cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the spoken English proficiency of international medical graduates: detecting threats to the validity of standardised patient ratings.

Purpose To investigate potential threats to the validity of the spoken English proficiency ratings provided by standardised patients (SPs) in high-stakes clinical skills examinations. Method Spoken English ratings from 43 327 patient encounters were studied. These involved over 5000 candidates, 40% of whom were female and 33% of whom self-reported English to be their native language. Over 100 SPs were involved in the study, 51% of whom were female and 90% of whom were native English speakers. Possible performance differences in English ratings were studied as a function of candidate and SP gender, and as a function of candidate and SP native language (English versus all other languages). Results No significant candidate by SP gender effect was detected. There were no meaningful differences in mean English ratings as a function of SP or candidate gender. Likewise, English ratings did not vary as a function of either candidate or SP native language. While candidate mean English ratings were not associated with the native language of the SP, native English-speaking candidates did achieve significantly higher ratings. Discussion The lack of significant interaction between candidate and SP gender, and candidate and SP native language, suggests that the SPs provided unbiased English ratings. These results, combined with the expected higher English ratings given to candidates with English-speaking backgrounds, provides additional evidence to support the validity and fairness of spoken English proficiency ratings provided by standardised patients.
The Plasma Membrane, with Notes on the History of Botany

The origin of the concept of the plasma membrane is rather ambiguously identified. It antedated Pfeffer and deVries, and, after searching the literature, the writer attributes it to Carl Nageli (1855), who had been working with algae, fungi, mosses, and unicellular plants. He noted particularly that the surface of discontinuity of the cell is impermeable to pigments contained within the cytoplasm or added to the solution around the cell. He found the protoplasmic surface to be more dense, viscous, and otherwise distinguishable from the cytoplasm, and hence he called the surface layer the plasma membrane . From experiments on osmosis he concluded that the plasma membrane endows the cell with its osmotic properties.
Recursive density estimation under dependence

Recursive estimators of the density of weakly dependent random variables are studied under certain absolute regularity and strong mixing conditions. Uniform strong consistency of the density estimators is established, and their rates of convergence are obtained. This study is concerned more with the almost sure uniform consistency of a sequence and its rate of convergence than with pointwise convergence. Since parameter estimation in time-series analysis is often carried out under the Gaussian assumption, it is useful to check whether or not the density of a time series is Gaussian or nearly so. The method of proof used here is based on approximations of absolutely regular and strong mixing random variables (RVs) by independent RVs. >
Recent developments in the application of the nonverbal learning disabilities model.

Since the original work of Myklebust et al., the concept of a syndrome of nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) has undergone considerable development and expansion, most notably in the work of Rourke. These authors have proposed a model of white matter dysfunction, predominantly in the right cerebral hemisphere, which is thought to underlie the cognitive and behavioral impairments seen in individuals with NLD. Recent research has focused on assessing the applicability of Rourke’s conceptualization of the NLD syndrome and the white matter model to various neurologic, neurodevelopmental, and genetic disorders. This paper highlights recent investigations of the NLD model with respect to velocardiofacial syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, high functioning autism, neurofibromatosis type I, and metachromatic leukodystrophy, and also provides a brief discussion of recent conceptualizations of the NLD model in the broader context of disorders of social and emotional functioning, and of other novel avenues of NLD research.
Eligibility for Active Surveillance and Pathological Outcomes for Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy in a Large, Community Based Cohort

Purpose: We analyzed competing active surveillance criteria in men who underwent radical prostatectomy in relation to outcome data in a large, community based cohort.Materials and Methods: We identified all men from the CaPSURE™ database who underwent radical prostatectomy from 1999 to 2007 and met inclusion criteria for the stringent prospective University of California-San Francisco and Johns Hopkins active surveillance protocols. Rates of pathological upgrading, up staging and biochemical recurrence were compared.Results: We identified 2,837 men who underwent radical prostatectomy and had complete pathological and followup data available. Of these men 1,375 and 125 met University of California-San Francisco and Johns Hopkins criteria, respectively. When comparing men who met the 2 sets of criteria vs those who met University of California-San Francisco criteria only, there were no significant differences in the rate of upgrading (20% vs 27%, p = 0.07) and up staging (6% vs 8%, p = 0.39) at radical pros...
The Conception of Size and the Internal Allocation of School District Resources.

