cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular and metabolic effects associated with nifedipine and ritodrine tocolysis.

Abstract Recent investigations have indicated that nifedipine, a calcium channel entry blocker, may be useful in the treatment of preterm labor. This prospective, randomized study compares cardiovascular and metabolic effects measured in association with sublingual and oral administration of nifedipine with those noted with the intravenous and oral administration of the R-adrenergic agent ritodrine. Serial measurements of cardiovascular parameters, hematocrit, electrolytes, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase were compared between groups. Sublingual and oral nifedipine caused minimal cardiovascular alterations. At doses sufficient to achieve tocolysis, ritodrine caused more pronounced cardiovascular changes than nifedipine. Both agents had a hemodilutional effect, but nifedipine was not associated with alterations in serum electrolytes or a dramatic hyperglycemia. On the basis of this study, it appears that the use of nifedipine for preterm labor management is associated with hemodilutional changes but not the adverse cardiovascular or metabolic effects often associated with ritodrine tocolysis.
Translational regulation of tra-2 by its 3′ untranslated region controls sexual identity in C. elegans

C. elegans hermaphrodites make sperm and then oocytes in an otherwise female animal. Gain-of-function mutations in the sex-determining gene tra-2 (tra-2(gf)) transform hermaphrodites into females (spermless hermaphrodites). The tra-2(gf) mutations map to a perfect direct repeat in the 3' untranslated region; each repeat is called a direct repeat element (DRE). Three experiments demonstrate that DREs repress tra-2 at the translational level. First, tra-2(gf) mRNAs are associated with larger polysomes than are their wild-type counterparts. Second, translation of a reporter RNA is inhibited by DREs. Third, disruption of DREs does not increase tra-2 mRNA levels. An RNA binding activity specifically associates with the DREs. We propose that tra-2 translation is inhibited by association of an RNA binding-factor with the DREs and that this translational control is essential for development of C. elegans as a hermaphrodite/male species.
Ethnic Enclave Resources and Predictors of Depression Among Arizona's Korean Immigrant Elders

This is the first study examining predictors of depression among Arizona's Korean immigrant elders not residing in ethnic enclaves. A snowball sample of 120 elders, aged 64 and over, completed the study interview. The proportion of respondents reporting depression was 38.1%, higher than the incidence reported among counterparts in New York City's immigrant ethnic enclaves. Multiple regression analyses (R2=.44) indicate that English language proficiency had the most powerful effect on explaining depression. Discussion centers on why programs aimed at reducing language barriers among socially isolated immigrant elders need to be a first priority in service provision.
A histochemical study of the gland cells of Philophthalmus megalurus and Philophthalmus gralli cercariae and their role in cyst formation

Abstract A histochemical study of the gland cells of Philophthalmus megalurus and Philophthalmus gralli cercariae and their role in cyst formation. International Journal for Parasitology 16: 517–523. Four histochemically different gland cells were identified in cercariae of Philophthalmus megalurus and P. gralli : mucopolysaccharide, acid mucopolysaccharide, mucoprotein, and protein cells. Acid mucopolysaccharide cells were localized around the suckers and the anterior portion of the ventral surface, mucopolysaccharide cells were situated along the entire dorsal surface, and protein cells formed two lateral rows along the cercarial body sides. Protein granules were identified within the parenchyma and were especially dense at the ventral side. They are considered the secretion product of the protein cells. The mucoprotein cells were localized in clusters near the pharynx and also on the tail sucker. Except for the mucoprotein cells all glands were cystogenic and secreted their secretory products into the tegument of mature cercariae to form a jacket layer. The mucopolysaccharide gland cells discharged their secretion first and formed a thin layer on the dorsal side of the cercaria. Possibly the acid mucopolysaccharide gland secretion mixed with the mucopolysaccharide material to form this layer. Secretion of the granular protein material followed when the protein cells discharged this component to form the inner layer of the jacket through cytoplasmic ducts on the ventral side of the cercarial body. During encystment, the jacket layer became separated from the cercarial body to form the cyst. The histochemical nature of the cyst wall was identical to the components of the jacket, an inner protein layer and a thin, outer mucopolysaccharide film which covered the cyst only on the dorsal surface. Histochemical properties of gland cells, jacket, and cyst wall were similar in both P. megalurus and P. gnilli suggesting that they are evolutionarily closely related.
Analysis of the optical properties and electronic structure of SnTe using the empirical pseudopotential method

Abstract The electronic band structure and imaginary part of the frequency dependent dielectric function for SnTe are calculated using the Empirical Pseudopotential Method. The optical properties are discussed in terms of this calculations.
Exogenous gypsy insulator sequences modulate transgene expression in the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi

