cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of taurine transport in cultured renal epithelial cell lines: asymmetric polarity of proximal and distal cell lines.

Taurine is present in millimolar quantities in the intracellular space of many tissues (Chesney 1985) and is postulated to serve many functions including osmotic cell volume regulation, cell detoxification, and enhancing the development of normal neural and retinal tissues (Chesney 1985). In mammals, taurine total body pool is regulated by the renal proximal tubule where taurine is transported by the neutral s-amino acid transport system (Chesney et al., 1983; Chesney 1985; Rozen and Scriver 1982). When dietary intake of taurine or its precursor amino acids is reduced, urinary taurine levels decline due to enhanced renal tubular reabsorption of taurine (Chesney et al., 1983; Chesney 1985; Rozen and Scriver 1982).
Chaetophractus villosus (Hairy armadillo, peludo)

Two male and 5 female specimens have been studied with identical results. Two females were collected in Uruguay and Argentina. The others came through the courtesy of Mr. Dennis A. Meritt, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA. The X chromosome was identified by autoradiography, and the Y is unmistakable. In excellent preparations it is clearly acrocentric. Barr bodies and drumsticks have been reported in females.
Some Personal History

It would sound reasonable if I were to say that the research work I have discussed in this book began as a result of a grand design, with a vision of the goals in mind. Unfortunately, this would not be true. This work began the day I took a detour through Yellowstone National Park on my way to Seattle. As many, I had avoided Yellowstone for years, having visions of vast crowds of tourists gaping at Old Faithful. This time, in the early summer of 1964, I decided to see for myself, and after a bit of climbing in the Grand Tetons, a detour was made up onto the Yellowstone plateau. The first stop was the West Thumb Geyser Basin, a small but attractive thermal area on the west shores of Yellowstone Lake. The weather was marvelous, as it often is, and the waters of Yellowstone Lake were a deep blue, but what really hit me were the algal mats, bright orange, red, and green, spread out along the silica channels under sheets of hot, steaming water. I knew that algae lived in thermal environments, but I wasn’t prepared for this, these thick gobs of living protoplasm sticking tenaciously together in the rippling water. As I arrived, a naturalist was giving a talk, and afterwards I stopped him briefly to inquire about the algae. Aside from the fact that they were blue-green algae, he could tell me little. I had little time to inquire further, and went on my way to the west coast, where I spent the summer doing marine microbiology at the Friday Harbor Laboratories.
Do Vague Probabilities Really Scotch Pascal’s Wager?

Alan Hajek has recently argued that certain assignments of vague probability defeat Pascal’s Wager. In particular, he argues that “skeptical agnostics” – those whose probability for God's existence is vague over an interval containing zero – have nothing to fear from Pascal. In this paper, I make two arguments against Hajek: (1) that skeptical agnosticism is a form of dogmatism, and as such should be rejected; (2) that in any case, choice situations with vague probability assignments ought to be treated as “second-order” cases of choice under uncertainty, with the result that belief in God is the favored option in a very wide range of cases.
Fast Trajectory Tracking of a Flexure-Based, Multiaxis Nanopositioner With 50-mm Travel

The precise, high-speed control of nanopositioning stages is critical for many microscale additive manufacturing systems, such as microscale selective laser sintering (μ-SLS), where high throughput is needed. In μ-SLS, the positioning stage requires achieving 10 Hz steps with sub-100 nm accuracy and a travel range of 50 mm. The open-loop resolution and settling time of the flexure stage presented in the study are found to be 63 nm and 1.27 s, respectively. This settling time is too large for its application in high-throughput μ-SLS. To improve the tracking performance of the stage for fast varying signals up to 10 Hz and achieve better resolution, this paper presents the design of a finite horizon linear quadratic regulator controller for the XY stage. Owing to the good damping properties of the controller, the resolution is improved to 8 nm and input signals with 10-Hz frequency are effectively tracked. With the addition of a resonant shifting control, the tracking bandwidth is improved to 23 Hz. The paper presents a unique combination of low cost, large travel, sub-10 nm resolution and high-bandwidth XY positioning system, which is not to be found in either off-the-shelf nanopositioning stages or in research laboratories.
Oxygen dynamics in a two-dimensional microbial ecosystem

Ecosystems persist over geological timescales by continuously cycling nutrients. However, we lack a quantitative model of how diverse organisms organize with respect to one another. We observe these dynamics in a quasi-two-dimensional microbial ecosystem, in which all microbes live within the penetration depths of oxygen and light. This community is composed of both photosynthetic bacteria, which produce sugars and oxygen, and aerobic bacteria, which consume oxygen and sugars. Shinning a light on the community drives a nutrient cycle between these two groups of microbes. Illuminating a spot, we measure the resulting distribution of oxygen. Under normal conditions, diffusion alone stabilizes oxygen gradients. However, at freezing temperatures or low atmospheric oxygen concentration, the kinetics of microbial oxygen production and consumption dominate. Surprisingly, after three weeks, the initially uniform distribution of oxygen in the spot becomes an annulus. We present a robust method to invert the measured oxygen concentration for the distribution of oxygen sources and sinks.
Mapping Danger, Making Connections