The effects of organizational size on school processes are studied in this article through the use of a resource allocation model. The model stresses the importance of including nonpurchased resources provided outside of school in the calculation of educational costs. Distinctions are drawn among various conceptions of school district size, and resource allocation implications for each are derived. Empirical evidence from New York State is used to test the proposition that the consequences of differences in size are distributed unequally among categories of students. This within district inequality could be viewed as a potentially serious denial of equal educational opportunity.
Enhanced detectability of local colloid uptake with SPECT imaging

Focal "hot" spots with Tc-99m sulfur colloid in the left lobe of the liver have been reported in a variety of conditions. SPECT imaging of the liver has demonstrated increased accuracy of detecting small sized hemangiomas. A case is presented in which the SPECT images clearly demonstrate a "hot" spot in the left lobe of the liver that is not well demonstrated on planar imaging. There is little information regarding the enhanced detectability of left lobe "hot" spots with SPECT imaging. This case demonstrates such findings.
Urokinase in the treatment of bacteremia and candidemia in patients with right atrial catheters

Abstract Background: Urokinase plasminogen activator was used in combination with antibiotic therapy given through the catheter to improve the treatment of right atrial catheter infections. Methods: One hundred fifty-four episodes of bacteremia and candidemia occurring in 97 children with malignant or hematologic conditions were treated. After 24 hours of antibiotic therapy, 1 ml urokinase (5000 units/ml) was instilled, dwelling 1 hour, and then removed; this was repeated within 24 hours. Antibiotic therapy was continued for 10 to 35 days. Administration of urokinase was repeated once if infection recurred within 8 weeks of initial treatment. Results: There were no adverse affects from administration of urokinase. Bacteremia clearance failed after initial administration of urokinase in 12 episodes; this failure was mostly associated with the presence of gram-positive organisms. Blood culture results remained positive in three cases after repeat therapy. Bacteremia recurrent in 15 of 125 episodes; in three cases bacteremia did not clear after repeat administration of urokinase or recurred again. Recurrence was lowest for gram-negative organisms and Candida sp. Less than 5% of catheters were removed as a result of treatment failure. Conclusions: Administration of urokinase combined with antibiotic therapy is safe and may be effective in treating bacteremia and candidemia in patients with right atrial catheters. Use of urokinase may improve treatment of organisms that are otherwise difficult to control and may prevent recurrence of infection.
Through a glass darkly? Indigeneity, information, and the image of the Peruvian University

Using a survey of Cusco secondary students from 1985, and data from a survey of Peruvian workers in 1991, this essay discusses the degree of “realism” in students' expectations of the economic benefits of going to university. Public universities, like national school systems, are often seen as socially integrative institutions in countries which are marked by ethnic and class inequality. This view prevails even when university education is known to confer rewards unequally among ethnic groups, e.g., in Peru to the Spanish-speaking and minority Quechua-speaking populations. The puzzle of the continued high expectations of university, even among indigenous, Quechua-speaking students, is explored in this article. It is found that students' access to information, and their academic ability, both increase the realism of expectations among Spanish- and Quechua-language boys from Cusco. Yet, tellingly, this realism reduces the university benefits that are expected among Quechua students with higher grades in Peruvian history, and among Quechua speakers who read newspapers frequently. The opposite pattern is seen among Spanish speakers: more frequent readers of newspapers, and better history students, expect higher salaries as a result of going to university. The implications of the findings for social integration in societies such as Peru are discussed in the conclusion.
On the Three-Valued Simulation of Digital Systems

The problem of the so-called "pessimistic" results, obtained by usingg three-valued (0,1,u) simulation for design verification of digital systems, is discussed. A complete three-valued model for the sequential portion of the digital systems is suggested. The conventional gate model is replaced by the new model, which reduces the problem considerably.
Politics, succession, and public policy in communist systems: A review article

(1983). Politics, succession, and public policy in communist systems: A review article. Soviet Studies: Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 240-249.
Surgical treatment of stage IV melanoma

Surgical therapy plays an important role in the management of selected patients with metastatic melanoma. Patients are frequently symptomatic from metastatic lesions, have few effective therapeutic options, and are faced with dismal outcomes. Surgical resection may provide successful palliation of symptomatic lesions with low morbidity and operative mortality. In carefully selected patients, resections performed with curative intent may result in improved survival if a pattern of disease recurrence suggestive of favorable tumor biology is present, and if complete resection of tumor is achieved. Because the majority of post-surgical metastatic patients eventually relapse and succumb to distant disease, adjuvant immunotherapeutic strategies are currently being evaluated.
Organic chemical characterization of sediment-trap particulates from San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and San Pedro Basins, California

Particulate matter was collected during September–October, 1977, in particle traps suspended 30–60 m above the floor of San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and San Pedro Basins, off the coast of southern California. The trap particulates were analyzed for C15–C35 hydrocarbons using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. Kerogens and humic acids were characterized by H/C, N/C, δ13C, δ15N and δ34S ratios, and by electron-spin resonance. Hydrocarbons arising from fresh and weathered petroleum, marine autochthonous and terrestrial sources were identified. The rates of petroleum deposition during the collection period followed the order: San Nicolas Basin < Santa Barbara Basin ~ Santa Monica Basin < San Pedro Basin, with the largest amount of weathered petroleum being deposited in San Pedro Basin. The rates of petroleum deposition are correlated more strongly with human activities such as shipping, and the discharge of municipal and industrial wastes, than with natural submarine oil seepage. Analyses of kerogens and humic acids indicate that the majority of the organic matter in the trap particulates is of marine origin. The water column overlying Santa Barbara Basin appears to have the highest marine productivity of the four basins studied.
PREDICTING SENSORY ATTRIBUTE INTENSITIES AND CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF STORED ROASTED PEANUTS USING INSTRUMENTAL MEASUREMENTS