Malaria parasites are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, and these insects are the targets of innovative vector control programs. Proposed approaches include the use of genetic strategies based on transgenic mosquitoes to suppress or modify vector populations. Although substantial advances have been made in engineering resistant mosquito strains, limited efforts have been made in refining mosquito transgene expression, in particular attenuating the effects of insertions sites, which can result in variations in phenotypes and impacts on fitness due to the random integration of transposon constructs. A promising strategy to mitigate position effects is the identification of insulator or boundary DNA elements that could be used to isolate transgenes from the effects of their genomic environment. We applied quantitative approaches that show that exogenous insulator-like DNA derived from the Drosophila melanogaster gypsy retrotransposon can increase and stabilize transgene expression in transposon-mediated random insertions and recombinase-catalyzed, site-specific integrations in the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi. These sequences can contribute to precise expression of transgenes in mosquitoes engineered for both basic and applied goals.
On models of irreducible q- representations of sl(2, c)

An attempt is made to evolve Lie algebraic techniques for constructing models of irreducible representations of the Lie algebra sl(2 C). Some of these techniques involve the idea of q-difference calculus which is developed almost from scratch. Later, these models are used to obtain q-identities, some of which are believed to be new
Metabolic Physiology of the Invasive Clam, Potamocorbula amurensis: The Interactive Role of Temperature, Salinity, and Food Availability

In biological systems energy serves as the ultimate commodity, often determining species distributions, abundances, and interactions including the potential impact of invasive species on native communities. The Asian clam Potamocorbula amurensis invaded the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) in 1986 and is implicated in the decline of native fish species through resource competition. Using a combined laboratory/field study we examined how energy expenditure in this clam is influenced by salinity, temperature and food availability. Measures of metabolism were made at whole organism (metabolic rate) and biochemical (pyruvate kinase (PK) and citrate synthase (CS) enzyme activities) levels. We found in the field, over the course of a year, the ratio of PK to CS was typically 1.0 suggesting that aerobic and fermentative metabolism were roughly equivalent, except for particular periods characterized by low salinity, higher temperatures, and intermediate food availabilities. In a 30-day laboratory acclimation experiment, however, neither metabolic rate nor PK:CS ratio was consistently influenced by the same variables, though the potential for fermentative pathways did predominate. We conclude that in field collected animals, the addition of biochemical measures of energetic state provide little additional information to the previously measured whole organism metabolic rate. In addition, much of the variation in the laboratory remained unexplained and additional variables, including reproductive stage or body condition may influence laboratory-based results. Further study of adult clams must consider the role of organismal condition, especially reproductive state, in comparisons of laboratory experiments and field observations.
On quantum symmetries of compact metric spaces

Abstract An action of a compact quantum group on a compact metric space ( X , d ) is (D)-isometric if the distance function is preserved by a diagonal action on X × X . In this study, we show that an isometric action in this sense has the following additional property: the corresponding action on the algebra of continuous functions on X by the convolution semigroup of probability measures on the quantum group contracts Lipschitz constants. In other words, it is isometric in another sense due to Li, Quaegebeur, and Sabbe, which partially answers a question posed by Goswami. We also introduce other possible notions of isometric quantum actions in terms of the Wasserstein p -distances between probability measures on X for p ≥ 1 , which are used extensively in optimal transportation. Indeed, all of these definitions of quantum isometry belong to a hierarchy of implications, where the two described above lie at the extreme ends of the hierarchy. We conjecture that they are all equivalent.
Isotopic tracing of the source water for Cedar Bog in west-central Ohio, USA

Abstract Cedar Bog, a boreal fen in west-central Ohio, is home for many endangered plants and animals. The whereabouts of the water source that sustains Cedar Bog has been the subject of several investigations in the past two decades. Some of these studies indicated that a recharge area lies to the east and northeast of the Bog. Using environmental isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen, the present study positively identifies a major recharge area located northeast of the Bog and enclosed by two small tributaries of the Mad River. Oxygen isotopic composition and tritium contents of ground water suggest that the Bog water is only a few years old.
Plume rise from two or more adjacent stacks

Abstract Three studies are presented that investigate the effect of the number of stacks and of the azimuthal angle between the direction of the wind and the line of stacks on plume rise enhancement. In the first study, observations were made of the merger and motion of thermal pairs. Thermal pairs released in one-above-the-other configurations merged more rapidly and moved faster than thermal pairs released in a side-by-side configuration. In the second study, plume rise measurements were made in a wind tunnel for plumes from two to four stacks. For a given number of plumes, the rise was higher for those cases in which the azimuthal angle was small compared to cases with a larger angle. The third study was an analysis of data from Tennessee Valley Authority field studies. Due to large scatter and the small number of observations, the results are inconclusive for cases with two, three and four plumes. The ten plume cases clearly show higher rise and the rise is larger when the azimuthal angle is small.
Friction and wear of a Zr-based amorphous metal alloy under dry and lubricated conditions