This chapter describes some workshops connected to MAKE, a project fostered by a group of artists and researchers affiliated with Harvard and MIT and a host of global partners, who together created ...
Efficient methods for generating multi-mode NOON states

Abstract Two experimental setups to generate multi-mode NOON states are proposed. The first setup is a universal model, which can create a d -mode N -photon NOON state with an arbitrary mode number d and photon number N in principle in a lossless system with perfect optical devices, using states with non-deterministic distributions of photons as the input sources and post-selection of total N photons for detection. The second approach, on the other hand, can generate a 4-mode 4-photon NOON state using single photon sources. The core unit of both setups is the Fock state filter, which is used to filter out an arbitrary Fock state component from an incident state using a beam splitter with proper transmissivity. The intrinsic generation efficiencies of the NOON states produced by both methods, with the first setup particularly focused on using squeezed vacuum states as the inputs, are calculated. They are found to be at least two orders of magnitude larger than and scale more favorably to the previously proposed approach using coherent state inputs. We also show that the second setup has the best performance for the case with d = N = 4 , while the first method scales better for a larger N or d . These results manifest that multi-mode NOON states with 3 or 4 modes and 4 or 6 photons could feasibly be generated in experiments with current photonic technologies.
Efficient multigrid solution of elliptic interface problems using viscosity-upwinded local discontinuous Galerkin methods

Author(s): Saye, RI | Abstract: With an emphasis on achieving ideal multigrid solver performance, this paper explores the design of local discontinuous Galerkin schemes for multiphase elliptic interface problems. In particular, for cases exhibiting coefficient discontinuities several orders in magnitude, the role of viscosity-weighted numerical fluxes on interfacial mesh faces is examined: findings support a known strategy of harmonic weighting, but also show that further improvements can be made via a stronger kind of biasing, denoted herein as viscosity-upwinded weighting. Applying this strategy, multigrid performance is assessed for a variety of elliptic interface problems in 1D, 2D, and 3D, across 16 orders of viscosity ratio. These include constant-and variable-coefficient problems, multiphase checkerboard patterns, implicitly defined interfaces, and 3D problems with intricate geometry. With the exception of a challenging case involving a lattice of vanishingly small droplets, in all demonstrated examples the condition number of the multigrid V-cycle preconditioned system has unit order magnitude, independent of the mesh size h.
Anion-exchange membranes for direct methanol alkaline fuel cells

Abstract Direct methanol alkaline fuel cell is a promising electrochemical energy-conversion device due to its fast electrooxidation kinetics, alleviated corrosion, high volumetric energy density, potentially low cost, and easy storage and transportation. Anion-exchange membrane (AEM) serves as one of the most critical components determining the practical applications of this device. This chapter first describes the definition, general use, categorization and fabrication of AEM. The introduction of membrane characterizations and device-performance evaluations were described, and then present researches in developing advanced AEMs were selectively reviewed. To reach the figure of merit of the direct methanol alkaline fuel cell, the required properties and remaining challenges of the AEM were listed and, accordingly, the future directions were suggested in terms of commercial production and scientific investigation.
Norbert Elias, George Herbert Mead, and the Promise of Embodied Sociology

This paper examines the continuity between the research programs of Norbert Elias and George Herbert Mead. It shows that the two authors left us with the outlines of a sociological theory that is dialectical, process oriented, alert to the interplay of affect, reason, and society, and dedicated to an empirical inquiry into the embodied nature of socio-psychological realty. After reviewing the areas where the two researchers converge and follow separate routs, I discuss recent developments in social neuroscience and behavioral epigenetics that support the program of embodied sociology articulated by Norbert Elias and George Herbert Mead.
Developing an Interactive Technological Framework in the Retail Apparel Industry: VR, AR, SC, and AI

The purpose of this research is to explore interactive technology used in the apparel industry and to define its constituents. By doing this, an interactive technological framework is proposed that discusses technology under the interactive umbrella in the apparel industry. The presentation of this study includes detailed layout and discussions of the interactive technological framework with examples and future applications in the industry. By providing this analysis, companies who begin utilizing interactive technologies into their business strategy have a greater understanding of how they interact and improve their customer experience based on their customers’ needs and wants.
Visualizing Uncertainty in Weather Forecasts

Uncertainty bears an inherent relationship to weather forecasting. Even with advances in technology and mathematical modeling improving weather forecasts, communicating risks to the public is still...
COVID-19 among LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV/AIDS: psycho-social challenges and care options