The objective of this study was to predict the sensory properties of stored roasted peanuts using instrumental methods. Roasted peanuts were stored at 20 treatment combinations of temperature (23, 30, 35 and 40C) and water activity (A w ; 0.33, 0.44, 0.54, 0.67 and 0.75 A w ), then evaluated after storing for up to 91 days using descriptive analysis (n = 12) and instrumental methods. Stored samples were also evaluated by consumers (n = 50). Regression models (adj. R 2 ≥ 0.70) indicated that increasing storage A w resulted in decreasing color lightness (L value). Increasing storage time and A w increased both measured A w and percent moisture of roasted peanuts. Sensory texture attribute intensities were best predicted by percent moisture (adj. R 2 ≥ 0.78), whereas consumer ratings were best predicted (adj. R 2 ≥ 0.74) by color or percent moisture. Instrumental texture analyses did not predict descriptive or consumer ratings. While percent moisture was the best predictor of consumer acceptance of stored roasted peanuts, color was an excellent alternative predictor and employed a much simpler assay.
Ponazuril inhibits the development of Eimeria vermiformis in experimentally infected outbred Swiss mice

We evaluated a 15% paste formulation of ponazuril in outbred Swiss mice that were experimentally infected with Eimeria vermiformis. Thirty, 8-week-old female mice (approximately 20 g) were placed in one group of 10 mice and one group of 20 mice. Mice in both groups were gavaged with approximately 5,000 sporulated oocysts of E. vermiformis on day 0. Mice in group 2 (n=10) were treated orally on days 3 and 4 with ponazuril (suspended in 30% propylene glycol) at the rate of 20 mg/kg. Mice in group 1 (n=20) were gavaged with a similar volume of 30% propylene glycol. Rates of oocyst passage (oocysts/g feces) were determined on day 10 (peak patency) for treated and nontreated mice using a fecal aliquot oocyst counting technique. Oocysts were not observed in the feces of treated mice using the aliquot technique. Control mice passaged oocysts at a geometric mean rate of >104,000 oocysts/g feces. Control mice also produced significantly less feces on day 10. These results indicate that ponazuril is effective against E. vermiformis under the conditions utilized in this study, and that the E. vermiformis mouse model could be useful in predicting the efficacy of new anticoccidial drugs.
Retrospective Cost Model Reference Adaptive Control for Nonminimum-Phase Systems

DOI: 10.2514/1.57001 This paper presents a direct model reference adaptive controller for single-input/single-output discrete-time (and thus sampled-data) systems that are possibly nonminimum phase. The adaptive control algorithm requires knowledge of the nonminimum-phase zeros of the transfer function from the control to the output. This controller uses a retrospective performance, which is a surrogate measure of the actual performance, and a cumulative retrospective cost function, which is minimized by a recursive-least-squares adaptation algorithm. This paper develops the retrospective cost model reference adaptive controller and analyzes its stability.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte histamine receptors: occurrence in cell surface clusters and their redistribution during locomotion

Abstract A univalent and bioactive fluorescent derivative of histamine bound to the surface of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; free histamine was found to compete with this derivative for binding sites. Histamine H2-receptor specificity was indicated by binding inhibition experiments using cimetidine (H2-specific) but not diphenhydramine (H1-specific). Video-intensification fluorescence microscopy was used to determine the distribution of histamine receptors in living polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Receptors appeared as randomly distributed clusters upon stationary cells. During random locomotion, receptors were restricted to the ends of pseudopods, whereas chemotaxis led to receptor localization at lamellipodia and uropods. Ligand-receptor complexes were restricted to the cell surface, as shown by quenching exterior fluorescence with crystal violet. Therefore, pinocytic uptake cannot account for the observed receptor localization or clustering. As a further control, the lipid analog 1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine remained uniformly distributed during all conditions. Histamine-mediated inhibition of adherence may be related to formation of ligand-receptor membrane domains at adherence sites.
Source identification of airborne PM2.5 at the St. Louis‐Midwest Supersite