Abstract The unusual internal structure of amorphous metals has been of interest to the tribology community for several decades, but most of the research on these materials has involved unlubricated experiments or tests in other than ambient air environments. If the suitability of amorphous metals is to be evaluated for engineering applications, a great deal more research is needed to assess their behavior under liquid lubricated conditions. Studies in the early 1980s focused on FeCoBSi compositions. The results reported here focus on an alloy system based on zirconium. Pin-on-disk tests were performed both dry and with diesel oil lubrication. The disks were composed of polished SAE 52 100 steel, and pin specimens of type 303 stainless steel, commercially-pure nickel (Ni-200), and an amorphous alloy of ZrCuNiTiAl were used. The amorphous alloy was the hardest of the three pin materials. Friction coefficients and wear rates were measured under a limited set of conditions. Under dry conditions, the amorphous metal alloy performed comparably or slightly better than the other two pin materials, but under lubricated conditions, it had the highest friction coefficient and highest wear rate of the three combinations. Differences in the ratios of dry to lubricated wear rates for the three material combinations are discussed in terms of the compatibility of non-ferrous materials with current engine lubricants. Observations on the nature of amorphous alloy wear particles are linked to a combination of simultaneously occurring wear processes. No sliding-induced transformations were detected by X-ray methods.
Value of an option to purchase electric power — the case of uncertain consumption

Abstract Large manufacturers and corporations often purchase options on power to protect themselves against unanticipated price increases. This paper analyzes the impact of uncertainty in power consumption by a corporation on the value of an option to purchase electric power. Because there is no economically viable method to store power, these options are exercised to satisfy immediate consumption needs only. The amount exercised may differ from the maximum amount contracted, which in turn alters the payoffs that accrue to the option contract. We apply a Monte Carlo methodology to show that ‘consumption uncertainty’ may substantively lower the price of an option contract under different conditions.
Two Roles of Nonionic Surfactants on the Electrorheological Response

Abstract The influence of three nonionic surfactants (Brij 30, GMO, and GTO) on the electrorheological response of various alumina/silicone oil suspensions is investigated. The dependence of the dynamic yield stress on such variables as surfactant type and concentration, water and ion content, and electric field strength and frequency is reported. The prevalent feature common to all formulations is that the yield stress, τ0, initially increases with surfactant concentration, passes through a maximum, and then decreases with surfactant concentration. Below the maximum, the yield stress increases quadratically with the field strength,E, while above the maximum, yield stress increases slower thanE2. The increase in the yield stress with surfactant concentration is due to surfactant-enhanced interfacial polarization, which may arise from increased proton transport via neighboring hydrogen bonds. The nonlinear behavior observed at large surfactant concentrations (i.e., τ0[formula]E2) arises from field-induced phase separation of a surfactant-rich phase as opposed to field-dependent conductivity of a homogeneous continuous phase.
Improving Middle-Grades Reading in Urban Schools: The Memphis Comprehension Framework

The authors describe a content-reading instruction scaffolding called The Memphis Comprehension Framework, which was found to be effective in significantly improving higher order comprehension skills for students in grades 4 through 6 in two major U.S. urban school districts. This model is especially potent in improving students' higher order comprehension of expository texts. But first, we focus on relevant conditions in urban centers, what we know from research about effective comprehension instruction, and how The Memphis Comprehension Framework addresses the evidence-based requirement teachers and administrators are seeking.
122. Transitions to Parenthood: Maternal Adjustment Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Among Young African American Mothers

Purpose: Studies show high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescent mothers. Although the transition to parenthood may be particularly difficult for adolescents, few studies have examined maternal adjustment in relation to STI risk among young mothers. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between parenting self-efficacy and parenting satisfaction and STI risk among young African American mothers. Methods: The analytic sample included 140 mothers participating in an HIV/STI prevention trial for young African American women (18-24 years) who use alcohol. Prior to randomization, participants provided baseline data via audio computer-assisted self-interviews and vaginal swab specimens assayed for Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using DNA amplification. Parenting self-efficacy was measured using a 7-item scale, with higher scores indicating greater self-efficacy. Parenting satisfaction was measured using a 6-item scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic models examined associations between parenting self-efficacy and parenting satisfaction and sexual risk behavior in the past 3months (had multiple sexual partners; traded sex drugs, money, food, or a place to stay; drank alcohol prior to sex) and STI prevalence. Adjusted models controlled for mother’s age at first child’s birth ( 17 years, 18-19 years, 20-24 years), age of her youngest child (years), and depressive symptomology, as measured by the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: Themajority of the sample, 55% (n1⁄477), reported drinking alcohol 2-4 timespermonth or less. Age atfirst child’s birthwas<18 for 32% (n1⁄445) and 18-19 for 39% (n1⁄455). Age of the youngest child was<1 year for 31% (n1⁄444) and 1-2 years for 40% (n1⁄457). Each unit increase in parenting satisfaction score was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of being infectedwith T. vaginalis (AOR: 0.94, 95% CI:0.88, 1.00, p1⁄40.041). No other measures of maternal adjustment were significantly associated with the outcomes examined. Conclusions: Greater parenting satisfaction was associated with reduced T. vaginalis prevalence among young African American mothers. Additional research on factors associated with parenting satisfaction and the nature of relationships between parenting satisfaction and STI risk among adolescent and young adult mothers may be useful for improving the health of young mothers and their families. Sources of Support: This work was supported by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) grant number 5R01AA018096 to the senior author. Andrea Swartzendruber was supported by NIAAA grant number F32 AA022058. Jessica M. Sales was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health grant number K01 MH085506.
Heuristics for Robust Resource Allocation of Satellite Weather Data Processing on a Heterogeneous Parallel System