Prolonged social isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown has adversely impacted the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of the global populace. Coping with mental and physical stressors amidst the global lockdown is especially strenuous for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and more (LGBT+) community, who are frequently subjected to social stigma and minority stress. Systematic stigma and discrimination place LGBT+ individuals at higher risk for deleterious behaviors, such as substance abuse (e.g., injection drug use, smoking, alcohol) and risky sexual practices (e.g., anal/vaginal/oral sex). Maladaptive coping behaviors consequently increase the chances of HIV/AIDS risk among LGBT+ individuals, compared to heterosexual individuals. LGBT+ individuals Living with HIV/AIDS perpetually face higher rates of unemployment, income disparity, and intimate partner violence. Prolonged home confinement, and impaired accessibility to healthcare, legal, and criminal justice services during lockdown may deplete the quality of life of LGBT+ individuals Living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, it is critical that multidisciplinary service providers, including health professionals, employers, social services providers, educational institutions and community organizations, move toward online service delivery, so that homebound HIV-positive LGBT+ individuals are secured with a wide range of care options. Non-judgemental, tele-counseling may bridge the gap to mental health services. Community clinics catering to HIV-positive and/or LGBT+ clients may consider precociously supplying essential amenities, such as Preexposure (PrEP)/postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), condoms, emergency contraception, and sterile needles. Lastly, efforts directed at the sustenance of at-risk/HIV-positive LGBT+ health should persevere, even after the pandemic.
Genetically predicted serum vitamin D and COVID-19: a Mendelian randomization study

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate causality of the association of serum vitamin D with the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection. Design Two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Setting Summary data from genome-wide analyses in the population-based UK Biobank and SUNLIGHT Consortium, applied to meta-analyzed results of genome-wide analyses in the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. Participants 17,965 COVID-19 cases including 11,085 laboratory or physician confirmed cases, 7,885 hospitalized cases, and 4,336 severe respiratory cases, and 1,370,547 controls, primarily of European ancestry. Exposures Genetically predicted variation in serum vitamin D status, based on genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum vitamin D or risk of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Main outcome measures Susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 infection, including severe respiratory infection and hospitalization. Results Mendelian randomization analysis, powered to detect moderate effects comparable to those seen in observational studies, provided little to no evidence for an effect of genetically predicted serum vitamin D on susceptibility to or severity of COVID-19 infection. Using SNPs in loci related to vitamin D metabolism as proxies for serum vitamin D concentration, the odds ratio for a standard deviation increase in serum vitamin D was 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.92 to 1.18) for any COVID-19 infection versus population controls, 1.05 (0.84-1.31) for hospitalized COVID-19 versus population controls, 0.96 (0.64 to 1.43) for severe respiratory COVID-19 versus population controls, 1.15 (0.99 to 1.35) for COVID-19 positive versus COVID-19 negative, and 1.44 (0.75 to 2.78) for hospitalized COVID-19 versus non-hospitalized COVID-19. Results were similar in analyses that used all SNPs with genome-wide significant associations with serum vitamin D (i.e., including SNPs in loci with no known relationship to vitamin D metabolism) and in analyses using SNPs with genome-wide significant associations with risk of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Conclusions These findings suggest that genetically predicted differences in long-term vitamin D nutritional status do not causally affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 infection, and that associations observed in previous studies may have been driven by confounding. These results do not exclude the possibility of low-magnitude causal effects, nor do they preclude potential causal effects of acute responses to therapeutic doses of vitamin D. Future directions include extension of this work to non-European ancestry populations, and high-risk populations, for example persons with comorbid disease.
EEG-Based Spectral Analysis Showing Brainwave Changes Related to Modulating Progressive Fatigue During a Prolonged Intermittent Motor Task

