope conversion does not take place, appear in the MFP ambiguity surface as shallow sources. >
Burnout in occupational therapists and physical therapists working in head injury rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES Burnout has been linked to job retention in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other health professions. Professional development activities are often suggested to reduce burnout, but little empirical evidence supports this contention. This study explored the prevalence of burnout among occupational and physical therapists working in head injury rehabilitation and evaluated the relationship between burnout and professional development activities. METHOD Forty therapists working full-time in head injury rehabilitation were surveyed. Correlations between subscale scores of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (i.e., Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment) and responses to a survey of professional development activities are reported. RESULTS Professional development activities are most strongly associated with feelings of personal accomplishment. Emotional exhaustion was relatively high among these therapists, but few feelings of depersonalization were evident. CONCLUSIONS Professional development activities in the workplace may augment feelings of personal accomplishment and minimize burnout as an issue in job retention. Strategies to effectively identify and manage therapists' feelings of emotional exhaustion require further study.
The Stable 2.0-Kilobase Intron of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency-Associated Transcript Does Not Function as an Antisense Repressor of ICP0 in Nonneuronal Cells

During latency, herpes simplex virus expresses a unique set of latency-associated transcripts (LATs). As the 2.0-kb LAT intron is complementary to, and overlaps, the 3' end of the ICP0 transcript, it has been suggested that the stable LAT intron might function as an antisense repressor of ICP0 expression. We tested this hypothesis in cell culture by dissociating cis- and trans-acting effects of the 2.0-kb LAT, using a series of complementary strategies. Initially, we constructed 293T cell lines that stably express the nuclear 2.0-kb LAT intron to determine whether LAT accumulation in trans affects ICP0 expression. ICP0 mRNA and protein expression profiles were studied (i) following infections with a viral mutant containing wild-type LAT and ICP0 sequences but having deletions of other immediate-early (IE) genes, thus preventing the progression of viral early gene expression, (ii) at early time points after infection with wild-type virus, before viral LAT expression, and (iii) by plasmid transfections. Northern and Western blot analysis showed that trans expression of the 2.0-kb LAT intron does not affect ICP0 mRNA expression, stability, accumulation, splicing, or translation. In addition, suppression of viral replication by overexpression of the 2.0-kb LAT, which has been detected previously in neuronal cell lines, was not found in these nonneuronal cell lines. However, deletion of the latency-active promoter (LAP) region of the virus resulted in overexpression of IE genes, which occurred soon after infection, before viral LAT expression had commenced. This was not complemented by the expression of LAT in trans, suggesting that the LAP deletion affected transcriptional regulation of the IE genes in cis. We conclude that the function of the highly conserved LAT intron is unlikely to involve a direct-acting anti-ICP0 antisense mechanism but that the LAT region could affect ICP0 mRNA expression from the viral genome.
Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow

Symptomatic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) results from a lateral collateral ligament complex injury and presents with pain, clicking, and subluxation within the flexion and extension arcs of elbow motion. Often, symptoms and examination characteristics are subtle and can be easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, a thorough history and provocative physical examination maneuvers are important to correctly establish the diagnosis. Patients frequently have a history of elbow trauma such as an episode(s) of elbow dislocation, prior surgery, or previous cortisone injections. Radiographs and advanced imaging can aid in the diagnosis, and examination under anesthesia, manipulation with arthroscopic visualization, and/or stress radiographs can be confirmatory. Symptomatic cases of PLRI can be effectively treated with a repair or isometric ligament reconstruction.
Intraoperative endoscopic evaluation of suprapubic urethropexy

In a preliminary study of 32 women with stress urinary incontinence, a modification was added to the standard suprapubic urethropexy to decrease the incidence of postoperative urinary retention. Immediately before the elevating sutures are tied, a urethroscope is inserted into the midurethra and the bladder neck is visualized while the sutures are being tied with just enough tension to close the bladder neck. This resulted in a 100 per cent continence rate at twenty-four months and an average catheter time of 6.2 days, with 69 per cent of the patients voiding easily on the fourth postoperative day. This has resulted in a significant improvement over the length of catheter time when the urethroscope is not used, and additionally provides good experience and immediate feedback in a teaching situation for accuracy of suture placement and adequacy of bladder neck closure.
The Average African American Male Face: An Anthropometric Analysis

ObjectivesTo determine the average facial proportions of the African American man and compare results with the neoclassical canons of facial proportions and the standard for the North American whit...
Multi-Task Averaging