This work considers the satellite data processing portion of a space-based weather monitoring system. It uses a heterogeneous distributed processing platform. There is uncertainty in the arrival time of new data sets to be processed, and resource allocation must be robust with respect to this uncertainty. The tasks to be executed by the platform are classified into two broad categories: high priority (e.g., telemetry, tracking, and control), and revenue generating (e.g., data processing and data research). In this environment, the resource allocation of the high-priority tasks must be done before the resource allocation of the revenue generating tasks. A two-part allocation scheme is presented in this research. The goal of first part is to find a resource allocation that minimizes makespan of the high-priority tasks. The robustness for the first part of the mapping is defined as the difference between this time and the expected arrival of the next data set. For the second part, the robustness of the mapping is the difference between the expected arrival time and the time at which the revenue earned is equal to the operating cost. Thus, the heuristics for the second part find a mapping that minimizes the time for the revenue (gained by completing revenue generating tasks) to be equal to the cost. Different resource allocation heuristics are designed and evaluated using simulations, and their performance is compared to a mathematical bound.
Optimal Noise Benefits in Neyman–Pearson and Inequality-Constrained Statistical Signal Detection

We present theorems and an algorithm to find optimal or near-optimal ldquostochastic resonancerdquo (SR) noise benefits for Neyman-Pearson hypothesis testing and for more general inequality-constrained signal detection problems. The optimal SR noise distribution is just the randomization of two noise realizations when the optimal noise exists for a single inequality constraint on the average cost. The theorems give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such optimal SR noise in inequality-constrained signal detectors. There exists a sequence of noise variables whose detection performance limit is optimal when such noise does not exist. Another theorem gives sufficient conditions for SR noise benefits in Neyman-Pearson and other signal detection problems with inequality cost constraints. An upper bound limits the number of iterations that the algorithm requires to find near-optimal noise. The appendix presents the proofs of the main results.
Dynamic Range of Frequency Modulated Direct-Detection Analog Fiber Optic Links

A frequency modulated (FM) analog optical link using an FM discriminator is analyzed. Figures-of-merit are derived, including expressions for the second-order (OIP2) and third-order intercept points (OIP3), spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) and noise figure (NF). It is found that a discriminator with linear field transmission and constant group delay will produce no third-order or higher-order distortions, and balanced detection will suppress the remaining second-order distortion. Low biasing the discriminator is found not to improve the NF of the link. Residual intensity modulation (IM) of the laser is shown to significantly increase the link's distortion. A discriminator using tenth-order finite-impulse response (FIR) filters implemented in planar lightwave circuits (PLC) is proposed and shown to improve OIP3 by 31 dB over a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) discriminator.
Microstructure and transport properties of epitaxial topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films grown on MgO (100), Cr2O3 (0001), and Al2O3 (0001) templates

We report the epitaxial integration of defect-induced room temperature ferromagnetic insulators, Cr2O3 and MgO, with topological insulators Bi2Se3 on c-sapphire substrate by pulsed laser deposition. The structural, magnetic, and magnetotransport properties of ∼15 nm Bi2Se3 thin films are investigated on each template. The lattice misfits of Cr2O3/Bi2Se3 and MgO/Bi2Se3 are ∼16% and ∼39%, respectively, where the critical thickness for pseudomorphic growth is less than one monolayer. The insulating behavior is more pronounced due to the additional scattering of the surface states of the Bi2Se3 layer by interfacing with MgO and Cr2O3. The weak antilocalization effect from the surface states is clearly suppressed, accounting for the presence of magnetic bottom layers. This work demonstrates an effective way to study the emergence of a ferromagnetic phase in topological insulators by the magnetic proximity effect in Bi2Se3, a step toward unveiling their exotic properties.
Doping- and irradiation-controlled pinning of vortices in BaFe 2 (As 1-x P x ) 2 single crystals