Repeatedly performing a submaximal motor task for a prolonged period of time leads to muscle fatigue manifested by its reduced capacity to generate force or power. Fatigue resulted from voluntary muscle contractions comprises a central and peripheral component, which demands a gradually increasing effort to perform the task as time elapses. However, we still lack a complete understanding of brain contribution to the enhancement of effort to cope with progressing fatigue because of repeated submaximal muscle contractions. The knowledge of how muscle fatigue modulates brain activities in a healthy population will help rationalize why certain patients experience exacerbated fatigue while carrying out mundane tasks. The intermittent motor tasks closely resemble many activities of daily living (ADL), thus remaining physiologically relevant to study fatigue. The scope of this study is therefore to investigate the EEG-based brain activation patterns in healthy subjects performing intermittent submaximal muscle contractions until self-perceived exhaustion. Fourteen participants (median age 51.5 years; age range 26-72 years; 5 males) repeated elbow flexion contractions at 40% maximum voluntary contraction by following visual cues displayed on an oscilloscope screen until subjective exhaustion. Each contraction lasted ~5 s with a 2-s rest between trials. The force, EEG, and surface EMG (from elbow joint muscles) data were simultaneously collected. After preprocessing, we selected a subset of trials at the beginning, middle, and end of the study session representing brain activities germane to mild, moderate, and severe fatigue conditions, respectively, to compare and contrast the changes in the EEG time-frequency (TF) characteristics across the conditions. The TF analyses were conducted both at the channel and source level. The outcome of the channel- and source-level analyses reveal that the theta, alpha, and beta power spectral densities (PSDs) vary in proportion to fatigue levels in cortical motor areas. Importantly, the pairwise PSD differences between the fatigue conditions survived the statistical inferential tests with a p-value threshold of 0.05. We observed a statistically significant change in the band-specific spectral power in relation to the graded fatigue from both the steady- and post- contraction EEG data. The findings would enhance our understanding of the etiology and physiology of voluntary motor action-related fatigue and provide pointers to counteract the perception of muscle weakness and lack of motor endurance associated with ADL. The study outcome would help evaluate how clinical conditions such as neurological disorders and cancer treatment alter neural mechanisms underlying fatigue in future studies and develop therapeutic strategies for restoring the patients9 ability to participate in ADL by mitigating central and muscle fatigue.
Moving Toward Inclusivity in Chemistry by Developing Data-Based Instructional Tasks Aimed at Increasing Students’ Self-Perception as Capable Learners Who Belong in STEM

The overall goal of our work is to disrupt pervasive narratives and misplaced assessments of what defines scientific brilliance, specifically in the introductory chemistry classroom. The traditiona...
A design of a low-power, high-accuracy, and constant-Q-tuning continuous-time bandpass filter

This paper presents a methodology to design low-power continuous-time integrated filters for high-performance wireless applications such as Personal Communication System (PCS), Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), or Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) handsets. Techniques to enhance the performance of integrated filters by reducing the excess-phase as well as the feature for constant-Q tuning is introduced. In conjunction with the design of a low-power bandpass filter (BPF), a proposal of a high-accuracy and high-speed automatic tuning scheme is also presented. A twelfth-order 450-kHz G/sub m/-C BPF is designed and fabricated using 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. The BPF consumes 2.4 mA from a 3-V power-supply. The tuning range is from 300 kHz to 675-kHz. The total area-consumption is approximately 2.34 mm/sup 2/.
Propagation method influences first year field survival and growth of Paulownia

Field trials at three locations were used to evaluate survival and early growth of Paulownia elongata, P. fortunei, and P. × 'Henan 1' plants produced from seeds, shoot cuttings, and micropropagated shoots. One year after field establishment, trees produced by either vegetative propagation method survived with higher frequency and were taller and of greater diameter breast height than trees grown from seed. The influence of propagation method was more pronounced in P. elongata and P. fortunei than in P. × 'Henan 1'. Survival frequency was similar for each species/hybrid, but both species were taller than P. × 'Henan 1' across propagation method and site. Field site had a pronounced influence on tree survival and height. Species/hybrid differences were not detected at the site that promoted the greatest tree growth, but P. elongata outperformed P. fortunei and P. × 'Henan 1' at the two sub-optimal sites. Clones within species/hybrid produced through micropropagation differed in survival frequency, height, and diameter breast height. Under the conditions used for this study, Paulownia field survival and early growth in central North Carolina was improved by using P. elongata or P. fortunei produced by rooting shoot cuttings or micropropagated shoots. Significant variation among clones within these species demonstrated the potential benefit of identifying superior clones to improve first year field survival and growth.
High-Thermal-Conductivity Densified Graphitic Foams as Novel Bearing Materials

The high-thermal-conductivity graphitic foams (foam-reinforced carbon-carbon composites) developed at ORNL have been mainly used for thermal management, as in heat sinks for electronic circuit boards and highly-efficient automotive radiators. However, recent studies in our laboratory have rather unexpectedly revealed their potential as novel bearing materials. In addition to their low density and potential for weight savings, there are three primary tribological advantages of the graphitic foam materials: (1) their graphitic structures provide self-lubricating qualities, (2) their extraordinarily high thermal conductivity aids in the efficient removal of frictionally-generated heat, and (3) the pores in the foam serve both as wear debris traps and lubricant reservoirs. Previous studies on the densified graphitic foam (DGF) sliding against steel and alumina at relatively low speed (1 m/s) and low load (10 N), revealed their encouraging self-lubricating behavior, comparable to solid graphite while much better than bronze and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon{trademark}). In this study, pin-on-disk tests with higher speeds (2, 6, and 10 m/s) and higher loads (322 N) were conducted on DGF and graphite disks sliding against a DGF pin. The surface temperature on the graphite disk increased rapidly due to frictional heating and the friction coefficient increased proportionally with surface temperature when it was more » higher than 40 C. The DGF disk, however, ran much cooler due to the higher thermal conductivity, and more impressively, the friction coefficient remained low and constant even at elevated disk temperatures. This suggests high potential for the graphitic foam material in weight-sensitive, high-speed, and elevated temperature bearing applications. « less
Tree-based Construction of Low-cost Action Rules