We present a multi-task learning approach to jointly estimate the means of multiple independent data sets. The proposed multi-task averaging (MTA) algorithm results in a convex combination of the single-task averages. We derive the optimal amount of regularization, and show that it can be effectively estimated. Simulations and real data experiments demonstrate that MTA outperforms both maximum likelihood and James-Stein estimators, and that our approach to estimating the amount of regularization rivals cross-validation in performance but is more computationally efficient.
Shell ornamentation as a likely exaptation: evidence from predatory drilling on Cenozoic bivalves

Abstract Predation is an important process in modern oceans and in the evolutionary history of marine ecosystems. Consequently, it has been hypothesized that shelled prey modified their ornamentation in response to predation. However, bivalve ornamentation has also been argued to be important in maintaining a stable life position in the sediment and in burrowing. To test whether concentric ribs were effective against drilling by carnivorous gastropods, we examined drill hole position and completeness for four Cenozoic bivalve species that differ in rib strength (Astarte radiata, A. goldfussi, Lirophora glyptocyma, and L. latilirata). The percentage of drill holes located between the ribs increases with increasing rib strength, whereas the percentage of drill holes on top of ribs decreases. This result suggests that gastropods select the drill hole site more effectively as rib strength increases, thereby saving time and energy, and that natural selection favors gastropods that select drill hole sites betwe...
Ultrafast pulse characterization of semiconductor single-section fabry-perot mode-locked lasers

We used a time-domain modulation based technique to characterize the ultrafast pulse of the semiconductor single-section Fabry-Perot lasers. The pulse spectral phase is found time invariant and hence positively confirms the mode-locking operation.
Second-Order Judgments About Judgments of Learning

The authors explored the relations between predictions of the likelihood of recalling studied items (called judgments of learning, or JOLs) and second-order judgments (SOJs), in which one rates confidence in the accuracy of each JOL. Each participant studied paired-associate items and made JOLs. A given JOL was either immediate or delayed and was followed immediately by an SOJ. After all items were studied and judged, paired-associate recall occurred. The incorporation of SOJs into this standard method yielded numerous outcomes relevant to theory of metacognitive judgments. SOJs were greater for extreme JOLs (0, 100) than for intermediate JOLs (40, 50). Also, JOL accuracy was greater for delayed than for immediate JOLs, and, reflecting this delayed-JOL effect, SOJs were greater for delayed than for immediate JOLs. These and other outcomes support 2-process hypotheses of how people make JOLs and uncover some pitfalls in interpreting poor judgment accuracy.
Seasonal variation in nutritional characteristics of the diet of greater white-fronted geese

ABSTRACT We studied diet and habitat use of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) from autumn through spring on their primary staging and wintering areas in the Pacific Flyway, 1979–1982. There have been few previous studies of resource use and forage quality of wintering greater white-fronted geese in North America, and as a consequence there has been little empirical support for management practices pertaining to habitat conservation of this broadly distributed species. Observations of >2,500 flocks of geese and collections of foraging birds revealed seasonal and geographic variation in resource use reflective of changes in habitat availability, selection, and fluctuating physiological demands. Autumn migrants from Alaska arrived first in the Klamath Basin of California and southern Oregon, where they fed on barley, oats, wheat, and potatoes. Geese migrated from the Klamath Basin into the Central Valley of California in late autumn where they exploited agricultural crops rich in soluble carbohyd...
Identification of an ATP-driven, osmoregulated glycine betaine transport system in Listeria monocytogenes.

glycine betaine. Previously we showed that glycine betaine transport was the result of Na 1 -glycine betaine symport. In this report, we identify a second glycine betaine transporter from L. monocytogenes which is osmotically activated but does not require a high concentration of Na 1 for activity. By using a pool of Tn917-LTV3 mutants, a salt- and chill-sensitive mutant which was also found to be impaired in its ability to transport glycine betaine was isolated. DNA sequence analysis of the region flanking the site of transposon insertion revealed three open reading frames homologous to opuA from Bacillus subtilis and proU from Escherichia coli, both of which encode glycine betaine transport systems that belong to the superfamily of ATP-dependent transporters. The three open reading frames are closely spaced, suggesting that they are arranged in an operon. Moreover, a region upstream from the first reading frame was found to be homologous to the promoter regions of both opuA and proU. One unusual feature not shared with these other two systems is that the start codons for two of the open reading frames in L. monocytogenes appear to be TTG. That glycine betaine uptake is nearly eliminated in the mutant strain when it is assayed in the absence of Na 1 is an indication that only the ATP-dependent transporter and the Na 1 -glycine betaine symporter occur in L. monocytogenes.
External validation of termination of resuscitation guidelines in the setting of intra-arrest cold saline, mechanical CPR, and comprehensive post resuscitation care