We report on the systematic evolution of vortex pinning behavior in isovalent doped single crystals of BaFe${}_{2}$(As${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$P${}_{x}$)${}_{2}$. Proceeding from optimal doped to overdoped samples, we find a clear transformation of the magnetization hysteresis from a fishtail behavior to a distinct peak effect, followed by a reversible magnetization and Bean-Livingston surface barriers. Strong point pinning dominates the vortex behavior at low fields whereas weak collective pinning determines the behavior at higher fields. In addition to doping effects, we show that particle irradiation by energetic protons can tune vortex pinning in these materials.
Protestant Missionaries in the Levant: Ungodly Puritans, 1820–60

Samir Khalaf's Protestant Missionaries in the Levant is a welcome addition to the small body of literature on American missionaries in nineteenth-century Ottoman Syria. (In the nineteenth-century c...
Mice selectively bred for high- or low-alcohol-induced locomotion exhibit differences in dopamine neuron function.

Elevated sensitivity to the euphoric or stimulant effects of ethanol is associated with higher levels of alcohol use in some human populations. Midbrain dopamine neurons are thought to be important mediators of both ethanol reward and locomotor stimulation. Patch-clamp recordings were used to examine the electrical properties of dopamine neurons in a genetic model of heightened (FAST) and reduced (SLOW) sensitivity to the locomotor-activating effects of ethanol. Pacemaker firing of dopamine neurons was faster in FAST than SLOW mice, as was the current density through IH channels. Acute administration of ethanol accelerated the firing of dopamine neurons to a greater extent in recordings from FAST than SLOW mice. Dopamine neurons from FAST mice also exhibited reduced GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic input, compared with SLOW mice. The results suggest that dopamine neuron IH channels, firing rate, and GABAergic input may play a role in sensitivity to the locomotor activation observed at early time points after ethanol administration and could underlie differences in sensitivity to alcohol relevant to risk for alcohol abuse.
Molecular Analyses of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells

Recent work from our group and others has argued that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) generated by the introduction of four viruses bearing reprogramming factors differ from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) at the level of gene expression (Chin et al., 2009). Many of the differences seen were common across independent labs and, at least to some extent, are thought to be a result of residual expression of donor cell-specific genes (Chin et al., 2009; Ghosh et al., 2010; Marchetto et al., 2009). Two new reports reanalyze similar expression data sets as those used in Chin et al. (2009) and come to different conclusions (Newman and Cooper, 2010; Guenther et al., 2010). We compare various approaches to perform gene expression meta-analysis that all support our original conclusions and present new data to demonstrate that polycistronic delivery of the reprogramming factors and extended culture brings hiPSCs transcriptionally closer to hESCs.
Computation of the nonlinear Nyquist robust stability margin for structured uncertainties

The critical direction theory for analyzing the robustness of uncertain feedback systems is extended to include nonlinear elements in the closed loop, making the approach applicable to a wider class of systems. A redefinition of the critical perturbation radius is introduced, preserving key properties of the original theory. Necessary and sufficient conditions for robust stability are developed, and the case of real affine parametric uncertainties is treated in detail. An example is presented to illustrate the theory.
Characterization of the Sialokinin I gene encoding the salivary vasodilator of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

Abstract The gene encoding sialokinin I, the principal vasodilatory peptide of Aedes aegypti, has been isolated and characterized. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on peptide amino acid sequence were used to amplify a gene fragment from messenger RNA (mRNA) isolated from female salivary glands. The amplification product was used to probe a salivary gland complementary DNA (cDNA) library, and a number of corresponding cDNAs were isolated and their primary sequence determined. Analysis of the conceptual translation product of a 406-bp cDNA indicates that sialokinin I is expressed as a preprosialokinin and is subsequently post-translationally processed to the active peptide. Northern analysis revealed a 490-bp transcription product expressed exclusively in female salivary glands, and hybridization in situ of probes to RNA in whole tissues localized gene expression to the medial lobe of female salivary glands. Screening of an Ae. aegypti genomic library with the cDNA resulted in the isolation of a clone containing the gene, designated Sialokinin I (Sia I). Comparison of the cDNA with the genomic clone reveals two introns of 62 bp and 833 bp. Primer extension analysis showed that several transcription initiation sites are present. Southern analysis of genomic DNA shows that Sia I is most probably a single-copy gene. Similarities of the Sia I gene product with other genes are confined to the region encoding the active decapeptide.
No Surfing Allowed: A Review and Analysis of Legislation Prohibiting Employers from Demanding Access to Employees’ and Job Applicants’ Social Media Accounts

This article examines recent state legislation prohibiting employers from requesting username and password information from employees and job applicants in order to access restricted portions of those employees’ and job applicants’ personal social media accounts. This article raises the issue of whether this legislation is even needed, from both practical and legal perspectives, focusing on: (a) how prevalent the practice is of requesting employees’ and job applicants’ social media access information; (b) whether alternative laws already exist which prohibit employers from requesting employees’ and job applicants’ social media access information; and (c) whether any benefits can be derived from this legislative output. After analyzing the potential impact of this legislation on employees, job applicants, and employers, this article concludes that such legislation is but an answer seeking a problem and raises more questions than it answers.
Thulium Fiber Laser Ablation of Urinary Stones Through Small-Core Optical Fibers