A rule is actionable, if a user can do an action to his/her advantage based on that rule. Actionability can be expressed in terms of attributes that are present in a database. Action rules are constructed from certain pairs of classification rules, previously extracted from the same database, each defining a preferable decision class. It is assumed that attributes are divided into two groups: stable and flexible. Flexible attributes provide a tool for making hints to a user to what changes within some values of flexible attributes are needed to re-classify a group of objects, supporting the action rule, from one decision class to another, more desirable, one. Changes of values of some flexible attributes can be more expensive than changes of other values. To investigate such cases, the notion of a cost is introduced and it is assigned by an expert to each such a change. Action rules construction involves both flexible and stable attributes listed in certain pairs of classification rules. The values of stable attributes are used to create action forest. We propose a new strategy which combines the action forest algorithm of extracting action rules and a heuristic strategy for generating reclassification rules of the lowest cost. This new strategy presents an enhancement to both methods.
Optimal attack against an area defense protecting many targets

AbstractMany separated targets, of only a few differing values, are subject to a simultaneous attack. The area defenses considered have (a) impact point prediction (IPP) and full coordination, or (b) no IPP and full coordination, or (c) no IPP and partial coordination. For a given attack, the defense wishes to allocate its interceptors to maximize the expected total survival value of the targets. For a given attack size, and with knowledge of the defense’s capabilities, the offense seeks a strategy to minimize expected total survival value against best defense. We present algorithms to determine optinial attack and defense strategies and the optimal value of the min-max problem, and we Show how to take computational advantage of the relatively few unique target values. Illustrative computational results are provided.
Radiation Protection Instrumentation

This article describes common radiation protection instruments used around or with radioactive materials and equipment in medical facilities. This article describes availability of instruments and sources of information about their use; instruments for specific tasks; types and sources of radiation; international definitions of radiation quantities and units; and common features of instruments. The detection principles of ionization chambers, gas proportional counters, Geiger–Mueller detectors, scintillation detectors (solid, liquid, and plastic), solid-state detectors (semiconductors, thermally, and optically stimulated luminescence phosphors), and photographic detectors are described. Worldwide web Internet addresses are given for some major instrument manufacturers and vendors. The bibliography lists the latest editions of relevant textbooks. Common medical uses of these instruments include equipment surveys; personnel and area monitoring; contamination surveys; locating misplaced radioactive sources; air sampling; responding to emergencies; and spectroscopy. Using recent data (2002) from the Committee on Data for Science and Technology, this article describes electrons, beta particles, alpha particles, protons, neutrons, X rays, γ rays, and some radionuclides commonly used in medicine. Fundamental terms (exposure, kerma, absorbed dose), internationally recommended definitions of terms used for radiation protection (equivalent dose, committed equivalent dose, effective dose, committed effective dose), and units (roentgen, gray, sievert) are described. Currently used personnel radiation monitors are described. Instrument electronic circuitry is discussed only briefly. Keywords: radiation; protection; instrumentation; health physics
The Mechanism of Introduction of Alkyl Groups at Carbon 24 of Sterols III. THE SECOND ONE-CARBON TRANSFER AND REDUCTION

Abstract Seeds of the "stone pine," Pinus pinea, have been shown to contain 24ξ-Δ5-stigmasten-3β-ol as well as smaller amounts of 24ξ-Δ5-ergosten-3β-ol and trans-Δ5,24(28)-stigmastadien-3β-ol. Germination of the seeds in the presence of 2-14C-mevalonate led to labeling of the steroids in a high yield. Isolation and reincubation of the labeled 24-ethylidene compound, trans-Δ5,24(28)-stigmastadien-3β-ol, produced the labeled 24-ethyl derivative, 24ξ-Δ5-stigmasten-3β-ol. The 24-substituted C1 analogue of the latter, 24ξ-Δ5-ergosten-3β-ol, was obtained labeled when the substrate contained the 24-methylene group (synthetic 28-14C-Δ5,24(28)-ergostadien-3β-ol). From germination in the presence of the 28-14C-Δ5,24(28)-ergostadien-3β-ol the 24-ethylidene derivative, 28-14C-trans-Δ5,24(28)-stigmastadien-3β-ol, was also formed. The results demonstrate that a second transfer of a C1 group to the Δ24(28) bond occurs with the formation of a 24-ethylidene group in the biosynthesis of 24-substituted C2 steroids. They also show that the Δ24(28) bond can undergo reduction to give the saturated C-24(28) bond in both the 24-substituted C1 and 24-substituted C2 cases.
Bragg Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves from the Air/Sea Interface