Daily 24-hour integrated PM 2.5 (particulate matter <2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter) mass and species concentrations were measured at the St. Louis-Midwest Supersite in East St. Louis, Illinois, during the sampling period from June 2001 to May 2003. The PM 2.5 speciation data were analyzed using a receptor model, positive matrix factorization (PMF), to identify sources contributing to the observed PM 2.5 burdens. Species profiles for the identified sources and their contributions to the observed mass concentration at the receptor were derived from the PMF modeling. These source-specific contributions were then coupled with on-site wind data to identify the directionality of the identified sources which are compared to known point source locations. Overall, ten source categories were resolved (study average contribution to the PM 2.5 mass in parentheses): secondary sulfate (33%), carbon-rich sulfate (20%), gasoline exhaust (16%), secondary nitrate (15%), steel processing (7%), airborne soil (4%), diesel emissions/railroad traffic (2%), zinc smelting (1.3%), lead smelting (1.3%), and copper production (0.5%). Temperature-resolved organic and elemental carbon fractions enhanced the source separation between secondary sulfate and carbon-rich sulfate and between gasoline exhaust and diesel emissions/railroad traffic. A major Saharan dust plume observed throughout the Midwestern U.S. in July 2002 was also observed in this study. Overall, about half (48%) of PM 2.5 mass concentration measured at this site was distinctly apportioned to secondary sulfate and secondary nitrate. Contributions from distinct primary emissions included local industrial sources (9%), transportation (gasoline/diesel/railroad, 19%), and airborne dust (4%). The remaining 20% of the PM 2.5 mass was apportioned to a carbon-rich sulfate factor which is likely an admixture of primary emissions and secondary formation. More work is needed to identify the distinct sources contributing to this factor.
Supporting Post-conflict Democratic Development? External Promotion of Participatory Budgeting in El Salvador

Summary The following pages provide, first, a rare examination of the external promotion of participatory budgeting (PB), in this case through US-financed local government development projects in post-war El Salvador from 1994 to 2005. Second, I examine the success of the PB activity by investigating the degree to which PB has been sustained nearly five years after its initial utilization. I compare this case of external PB promotion against endogenously developed Latin American PB experience. External practitioners face the same constraints as those advocating home-grown efforts. PB’s sustainability and benefits are circumscribed, I find, yet such gains are nonetheless important.
Height outcome in congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency : A meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To investigate adult heights attained by patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and to perform a meta-analysis of height outcomes reported in this population. Study design: A retrospective chart review of our patients >5 years of age (n = 65) who were followed up from 1978 to 1998 for 21-hydroxylase deficiency was conducted. Final height (FH) SD scores and target height (TH) SD scores were determined. The impact of sex, time of diagnosis, and compliance was assessed. Meta-analysis of results from 18 studies was performed; TH was available for 204 of 561 patients. Results: Mean FH SD score–TH SD score for our 65 patients was –1.03. For the meta-analysis, mean weighted FH SD score for all 561 patients was –1.37, whereas weighted mean FH SD score–TH SD score for the 204 patients for whom TH was available was –1.21. No difference in outcome was seen for males compared with females, although a statistically significant difference was seen for patients identified early versus late. Conclusions: Adult height in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency is often within 1 SD of TH. Early diagnosis and good compliance appear to improve the outcome. Rather than pursuing alternate therapies for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, efforts may instead be focused on early detection and improved compliance with traditional medical therapy. (J Pediatr 2001;138:26-32)
Imaging early demineralization on tooth occlusional surfaces with a high definition InGaAs camera

In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that high contrast images of tooth demineralization can be acquired in the near-IR due to the high transparency of dental enamel. The purpose of this study is to compare the lesion contrast in reflectance at near-IR wavelengths coincident with high water absorption with those in the visible, the near-IR at 1300-nm and with fluorescence measurements for early lesions in occlusal surfaces. Twenty-four human molars were used in this in vitro study. Teeth were painted with an acid-resistant varnish, leaving a 4×4 mm window in the occlusal surface of each tooth exposed for demineralization. Artificial lesions were produced in the exposed windows after 1 & 2-day exposure to a demineralizing solution at pH 4.5. Lesions were imaged using NIR reflectance at 3 wavelengths, 1310, 1460 and 1600-nm using a high definition InGaAs camera. Visible light reflectance, and fluorescence with 405-nm excitation and detection at wavelengths greater than 500-nm were also used to acquire images for comparison. Crossed polarizers were used for reflectance measurements to reduce interference from specular reflectance. The contrast of both the 24 hr and 48 hr lesions were significantly higher (P<0.05) for NIR reflectance imaging at 1460-nm and 1600-nm than it was for NIR reflectance imaging at 1300-nm, visible reflectance imaging, and fluorescence. The results of this study suggest that NIR reflectance measurements at longer near-IR wavelengths coincident with higher water absorption are better suited for imaging early caries lesions.
951 RESTING OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF PREMATURE INFANTS COVERED WITH A THERMAL BLANKET DESIGNED TO REDUCE INSENSIBLE WATER LOSS

951 RESTING OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF PREMATURE INFANTS COVERED WITH A THERMAL BLANKET DESIGNED TO REDUCE INSENSIBLE WATER LOSS
Novel calix[4]arene-thiacrown ether for selective and efficient extraction of Ba(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II)

A di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-thiacrown-5 ether extractant was synthesized. Its cone conformation and polyether ring attachment regioselectivity were verified by NMR spectroscopy. The metal ion-complexing properties of this ligand were evaluated by solvent extractions of metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform. The ligand was found to be an efficient extractant with Ba2+ selectivity in competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations. It also exhibits high extraction ability for Pb2+ and for Hg2+ in single species solvent extractions.
Metastability and transient effects in vortex matter near a decoupling transition