Complications during laser lithotripsy include optical fiber bending failure resulting in endoscope damage and low irrigation rates leading to poor visibility. Both problems are related to fiber diameter and limited by the holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser (lambda = 2120 nm) multimode beam profile. This study exploits the thulium fiber laser (lambda = 1908 nm) beam profile for higher power transmission through smaller fibers. Thulium fiber laser radiation with 1 ms pulse duration, pulse rates of 10-30 Hz, and 70-mu m-diameter spot was coupled into silica fibers with 100, 150, and 200 mum core diameters. Fiber transmission, bending, and endoscope irrigation tests were performed. Damage thresholds for 100, 150, and 200 mum fibers averaged 40, 60, and > 80 W, respectively. Irrigation rates measured 35, 26, and 15 mL/min for no fiber, and 100 and 200 mum fibers. Thulium fiber laser energy of 70 mJ delivered at 20 Hz through a 100 mum fiber resulted in vaporization and fragmentation rates of 10 and 60 mg/min for uric acid stones. The thulium fiber laser beam profile provides higher laser power through smaller fibers than Ho:YAG laser, potentially reducing fiber failure and endoscope damage, and allowing greater irrigation rates for improved visibility.
Emx1-specific expression of foreign genes using "knock-in" approach.

Emx1 is a mouse homologue of the Drosophila homeobox gene empty spiracles. Its expression is limited to the neurons in developing and adult cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Because of the highly restricted expression pattern of the Emx1 gene, it would be quite desirable to characterize the promoter of the Emx1 for directing foreign gene expression in the transgenic mouse. We report here that we have achieved the Emx1-specific expression in transgenic mice by inserting the lacZ reporter and cre genes directly into the exon 1 of the Emx1 gene using embryonic stem (ES) cell technology. The distribution of the beta-galactosidase activity in the transgenic mice was consistent with the published results obtained using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that Cre protein was present in the cerebral cortex of the transgenic mice and was able to mediate loxP-specific recombination in vitro. The creation of this line of cre transgenic mice, and the demonstration that the insertion site located in the exon 1 of the Emx1 gene could render foreign genes a specific expression pattern restricted to the developing and adult cerebral cortex and hippocampus, should be conducive to further studies of the effect of a gene mutation or overexpression upon the development and plasticity of cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
Scalloped implant designs enhance interproximal bone levels.

Consecutively restored scalloped dental implants were evaluated radiographically and clinically. Radiographic evaluation of 16 two-piece scalloped implants and 9 one-piece scalloped implants revealed enhanced interproximal bone levels versus a nonscalloped conventional flat-top implant design. Based on the Jemt system for interproximal soft tissue level evaluation, 78% of the two-piece implants scored a 3 and 22% scored a 2, and 89% of the one-piece implants scored a 3 and 11% scored a 2. Enhanced interproximal tissue preservation from scalloped implant designs may lead to more predictable esthetic dental implant restorations in the anterior maxilla. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2007;27:9‐15.)
Multi-Pose Face Detection with Asymmetric Haar Features

In this paper we present a system for multi-pose face detection. Our system presents three main contributions. First, we introduce the use of asymmetric Haar features. Asymmetric Haar features provide a rich feature space, which allows to build classifiers that are accurate and much simpler than those obtained with other features. The second contribution is the use of a genetic algorithm to search efficiently in the extremely large parameter space of potential features. Using this genetic algorithm, we generate a feature set that allows to exploit the expressive advantage of asymmetric Haar features and is small enough to permit exhaustive evaluation. The third contribution is the application of a skin color-segmentation scheme to reduce the search space. Our system uses specialized detectors in different face poses that are built using AdaBoost and the C4.5 rule induction algorithm. Experimental results using the CMU profile test set and BioID frontal faces test set, in addition to our own multi-pose face test set, show that our system is competitive with other systems presented recently in the literature.
Did Floor-Crossing Alienate South African Voters? Evidence from Municipal Legislatures

Floor-crossing, the practice of defecting from one political party to join another, is common in democracies. While empirical research has answered a number of questions about the determinants of party switching and the motivations of party switchers, little is known about the consequences of floor-crossing in electoral democracies, especially for the voters who watch their elected representatives ‘switch uniforms’ in the middle of the game. From 2002 to 2008, floor-crossing was legal in South Africa and defections at all levels of government were numerous. Critics of the country's floor-crossing regime often speculated that rampant defections would drive voters away from the polls and undermine voters' trust and political engagement. This paper uses data cataloguing defections in municipal legislatures to assess the extent to which floor-crossing in South Africa may indeed have alienated voters. The paper finds strong evidence that floor-crossing may have suppressed voter turnout, at least in immediately...
Bruxism is significantly more prevalent among smokers