The advent of radar during World War II had consequences for research in air/sea interactions which were far from obvious in the face of the immediate wartime need to detect enemy aircraft. When the newly-discovered tool was put to use to detect targets on or near the surface of the sea, these targets were often obscured by strong echos from the ocean itself. This “sea echo” constituted a considerable nuisance to those engaged in locating enemy vessels so investigations into the nature of this unwanted return were launched. Early theoretical work concentrated on explaining sea echo in terms of either return from the sea surface itself or from the spray and bubbles above the surface. Methods of modelling electromagnetic scattering which had proved useful to the characterization of many types of targets were adapted for use modelling sea return. Specular reflection seemed to explain the characteristics of sea echo for small incidence angles but not for larger ones. The standard method of carrying out such calculations utilized the “Kirchoff principle,” also known as physical optics or the tangent plane method, which assumes that the surface is smooth in the sense that the radius of curvature is large compared to the electromagnetic wavelength. In addition to yielding disturbingly low return at large incidence angles, the method was unable to account for the observation that vertically polarized return was generally stronger than horizontal at such angles. Since interference between radiation directly incident on bubbles above the surface and radiation incident on the bubbles following reflection from the surface could in principal yield such polarization differences, theories based on Rayleigh scattering by the bubbles were also proposed.
DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING OF G PROTEIN ALPHA SUBUNITS TO SEVEN-HELIX RECEPTORS EXPRESSED IN XENOPUS OOCYTES

Xenopus oocytes were used to examine the coupling of the serotonin 1c (5HT1c) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptors to both endogenous and heterologously expressed G protein alpha subunits. Expression of either G protein-coupled receptor resulted in agonist-induced, Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents that were measured using a two-electrode voltage clamp. 5HT-induced Cl- currents were reduced 80% by incubating the injected oocytes with pertussis toxin (PTX) and inhibited 50-65% by injection of antisense oligonucleotides to the PTX-sensitive Go alpha subunit. TRH-induced Cl- currents were reduced only 20% by PTX treatment but were inhibited 60% by injection of antisense oligonucleotides to the PTX-insensitive Gq alpha subunit. Injection of antisense oligonucleotides to a novel Xenopus phospholipase C-beta inhibited the 5HT1c (and Go)-induced Cl- current with little effect on the TRH (and Gq)-induced current. These results suggest that receptor-activated Go and Gq interact with different effectors, most likely different isoforms of phospholipase C-beta. Co-expression of each receptor with seven different mammalian G protein alpha subunit cRNAs (Goa, Gob, Gq, G11, Gs, Golf, and Gt) was also examined. Co-expression of either receptor with the first four of these G alpha subunits resulted in a maximum 4-6-fold increase in Cl- currents; the increase depended on the amount of G alpha subunit cRNA injected. This increase was blocked by PTX for G alpha oa and G alpha ob co-expression but not for G alpha q or G alpha 11 co-expression. Co-expression of either receptor with Gs, Golf, or Gt had no effect on Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents; furthermore, co-expression with Gs or Golf also failed to reveal 5HT- or TRH-induced changes in adenylyl cyclase as assessed by activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel. These results indicate that in oocytes, the 5HT1c and TRH receptors do the following: 1) preferentially couple to PTX-sensitive (Go) and PTX-insensitive (Gq) G proteins and that these G proteins act on different effectors, 2) couple within the same cell type to several different heterologously expressed G protein alpha subunits to activate the oocyte's endogenous Cl- current, and 3) fail to couple to G protein alpha subunits that activate cAMP or phosphodiesterase.
SAT-based compositional verification using lazy learning

A recent approach to automated assume-guarantee reasoning (AGR) for concurrent systems relies on computing environment assumptions for components using the L* algorithm for learning regular languages.While this approach has been investigated extensively for message passing systems, it still remains a challenge to scale the technique to large shared memory systems, mainly because the assumptions have an exponential communication alphabet size. In this paper, we propose a SAT-based methodology that employs both induction and interpolation to implement automated AGR for shared memory systems. The method is based on a new lazy approach to assumption learning, which avoids an explicit enumeration of the exponential alphabet set during learning by using symbolic alphabet clustering and iterative counterexample-driven localized partitioning. Preliminary experimental results on benchmarks in Verilog and SMV are encouraging and show that the approach scales well in practice.
Conventional Laboratory Diagnosis of Infection

1 Introduction 2 Clinical Specimens 3 Diagnostic Methods Keywords: conventional laboratory diagnosis of infection; microbial infection diagnosis-clinical and epidemiologic features; errors in specimen collection and transportation-failure in etiologic diagnoses of infections; direct examination of unstained or stained clinical specimens-by bright-field (light) microscopy; acid-fast stain-for direct light microscopic mycobacteria detection; bacterial identification; bloodstream infection diagnosis by blood culture; antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Low-Stage Medulloblastoma: Final Analysis of Trial Comparing Standard-Dose With Reduced-Dose Neuraxis Irradiation