We examine metastable and transient effects both above and below the first-order decoupling line in a three-dimensional (3D) simulation of magnetically interacting pancake vortices. We observe pronounced transient and history effects as well as supercooling and superheating between the 3D coupled, ordered and 2D decoupled, disordered phases. In the disordered supercooled state as a function of dc driving, reordering occurs through the formation of growing moving channels of the ordered phase. No channels form in the superheated region; instead the ordered state is homogeneously destroyed. When a sequence of current pulses is applied we observe memory effects. We find a ramp rate dependence of the $V(I)$ curves on both sides of the decoupling transition. The critical current that we obtain depends on how the system is prepared.
High-pressure vertical Bridgman growth of lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate single crystal

Abstract A modified high-pressure vertical Bridgman (HPVB) method has been used to grow single crystals of lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate (PMN–PT) using self-seeding. The starting charge was prepared close to stoichiometric composition of (1− x )Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 – x PbTiO 3 , ranging from x =0.29 to x =0.32. The ingots grown had a top diameter of ∼114 mm and weighing ∼1.9 kg with a volume of ∼230 cc. Standard form off-the-shelf platinum crucibles from vendors with a wall thickness ∼0.34±0.01 mm were used. The thinner platinum helped to attain a larger radial thermal gradient as well as enhancing the cost effectiveness of the process by reducing usage of precious metals. An oxygen partial pressure of 8000–10 000 ppm was used and controlled during the entire growth process. Self-seeding technique was used in order to attempt to grow large diameter single crystals of PMN–PT. The composition variation in the ingot is dependent on the growth rate, thermal gradients and oxygen partial pressure. The segregation coefficient of Ti was 0.86±0.008 for the starting composition of x =0.32.
Pulmonary function measures predict mortality differently in IPF versus combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema

The composite physiologic index (CPI) was derived to represent the extent of fibrosis on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), adjusting for emphysema in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesised that longitudinal change in CPI would better predict mortality than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC) or diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D(L,CO)) in all patients with IPF, and especially in those with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). Cox proportional hazard models were performed on pulmonary function data from IPF patients at baseline (n = 321), 6 months (n = 211) and 12 months (n = 144). Presence of CPFE was determined by HRCT. A five-point increase in CPI over 12 months predicted subsequent mortality (HR 2.1, p = 0.004). At 12 months, a 10% relative decline in FVC, a 15% relative decline in D(L,CO) or an absolute increase in CPI of five points all discriminated median survival by 2.1 to 2.2 yrs versus patients with lesser change. Half our cohort had CPFE. In patients with moderate/severe emphysema, only a 10% decline in FEV(1) predicted mortality (HR 3.7, p = 0.046). In IPF, a five-point increase in CPI over 12 months predicts mortality similarly to relative declines of 10% in FVC or 15% in D(L,CO). For CPFE patients, change in FEV(1) was the best predictor of mortality.
Pauling’s rules, in a world of non-spherical atoms

The electron density distribution in a mineral is measureable, and in some ways, provides all the information required to understand the properties of minerals. Through the analysis of the electron density distributions of a large variety of mineral species, Gibbs et al. (2014) examine and challenge the fundamental tenet of Pauling’s Rules, which is that atoms are spheres of a single fixed size. Their analysis provides an updated model of crystal chemistry that is both self-consistent and does what new models should do, explains the older ones.
Non-linear connections between dune activity and climate in the High Plains, Kansas and Oklahoma, USA

Discrete dune fields are found throughout much of the Great Plains of North America, and the timing of past dune activity is often used as a proxy for paleoclimate because of the intuitive link between dune activity and a more arid climate. This research suggests that feedbacks in the soil-geomorphic system create a relationship between dune activity and climate that varies both spatially and temporally. Older eolian landforms are more resistant to activation because of the long-term accumulation of finer soil particles in a Bt horizon which retain moisture and anchor the deposit even during more arid times. Conversely, younger deposits lack these fines and are more easily reactivated. This spatially variable relationship is supported by soil stratigraphy, particle size analysis, and optical age control. Additionally, the water retention of the Bt horizons is quantifiably greater than that of the soils found in the younger dunes of the area. This complication in the relationship between eolian activity and climate is important because it suggests that caution is needed when using past dune activity as the lone proxy for paleoclimate.
Characterization and performance of optical input systems for a calibration transfer spectroradiometer

For over three decades, the Radiometric Calibration Facility (RCF) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has maintained calibrated uniform radiance sources for use by the global remote sensing community. As part of a continuing effort to reduce measurement uncertainties while improving efficiency, the calibration transfer hardware and operational protocols are systematically examined, with improved equipment and techniques being incorporated. This paper describes the optical characterization and presents radiance measurements of a new spectroradiometer, the GSFC 750/Integrating Sphere Irradiance Collector (ISIC), using a new input optical system. The performance of the new input optical system is compared with the two previous input systems.
XFEL diffraction: developing processing methods to optimize data quality