Abstract Background The development of advanced life support (ALS) termination of resuscitation (TOR) guidelines for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) seeks to improve the efficiency of scarce pre-hospital resources. However, as pre-hospital treatment for OHCA evolves and survival improves, these TOR guidelines must be reevaluated in the contemporary context of emergency medical services (EMS) providing access to advanced resuscitation care. Methods Retrospective review of all adult (>18 years old), non-traumatic, OHCA patients (defined as patients with absence of pulse who received either CPR and/or defibrillation) treated by EMS in Richmond, VA, from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. In addition to standard ALS, intra-arrest cold saline, mechanical CPR, and transportation to a comprehensive post-resuscitation center (CPRC) was provided. Patient treatment and outcomes were recorded via prehospital patient care reports and data were evaluated against previously established criteria for termination of resuscitation in an ALS EMS system. According to the aforementioned previously described criteria for TOR, patients meeting a single criterion for transport are recommended to be transported emergently to a comprehensive post-resuscitation care facility. Conversely, patients failing to meet any of the TOR criteria can be presumed to be expired without exception. Survival at 180 days was presumed when death could not be verified from publically reportable sources. Results Of the 322 OHCA patients enrolled, the majority were male (59%), unwitnessed (52%), received no bystander CPR (67%), and presented in a non-shockable initial rhythm (79%), with an average age of 62.5 years. Overall survival was 17%, 14%, 12%, and 11% at 7, 14, 30, and 180 days, respectively. Of the 75 patients for which TOR guidelines recommended termination, none survived yielding both 100% specificity (95% CI 100–92.8%) and positive predictive value (95% CI 100–94.1%). However, TOR guidelines recommended transport of 208 of the 283 patients who died within 30 days, resulting in a sensitivity of 26.5% (95% CI 34.5–23.4%). Conclusion The TOR guidelines continue to have a reliable positive predictive value for death even in the setting of advanced EMS resuscitation methods and access to a CPRC. However, as the potential for survival from OHCA improves, the efficiency gained from their use is impacted greatly.
Medical student perceptions on the instruction of the emergency medicine oral case presentation.

Abstract Background The emergency medicine oral case presentation (EM OCP) is the clinician’s communication tool to justify whether urgent intervention is required, to argue for ruling out emergent disease states, and to propose safe disposition plans in the context of triaging patients for medical care and prioritization of resources. The EM OCP provides the representation of the practice of emergency medicine, yet we do not know the current level of effectiveness of its instruction. Objectives We aimed to document medical student perceptions and expectations of the instruction of the EM OCP. Methods We surveyed medical students from five institutions after their emergency medicine clerkship on their instruction of the EM OCP. Analysis included univariate descriptive statistics and chi-squared analyses for interactions. Results One hundred fifty-five medical students (82%) completed the survey. Most medical students reported the EM OCP to be unique compared to that of other disciplines (86%), integral to their clerkship evaluation (77%), and felt that additional teaching was required beyond their current medical school instruction (78%). A minority report being specifically taught the EM OCP (37%), that their instruction was consistent (29%), or that expectations of the EM OCP were clear (21%). Respondents felt that brief instruction during their orientation (65%) and reading with a portable summary card (45%) would improve their EM OCP skills, whereas other modalities would be less helpful. Conclusion This study identifies a need for additional specific and consistent teaching of the EM OCP to medical students and their preference on how to receive this instruction.
Modeling Power Generation Water Usage

Climate change can have a large effect on thermoelectric power generation. Typical thermoelectric power plants rely on water to cool steam in the condenser in order to produce electricity. Increasing global temperatures can increase average water temperatures as well as decrease the amount of water available for cooling due to evaporation. It is important to know how these parameters can affect power generation and efficiency of power systems, especially when assessing the water needs of a plant for a desired power output and whether a site can fulfill those needs. This paper explains the development of a model that shows how power and efficiency are affected due to changing water temperature and water availability for plants operating on a Rankine cycle. Both a general model of the simple Rankine cycle as well as modifications for regeneration and feedwater heating are presented. Power plants are analyzed for two different types of cooling systems: once-through cooling and closed circuit cooling with a cooling tower. Generally, rising temperatures in cooling water have been found to lower power generation and efficiency. Here, we present a method for quantifying power output and efficiency reductions due to changes in cooling water flow rates or water temperatures. Using specified plant parameters, such as boiler temperature and pressure, power and efficiency are modeled over a 5°C temperature range of inlet cooling water. It was found that over this temperature range, power decrease ranged from 2–3.5% for once through cooling systems, depending on the power system, and 0.7% for plants with closed circuit cooling. This shows that once-through systems are more vulnerable to changing temperatures than cooling tower systems. The model is also applied to Carbon Plant, a coal fired power plant in Utah that withdraws water from the Price River, to show how power and efficiency change as the temperature of the water changes using USGS data obtained for the Price River. The model can be applied to other thermoelectric power stations, whether actual or proposed, to investigate the effects of water conditions on projected power output and plant efficiency.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Pulmonary hypertension: pathophysiology and signaling pathways.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pathological changes to cell signaling pathways within the alveolar-pulmonary arteriole–right ventricular axis that results in increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and, ultimately, the development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Cornerstone histopathological features of the PH vasculopathy include intimal thickening, concentric hypertrophy, and perivascular fibrosis of distal pulmonary arterioles. The presence of plexogenic lesions is pathognomonic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); when present, this severe form of remodeling is associated with subtotal obliteration of the blood vessel lumen. The extent of RV remodeling in PH correlates with clinical symptom severity and portends a poor outcome. Currently available PH-specific pharmacotherapies that aim to improve symptom burden by targeting pulmonary vasodilatory/vasoconstrictor cell signaling pathways do not fully reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling and, thus, are largely unsuccessful at maintaining normal cardiopulmonary hemodynamics long term. Thus, determining the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH is of great potential therapeutic value, particularly pathways that promote apoptosis-resistant cellular proliferation, disrupt normal cellular bioenergetics to alter cell function, and/or modulate severely abnormal responses to pulmonary vascular injury. This chapter reviews current insights into PH pathophysiology and disease mechanisms, and discusses novel cell signaling pathways that implicate microRNAs and mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of the PH phenotype.
On Black Freedmen