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the effects on survival, relapse-free survival, and patterns of relapse of reduced-dose (23.4 Gy in 13 fractions) compared with standard-dose (36 Gy in 20 fractions) neuraxis irradiation in patients 3 to 21 years of age with low-stage medulloblastoma, minimal postoperative residual disease, and no evidence of neuraxis disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Pediatric Oncology Group and Children’s Cancer Group randomized 126 patients to the study. All patients received posterior fossa irradiation to a total dose of 54 Gy in addition to the neuraxis treatment. Patients were staged postoperatively with contrast-enhanced cranial computed tomography, myelography, and CSF cytology. Of the registered patients, 38 were ineligible. RESULTS: The planned interim analysis that resulted in closure of the protocol showed that patients randomized to the reduced neuraxis treatment had increased frequency of relapse. In the final analysis, eligible patients receiving standard-dose neuraxis ir...
Utility of the sonographic whirlpool sign in diagnosing midgut volvulus in patients with atypical clinical presentations.

Objective To illustrate cases of midgut volvulus in 7 children, of whom only 2 were neonates, diagnosed initially by sonography using the whirlpool sign, and to emphasize the importance of considering malrotation and midgut volvulus in the differential diagnosis of acute or chronic abdominal pain in those beyond the neonatal period, the usual time of presentation for midgut volvulus. Methods The sonography computer database of a large pediatric hospital was reviewed over a 26-month period for sonographic reports that contained the key words midgut volvulus and whirlpool sign. From November 1999 until January 2002, 7 patients had a sonographic diagnosis of midgut volvulus on the basis of the whirlpool sign. Sonographic and surgical records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. In addition, the department computer database of all contrast-enhanced upper gastrointestinal examinations performed over the same period was searched using the key words midgut volvulus, and an additional 2 cases of midgut volvulus were found, neither of which had undergone a prior or subsequent sonographic study. Results Seven patients, ranging in age from 1 day to 5 1/2 years were found to have the whirlpool sign on sonography performed for acute abdominal symptoms, including projectile nonbilious emesis, colicky abdominal pain with suspicion of intussusception, palpable abdominal masses, right lower quadrant abdominal pain with suspected appendicitis, and chronic diarrhea. Six of the 7 cases of midgut volvulus were confirmed with upper gastrointestinal examinations. One patient was taken directly to surgery on the basis of the sonographic findings alone. One patient had subsequent computed tomography of the abdomen for continued suspicion of an abdominal mass. All 7 cases were confirmed as midgut volvulus at surgery. Conclusions The sonographic whirlpool sign is a valid and highly sensitive sign for the diagnosis of midgut volvulus secondary to malrotation, and sonographers should be aware that it frequently occurs beyond the neonatal period with symptoms other than bilious emesis.
Ethnic enclaves and middleman minorities: alternative strategies of immigrant adaptation?

Two strategies or modes of immigrant adaptation, ethnic enclaves and middleman minorities, have been treated in the literature as if they were disjointed and discordant. Using data collected in a survey of Cuban exiles in Puerto Rico, this article examines expectations from both modes and concludes that a course of action different from that followed in the literature seems to be more fruitful.
FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS ABOUT THE SHOULDER

1. From the information and experience derived from the reduction, fixation, and after-care of sixty-four cases of injury about the shoulder joint, including fractures and dislocations, conservative treatment is urged. 2. Axillary-view roentgenograms are helpful in more clearly understanding the problem involved in reduction. 3. After reduction, the treatment of fractures and dislocations of the shoulder by casts or splints with the arm in the abducted position is unnecessary in most cases and contra-indicated in many. 4. X-rays taken from any one angle should not be relied upon for the diagnosis of acromioclavicular dislocations. 5. After reduction, the primary use of the Velpeau bandage or swathe with the elbow well across the chest., followed by a neck-wrist strap and early exercises, tends to promote the maximum recovery of motion and function in the shoulder joint in the shortest time.
A Housing Crisis, a Failed Law, and a Property Conflict: The US Urban Speculation Tax

In 1978 the local government in the District of Columbia approved a mea- sure to tax up to 70% of the profits made on residential speculation. The tax was the first of its kind in the USA. But, it was quickly overturned and deemed by supporters and op- ponents a failure. Based on 10 months of archival research and interviews in Washington, DC, this paper examines how property rights became a narrative barrier that tax sup- porters could not overcome. By narrative barrier, I mean the set of rules that shaped how speculation was discussed. Tax supporters did not publicly convey a counter- hegemonic vision of how tenure security and economic wealth could be achieved for black residents through means other than private ownership and real estate investment. This paper contributes to understandings of housing markets, housing crises, and inter- sections between housing justice and property rights.
The effects of long-term individual vs. group housing on the sexual behavior of beef bulls

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of long-term individual housing on the sexual performance of Hereford bulls. The bulls were hand reared from birth and maintained in individual (N = 7) or group pens (N = 9) through testing at 19 months of age. Four sexual performance tests were administered 2 to 3 days apart and consisted of exposing individual bulls to 3 restrained estrous females for 40 min. Individually reared (IR) bulls exhibited a greater proportion of disoriented (side) mounts than their group reared (GR) counterparts (12.8 vs. 2.9%, respectively; P
Qualitative analysis of African-American adolescent females' beliefs about emergency contraceptive pills.