Serial crystallography, using either femtosecond X-ray pulses from free-electron laser sources or short synchrotron-radiation exposures, has the potential to reveal metalloprotein structural details while minimizing damage processes. However, deriving a self-consistent set of Bragg intensities from numerous still-crystal exposures remains a difficult problem, with optimal protocols likely to be quite different from those well established for rotation photography. Here several data processing issues unique to serial crystallography are examined. It is found that the limiting resolution differs for each shot, an effect that is likely to be due to both the sample heterogeneity and pulse-to-pulse variation in experimental conditions. Shots with lower resolution limits produce lower-quality models for predicting Bragg spot positions during the integration step. Also, still shots by their nature record only partial measurements of the Bragg intensity. An approximate model that corrects to the full-spot equivalent (with the simplifying assumption that the X-rays are monochromatic) brings the distribution of intensities closer to that expected from an ideal crystal, and improves the sharpness of anomalous difference Fourier peaks indicating metal positions.
A new computational procedure for wave propagation problems and a new procedure for non-reflecting boundaries

Abstract This paper provides a brief qualitative description of some of the important ideas and features of the FUSE code, a newly developed hydrodynamics shock code based upon a Lagrangian treatment of material motion and deformation. The Lagrangian nature of the analysis allows it to proceed without the non-physical numerical diffusion of dissimilar materials across interfaces. The FUSE procedure is outlined together with brief descriptions of some of the new techniques by which the code avoids the adverse effects of large distortion on conventional Lagrangian codes. FUSE is capable of dealing with arbitrarily large deformations and motions of materials of any properly posed constitutive type. It can accurately represent wave propagation and transport phenomena simultaneously. Examples involve the high-explosive gas expansion resulting from explosions in water and soil. An important aspect of the new code is the nature of its discretization scheme. This scheme differs from the standard finite element approach in that the ‘nodes’ carry only acceleration/velocity information, but do not carry position or deformation data. These, instead, are carried at the element or cell centers only. Further, the laws of conservation of mass, momentum and energy are exactly satisfied (to the numerical accuracy of the computer) for the discretized system. A new scheme for treating shock fronts is also included in the code. Finally, the code utilizes an automatic time step subcycling scheme to accommodate large distortions with a minimum of computer time. The purpose of this paper is to briefly describe these new features of the FUSE scheme. In addition, a new boundary treatment used in FUSE as well as in some other codes is briefly outlined, and the relationship of this method for ‘non-reflecting boundaries’ to the solution of structure-medium interaction problems is examined. This paper is presented in the expectation that one or more of these techniques may be of interest to analysts working in a wide range of fields.
Experimental comparison of staring IR sensor technologies including PV HgCdTe, PV InGaAs, and quantum well GaAs/AlGaAs

We compare several key infrared detector technologies versus operating temperature and background flux via hybrid FPA test at operating temperatures from 32.5 K to room temperature and photon backgrounds from mid-105 to approximately equal to 1017 photons/cm2-sec. The detector materials include photovoltaic (PV) HgCdTe/Al2O3, PV HgCdTe/CdZnTe, photoconductive (PC) GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) and PV InGaAs/InP; the device sizes range from 64 multiplied by 64 to 1024 multiplied by 1024.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Storage temperature for maintenance of internal quality in Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes

Idaho-grown Russet Burbank potatoes treated with a sprout inhibitor were stored at 42 F, 45 F, and 48 F for 11 months. Monthly quality evaluations showed that tubers stored at 42 F were less mealy, contained more reducing sugars, and were yellower in color than those stored at 45 F or 48 F. The latter two treatments were not significantly different in mealiness and were generally similar in yellowness of color. Tubers stored at 48 F had less reducing sugars than those stored at 45 F. Although all treatments resulted in a gradual darkening of the potatoes during storage, differences in grayness among the three storage treatments were minor from a practical standpoint. It is suggested that a storage temperature no lower than 45 F be used to maintain the internal quality of Russet Burbank potatoes.
OCLC's WorldShare Management Services: A Brave New World for Catalogers

Like other recent library management systems, OCLC's WorldShare Management Services (WMS) is cloud-based. But unlike the others, WMS opens WorldCat for applications beyond its traditional role as a source of bibliographic records. It enables catalogers to work directly from the Master Record, which no longer needs to be exported to a local system. This article describes the impact of WMS on the roles and functions of cataloging departments, and asks if it is changing the meaning of cataloging. It concludes that while the workflows are changed dramatically, the profession of cataloging remains relevant.
Supramolecular Protein Engineering DESIGN OF ZINC-STAPLED INSULIN HEXAMERS AS A LONG ACTING DEPOT