Original Article Ahlberg J, Savolainen A, Rantala M, Lindholm H, Kononen M. Reported bruxism and biopsychosocial symptoms: a longitudinal study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2004;32:307-11. Level of Evidence 3b Purpose The purpose of the study was to analyze the associations between self-reported bruxism and previously identified biopsychosocial symptom variables while controlling for age gender and tobacco use in a 24-month follow-up study of 30-50 year-old multi-professional media personnel. This article examines the relationship of smoking to self-reported bruxism. Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Twenty four-month longitudinal follow-up of a “randomly selected” subset of a cohort study; prospective case-control study, although it does not appear that this was the original design
A current and future look at the status of obesity research

3rd Annual Obesity Summit, London, UK, 14–16 April 2015 The 2015 Obesity Summit (14–16 April), London, UK, was attended by 140 delegates from around the world. The international representation reflected concern with obesity as a worldwide pandemic. Frontiers of current research on obesity in adults and children were presented. Recent research findings and advances in clinical practice were analyzed by international experts in discussion sessions. Presentations focused on educational strategies at micro and macro levels, encouragement of prevention through healthier lifestyles, and potential for treatment and prevention through individual and environmental changes. Common themes included the urgency to prevent and treat obesity given its prevalence, importance of cultural context for defining and addressing the problem, and the need for individualized multimodal approaches targeting genetic/physiological, parenting/family and community/social factors.
Prefixos relacionais em Jê e Karajá: um estudo histórico-comparativo

Este trabalho compara os chamados ‘prefixos relacionais’ em diferentes linguas do tronco Macro-Je, dando enfase especial as familias Je e Karaja. Prefixos relacionais, que marcam a contiguidade ou naocontiguidade do nucleo de um sintagma com relacao a seu determinante, ocorrem em pelo menos cinco das doze familias do tronco Macro-Je: Je, Bororo, Ofaye, Kariri (Rodrigues 1994) e Karaja (Ribeiro 1996). Tal mecanismo ocorre tambem em linguas Tupi e Karib (Rodrigues 1994), o que pode sugerir que sua presenca em diversas familias do tronco Macro-Je seja antes um fenomeno areal do que evidencia de origem genetica comum. A comparacao preliminar entre Karaja e Je que apresentamos aqui, no entanto, sugere que prefixos relacionais podem ser reconstruidos para a lingua ancestral comum as duas familias, corroborando, assim, a hipotese acerca da unidade genetica de pelo menos parte do tronco.
Performance Indicates Animal State of Being: A Cinderella Axiom?1

Abstract How should animal state of being (ASB) be assessed in production settings today? Some would base ASB assessment mostly on animal feelings. Although perhaps ideal in the ultimate, we cannot now objectively measure an animal’s feelings in the laboratory, let alone in a production setting. It is the interpretation of such observations of behavior patterns putatively indicative of negative feelings where the feelings approach is still wanting as to its practical usefulness on farms and ranches. Therefore, others advocate more objectively measurable animal-performance traits as more valid indicators of ASB today. The reasons for this are the following: what cannot be measured cannot be managed; we can directly, objectively measure productive and reproductive performance but not feelings (e.g., suffering); and performance reductions are early, sensitive indicators that ASB is being compromised. It is proposed to emphasize animal performance more, and a performance axiom is proposed: For a constitutionally fit animal of any kind, in the continuing absence of an adequate scientifically informed understanding of its conscious feelings, the best single set of measurable—hence, manageable—indicators of that animal’s state of being will be its rates of productive and reproductive performance relative to its predicted potential to perform. Feed-conversion efficiency, interindividual variation in performance, body condition index, and rates of culling, morbidity, and mortality also will provide valuable information on animal state of being. To strengthen ASB assessment, the community of animal-welfare scientists should be affirmatively enlarged to include more people specializing in state-indicative animal traits in addition to behavioral and cognitive ones.
Investigating the Role of Being a Mentor as a Way of Increasing Interest in CS

In order to affect career decisions, it is important to reach youth at early ages. While some have focused on using mentors in order to successfully teach mentees, few have focused on the benefits to the mentors themselves. To our knowledge, no other research has been conducted on the effect that serving as a near-peer mentor has on increasing the mentors' interest, self-efficacy, value-beliefs, and skills in computer science. Our paid mentorships provided youth two weeks of participation in computer science camps using App Inventor. The mentors in our pilot study increased self-efficacy and interest after the mentoring activity, on average. This all-female mentoring experience provided opportunities to transcend barriers such as negative stereotyping and lack of role models. We feel that being able to reach high school girls at a critical stage makes this pedagogical approach ideal. The positive results, even with the short duration of the intervention, are encouraging.
Studies of Ring-Opening Reactions of Styrene Oxide by Chromium Tetraphenylporphyrin Initiators. Mechanistic and Stereochemical Considerations