Abstract Study Objective: This project was initiated to better understand why some African-American adolescent females do not use emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), despite their widespread availability. Adolescents are considered likely candidates for ECP because they are more likely to inconsistently use birth control and have sporadic sexual behavior patterns. These factors increase the risk of unprotected intercourse and unplanned pregnancy Design: A qualitative study design was employed to assess the knowledge of African-American adolescent females regarding ECP and their beliefs affecting use and nonuse of ECP. Setting: An adolescent clinic at a large, urban, academic children's hospital. Participants: Twenty-nine African-American adolescent (age 13–18) females. Interventions. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews lasting 15–20 minutes. Main Outcome Measures: Interviews yielded qualitative data that was coded and categorized into themes. Results: Through the interviews, eight themes emerged: Taking Care of Self, Lack of Knowledge of ECP, Inaccurate Information, Sources of Information, Acceptability of Adolescent Pregnancy, Partner's Influence on Adolescent Choices, Discomfort Talking About Sex, and Concern About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Conclusions: The results from this qualitative study will contribute to future quantitative research efforts by providing insight into the decision-making process regarding ECP among this population. The themes provide a foundation for clinical implications and educational interventions. Although a large proportion of the sample (24%) had used ECP, misinformation about ECP and basic reproductive health issues was prevalent. Most of the adolescents report they obtain reproductive health information from a complex network of information sharing, in which their primary sources tend to be peers.
Pathologists' staging of multiple foci of lung cancer: poor concordance in absence of dramatic histologic or molecular differences.

Objectives: A long-standing problem in lung cancer pathology has been to determine whether two anatomically distinct foci of lung carcinoma are independent primaries or intrapulmonary metastases. While several proposals exist with respect to this problem, it is not known how pathologists use these proposals in actual practice. Methods: We performed a voluntary survey of the Pulmonary Pathology Society, a self-selected group of pathologists with a specialty interest in pulmonary pathology, to determine their opinion on staging various specific scenarios of multiple foci of lung cancer. Results: We found that there was a great deal of disagreement and uncertainty in the approach to these scenarios unless there were also unambiguous molecular markers or a dramatic difference in histology. Conclusions: Pathologists have a high degree of uncertainty and disagreement on staging multiple lung carcinomas. An improved pathologic method is required to distinguish separate primary tumors from intrapulmonary metastases. Until that is available, improved nomenclature is needed to convey the intrinsic uncertainty of the situation.
Deposit rate ceiling deregulation and mortgage innovation

In many countries household financing of housing purchases has assumed a special role and as a consequence constraints have been imposed on financial institutions and on financing contracts. In addition, of course, direct subsidization of housing is pervasive. In a macroeconomic environment with inflation and variable interest rates, the constraints sometimes lead to problems for lenders and borrowers. In the U.S. these problems have resulted in pressures to change the nature of the lending institution, the financial intermediation structure and/or the mortgage contract. This paper considers the use of new, innovative, mortgage contract designs as a method of portfolio diversification when thrift institutions face deposit-rate ceiling deregulation. Since thrift institutions have been more constrained than commercial banks, changing the constraints on the former may lead to behavioral changes by the latter. Alternative scenarios about commercial bank deposit rate behavior are examined. It is found that contracts exist that minimize savings reallocation toward commercial banks, thus protecting, in a sense, the specialized mortgage lending institutions (thrift institutions). These contracts also have nice properties for mortgagors during inflationary periods. However, it is also found that certain new mortgage contracts may protect thrift institutions without maintaining the historical flow of capital into the housing sector.
Item performance across native language groups on the Test of English as a Foreign Language

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was examined for instances in which the item performance of examinees with comparable scores differed according to their native languages. A chi-square procedure, sensitive to deviations of less than ten percent from the expected frequencies of correct item responses across several language groups, revealed significant differences on seven-eighths of the TOEFL items. Reviewers familiar with particular languages could attribute the relative advantage or disadvantage of those language groups on a specific item to linguistic similarities or dissimilarities with the English language. Reviewers could not, however, identify which items would exhibit differential performance across groups based upon inspection of a test form and answer key alone. These findings suggest that examinees' performance on given items in a test of proficiency in a second language will vary according to linguistic contrasts with their native language and that statistical procedures will be necessary for identifying items with exaggerated or unexplained differences across language groups.