Bottom-up control of supramolecular protein assembly can provide a therapeutic nanobiotechnology. We demonstrate that the pharmacological properties of insulin can be enhanced by design of “zinc staples” between hexamers. Paired (i, i+4) His substitutions were introduced at an α-helical surface. The crystal structure contains both classical axial zinc ions and novel zinc ions at hexamer-hexamer interfaces. Although soluble at pH 4, the combined electrostatic effects of the substitutions and bridging zinc ions cause isoelectric precipitation at neutral pH. Following subcutaneous injection in a diabetic rat, the analog effected glycemic control with a time course similar to that of long acting formulation Lantus®. Relative to Lantus, however, the analog discriminates at least 30-fold more stringently between the insulin receptor and mitogenic insulin-like growth factor receptor. Because aberrant mitogenic signaling may be associated with elevated cancer risk, such enhanced specificity may improve safety. Zinc stapling provides a general strategy to modify the pharmacokinetic and biological properties of a subcutaneous protein depot.
Growth of eight Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae) species: Effects of temperature, salinity and irradiance

Abstract Little is known about how the growth of individual Gambierdiscus species responds to environmental factors. This study examined the effects of temperature (15–34 °C), salinity (15–41) and irradiance (2–664 μmol photons m−2 s−1) on growth of Gambierdiscus: G. australes, G. belizeanus, G. caribaeus, G. carolinianus, G. carpenteri, G. pacificus and G. ruetzleri and one putative new species, Gambierdiscus ribotype 2. Depending on species, temperatures where maximum growth occurred varied between 26.5 and 31.1 °C. The upper and lower thermal limits for all species were between 31–34 °C and 15–21 °C, respectively. The shapes of the temperature vs. growth curves indicated that even small differences of 1–2 °C notably affected growth potentials. Salinities where maximum growth occurred varied between 24.7 and 35, while the lowest salinities supporting growth ranged from 35. All eight Gambierdiscus species were adapted to relatively low light conditions, exhibiting growth maxima at 50–230 μmol photons m−2 s−1 and requiring only 6–17 μmol photons m−2 s−1 to maintain growth. These low light requirements indicate that Gambierdiscus growth can occur up to 150 m depth in tropical waters, with optimal light regimes often extending to 75 m. The combined temperature, salinity and light requirements of Gambierdiscus can be used to define latitudinal ranges and species-specific habitats, as well as to inform predictive models.
Diminished ketosis and triglyceridemia during fasting in odd-carbon enriched pregnant rats.

The lipolysis, ketosis, and hypertriglyceridemia of fasted rats in late pregnancy may be related to decreased insulin secretion geared to decreased glucose availability. In odd-carbon fatty acid enriched (OCE) rats, the odd-carbon fatty acids (OCFA) mobilized during fasting provide terminal three-carbon residues which are glucogenic, thereby permitting blood glucose and insulin to be maintained close to fed levels. The present study has used OCE rats to evaluate the role of insulin in the altered fat metabolism of the fasted rat in late pregnancy. The adipose tissue of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats was enriched to more than 25% undecanoate (cll:0) and higher OCFA by feeding them a complete diet high in triundecanoin content for six weeks. Twenty-four female controls were fed a similar diet except that the fat was exclusively corn oil. Both OCE and control rats were then mated and on day 18 of pregnancy were divided into four groups: one group was killed fed, one after a 24 h fast, and one after a 48 h fas...
Textural Properties of Pork Frankfurters Containing Thermally/Enzymatically Modified Soy Proteins

: Native, heated, and enzyme (Alcalase®, Flavourzyme™)-hydrolyzed soy protein isolates (SPI, 2%) were incorporated into pork frankfurters. Both heated and hydrolyzed SPIs improved product-cooking yield. The addition of heated and Alcalase-hydrolyzed SPIs produced a fine-stranded microstructure and improved frankfurter hardness, while addition of Flavourzyme-hydrolyzed SPI resulted in a more porous gel structure with reduced hardness, cohesiveness, and breaking strength. These results indicate that functional performance of SPI in frankfurters is critically affected by its pre-application treatment.
Vote, vote, vote for Philip Kotler

Thirty years ago, Philip Kotler drafted the modern marketing constitution and most would agree that it has served the discipline well. A generation on from Kotler’s conceptual charter, however, our rainbow coalition is in a state of disarray. Marketing is doubted by its scholarly citizens, questioned by a standing army of consultants and challenged by increasingly anarchistic consumers who are voting with their pocketbooks. This paper employs Kotler’s political metaphor to posit that conceptual amendments are necessary and that the democratic principles of consumer sovereignty might not be the most appropriate constitutional framework for our postmodern marketing times. A dictatorship of the imagination is advocated. An ingenuity‐led insurrection is recommended. A confederacy of creativity is called for. And a retrospective secession is suggested.
Recent Advances in Functional Anorectal Disorders