Chromium(III) tetraphenylporphyrin chloride, TPPCrCl, in the presence of bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride, PPN+Cl–, is shown to react catalytically with styrene oxide, SO, under various conditions to lead to poly(styrene oxide), PSO, poly(styrene carbonate), PSC, styrene carbonate, SC, poly(styrene succinate), PSS, and β-hydroxyester. The stereochemical consequences of the ring-opening event in this coordination catalysis have been investigated by NMR spectroscopy, polarimetry, and chiral HPLC, employing both rac- and R-SO. The ring-opening event occurs by attack at both the methylene and methine carbons and nucleophilic attack at the methine occurs preferentially with inversion. These findings concerning coordinate catalysis are compared with the more common ring-opening reactions in organic chemistry and the recent report on the cobalt-catalyzed formation of PSC by Darensbourg and co-workers.
Water-processable laponite/polyaniline/graphene oxide nanocomposites for energy applications.

Graphene–polyaniline (GP) nanocomposites have demonstrated remarkable ability as supercapacitive materials and are typically synthesized via chemical reduction of graphene oxide/polyaniline (GOP) precursors. We report the formation of novel nanomaterials combining GOP nanocomposites with Laponite nanodisks. Host–guest interactions within GOP systems were studied with and without Laponite nanoparticle templating agents. Incorporating Laponite clay into the composite synthesis enhances aqueous dispersibility as well as facilitates the casting of homogeneous films. Structural and morphological characterization confirmed porous heterointerfaces and control of polymer and nanoclay loading. These results may enable the development of flexible supercapacitive and solar nanocomposites with improved device utility, water dispersibility, and film processability. We demonstrate that these films can be easily cast and that the composites maintain their electrical transport properties.
The Mailed Questionnaire in Panel Research: Some Empirical Obserations

This study attempts to add to the slowly growing body of knowledge related to panel survey methodology and the mailed questionnaire. The panel of respondents was based on a stratified sample from urban and metropolitan counties. Two sets of data were collected by mail relating to: (1) willingness to serve on a political survey panel, and (2) panel fatigue. Then the nonrespondents from the firstand second-wave mailings were interviewed to determine the reasons for their nonresponse or "fatigue." This content downloaded from 157.55.39.104 on Sat, 18 Jun 2016 07:06:27 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms MAILED QUESTIONNAIRE IN PANEL RESEARCH 137 An important finding of this study is that panel fatigue is not affected by the political nature of the mailed questionnaire. It might then follow that low cost yet valid sets of data might be collected by first establishing a panel of respondents for a political survey by personal interview and making subsequent contacts with the mailed questionnaire. T he panel study contains the promise of becoming an increasingly important tool of research due to its potential for indicating the dynamics of change. As secondand third-wave interviews are instigated, however, problems of efficiency and efficacy increase accordingly. Not only is measurement error amplified, but cost of completed sets goes up drastically. The mailed questionnaire used with the panel technique, thus becomes an important possibility for solving the cost problems if the measurement difficulties can be reduced or circumvented. Although much of the literature about the mailed questionnaire is concerned primarily with investigating the most rewarding techniques for successful utilization thereof, some recent,research delves into the problem of measurement validity. One study shows that mailed questionnaires will produce substantially equal results as do structured interviews under certain conditions (Knudsen, 1967), while another, more recent study specifies one highly important condition to be "a relatively homogeneous group" (Gibson and Hawkins, 1968). If the mailed questionnaire can be utilized under homogeneous conditions of issue orientation or belief patterns, we must next ask whether it can be utilized under conditions where the population is relatively nonhomogeneous. In addressing ourselves to these questions, we were initially concerned with the factors associated with willingness to answer the first questionnaire, and the subsequent unwillingness of some members to continue as panel members once they had al,ready responded, i.e., panel fatigue. Hopefully, we would be able to identify the parameters of flexibility in utilizing this technique by locating the source of differential response rates. More specifically, a major question was whether the fatigue rate would vary with the politicalnonpolitical nature of the questionnaire.
An algorithm for computingSU(n) invariants

An algorithm and its computer implementation for calculating the values of three types of invariants in any irreducible representation ofSU(n) are described. It is not necessary to calculate the structure constants or the matrix elements of generators. Computing times forn≦10 are quite reasonable.
Using an Advance Organizer Guided Behavior Matrix to Support Teachers’ Problem Solving in Classroom Behavior Management

This study investigated the design and impact of a matrix-aided performance system (MAPS) to support teachers' performance in developing intervention strategies for classroom behavior management. T...