In recent years, some legal, political, and cultural questions involving American Indians have begun to overlap - and conflict - with those of African Americans. The recent Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma's vote to strip the Black Freedmen of tribal membership generated allegations of racism and calls to force Indian tribes to comply with the Reconstruction Amendments sheds light on this question. This controversy highlights a serious problem in Indian-Black political and social relationships - the discourse of Black-White racism has begun to intrude into the discourse of American Indian law. The Reconstruction Amendments, federal civil rights statutes, and federal case law - all established as a reaction to Black-White racism - expresses important antidiscrimination principles that can conflict with the foundational elements of American Indian law: tribal sovereignty, the trust relationship, and measured separatism. To import the law of Black-White racism into American Indian law is to destroy American Indian law and, potentially, American Indian culture.
Estimation of the Degree of Penetration of Rubber into Fabrics

Abstract IT IS frequently important to know to what extent fabrics are impregnated with rubber in the course of manufacture of various fabric-rubber combinations, such as tires, belts, footwear, etc. Such information is of value in answering questions relative to fabric fatigue in service, adhesion, resistance to corrosion, and others. Direct microscopic examination of thin sections of fabric-rubber structures presents mechanical and optical difficulties, chief of which is the practical impossibility of cutting perfect sections. The lack of optical contrast between textile fibers and many rubber compounds is another objection to this method which differential staining has not successfully overcome. Etching the surfaces of thick sections and examination by reflected light are only partially successful in securing the requisite detail. The method described has been used in this company's laboratories for several years with considerable success. It is simple, relatively rapid, demands no equipment beyond tha...
Une “histoire véritable” littéraire à l’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: l’“Histoire de Ruma” (1711) de Marie-André Duplessis et de Marie-Élisabeth Le Moyne de Longueuil

Un texte manuscrit de 1711 illustre l’esprit mondain qui etait courant dans les salons en France, mais qui etait rare dans les ecrits canadiens. Signe par deux hospitalieres, il cherche a convaincre Genevieve Duplessis, la sœur cadette de l’auteure principale, Marie-Andre Duplessis, de devenir hospitaliere a son tour. On y trouve beaucoup des conventions de la fiction des salons. Le cœur du texte est “une histoire veritable” qu’on pretend avoir trouvee dans un manuscrit, qui raconte la vie de la cadette a la maniere d’un roman a cle; le recit evolue vers un genre cultive dans le salon: le portrait; cherchant a amuser, le texte invite la lectrice (la cadette) a choisir un denouement. Les deux auteures ont connu les milieux mondains parisiens. Ce texte est le premier que l’on connaisse de M.-A. Duplessis. Quand ses Annales de l’Hotel-Dieu, furent imprimees en 1751, elle devint la premiere Canadienne a faire publier un livre de son vivant. Un musicologue appelle un autre de ses ecrits “le premier traite cana...
Ground states of molecules: XXIII. MINDO/2 Calculations for naphthalene

Detailed MINDO/2 calculations of naphthalene using the SIMPLEX minimization algorithm are reported. Comparison of results with experiment and variousπ approximations is made.The results are in good agreement with experiment.
Unidirectional lasing in P T-symmetric cavities

Using parity-time (PT) symmetry and Fano resonances we propose a new mechanism to realize unique spectral singularities with simultaneous unidirectional lasing and zero reflection mode in quasi 1D cavities.