Defecatory disorders are a common cause of chronic constipation and should be managed by biofeedback-guided pelvic floor retraining. While anorectal tests are necessary to diagnose defecatory disorders, recent studies highlight the utility of a careful digital rectal examination. While obstetric anal injury can cause fecal incontinence (FI), diarrhea is a more important risk factor for FI among women in the community, who typically develop FI after age 40. Initial management of fecal incontinence should focus on bowel disturbances. Pelvic floor retraining with biofeedback therapy is beneficial for patients who do not respond to bowel management. Sacral nerve stimulation should be considered in patients who do not respond to conservative therapy.
Atlas-Aware Laplacian Smoothing

We consider an image, a result of sampling over a finite two dimensional regular grid a vector valued function of two variables. There is a wealth of work in both theory and application of image processing operations. Our approach is to map into the parameter space then perform image processing operations there. Laplacian smoothing is the building block for defining linear filters, which can be described in terms of polynomials of the Laplacian operator. We focus on extending basic Laplacian smoothing to continuous vector valued functions irregularly sampled on multi-chart parameterized surfaces. Our goal is to efficiently perform Laplacian smoothing with out introducing seam artifacts. We present an algorithm for Laplacian smoothing over a texture atlas which takes into account the discontinuities imposed by the charts. Our general approach is based on the finite volume method, and the graph Laplacian used in geometric signal processing. In image processing, the Laplacian of an image is obtained by convolving the image with the following 3×3 kernel:
Polyacetylenes from Chrysoma pauciflosculosa: Effects on florida sandhill species

Abstract Investigation of the roots of Chrysoma pauciflosculosa (syn. Solidago pauciflosculosa) resulted in the isolation of the known polyacetylenes, cis,cis- and cis,trans-matricaria esters, and their epoxide derivatives. In addition, the triterpene epifriedelinol was obtained, and its molecular structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures of the four polyacetylenes were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with reported spectral data. The cis,cis- and cis, trans-matricaria esters were tested for their effects on the germination and radicle growth of the two sandhill grasses Schizachyrium scoparium and Leptochloa dubia, commercial lettuce and commercial radish. They were highly active against three of four test species, completely inhibiting germination at 106 and 92 ppm, respectively. A saturated aqueous solution of the triterpene epifriedelinol showed no activity.
Electron/photon reconstruction performance with the ATLAS detector

The algorithms used to build clusters of cells in the liquid Argon (LAr) electromagnetic calorimeter of ATLAS are briefly described, as well as the position and energy corrections applied at the cluster level. After these corrections, the energy resolution of isolated electrons is close to 10 % / E . Electron identification methods allow jet rejections of order 105 for 70% efficiency, and good π 0 / γ separation. Methods to derive the final calibration parameters from physics data have been developed, and shown to be able to achieve a total constant term close to the design value of 0.7%.
US State Policies for Renewable Energy: Context and Effectiveness

Over the past decade, state policies on renewable energy have been on the rise in the United States, providing states with various options for encouraging the generation of renewable electricity. Two promising policies, the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Mandatory Green Power Option (MGPO), have been implemented in many states but the evidence about their effectiveness is mixed. In this paper, we argue that recognizing the natural, social and policy context under which MGPO and RPS are adopted is necessary in order to measure their true effectiveness. This is because the context rather than the policy might lead to positive outcomes and there is the possibility for sample bias. When controlling for the context in which the policies are implemented, we find that RPS has a negative impact on investments in renewable capacity. However, we find that investor-owned utilities seem to respond more positively to RPS mandates than publicly owned utilities. By contrast, MGPO appears to have a significant effect on installed renewable capacity for all utilities regardless of the context in which it is implemented.
Mortality in cancer patients after a fall-related injury: The impact of cancer spread and type

Abstract Background Cancer patients are at an increased risk of dying following an injury, of which among the elderly is predominately caused by falling. In addition, patients with certain types of cancer are more prone to bone injury. However, studies are needed that examine the role of cancer site and metastasis on the relationship between cancer and death following traumatic injury. Methods A total of 4201 cancer patients from 2000 to 2009 in the Illinois Hospital Discharge and Illinois Trauma Registry, and 4201 patients without cancer met eligibility criteria (e.g., fell and were injured; 50–96 years old). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between cancer and death following traumatic injury, including models stratified by cancer site and metastasis. Results The demographic characteristics, prevalence of comorbid conditions, and injury severity and type did not differ substantially between patients with and without diagnoses for cancer. In the main adjusted model, patients with cancer were more likely to die during the course of hospitalization after a fall than those without cancer (OR = 2.58; CI 95%: 1.91–3.49). Patients with metastatic malignancies had a higher risk of in-hospital death than patients without metastasis (adjusted OR = 3.59 and OR = 2.18, respectively). Patients with diagnoses for all specific cancer sites, except prostate and breast, were also significantly more likely to die. Discussion Cancer patients with and without spread over the age of 50 years are more likely to die in-hospital after a fall than elderly patients without cancer. However, this relationship may exist only for patients with specific cancer types.