cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corneal aldehyde dehydrogenases: Multiple functions and novel nuclear localization

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) represent a superfamily of NAD(P)(+)-dependent enzymes which catalyze the oxidation of a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes to their corresponding acids. Some ALDHs have been identified as corneal crystallins and thereby contribute to the protective and refractive properties of the cornea. ALDH3A1 is highly expressed in the cornea of most mammals with the exception of rabbit that abundantly expresses ALDH1A1 in the cornea instead of ALDH3A1. In this study, we examined the gene expression of other ALDHs and found high messenger levels of ALDH1B1, ALDH2 and ALDH7A1 in mouse cornea and lens. Substantial evidence supports a protective role for ALDH3A1 and ALDH1A1 against ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced oxidative damage to ocular tissues. The mechanism by which this protection occurs includes UVR filtering, detoxification of reactive aldehydes generated by UVR exposure and antioxidant activity. We recently have identified ALDH3A1 as a nuclear protein in corneal epithelium. Herein, we show that ALDH3A1 is also found in the nucleus of rabbit keratocytes. The nuclear presence of ALDH3A1 may be involved in cell cycle regulation.
Anomalous edge transport in the quantum anomalous Hall state.

We predict by first-principles calculations that thin films of a Cr-doped (Bi,Sb)2Te3 magnetic topological insulator have gapless nonchiral edge states coexisting with the chiral edge state. Such gapless nonchiral states are not immune to backscattering, which would explain dissipative transport in the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) state observed in this system experimentally. Here, we study the edge transport with both chiral and nonchiral states by the Landauer-Buttiker formalism and find that the longitudinal resistance is nonzero, whereas Hall resistance is quantized to h/e2. In particular, the longitudinal resistance can be greatly reduced by adding an extra floating probe even if it is not used, while the Hall resistance remains at the quantized value. We propose several transport experiments to detect the dissipative nonchiral edge channels. These results will facilitate the realization of pure dissipationless transport of QAH states in magnetic topological insulators.
Climate variability and conflict risk in East Africa, 1990–2009

Recent studies concerning the possible relationship between climate trends and the risks of violent conflict have yielded contradictory results, partly because of choices of conflict measures and modeling design. In this study, we examine climate–conflict relationships using a geographically disaggregated approach. We consider the effects of climate change to be both local and national in character, and we use a conflict database that contains 16,359 individual geolocated violent events for East Africa from 1990 to 2009. Unlike previous studies that relied exclusively on political and economic controls, we analyze the many geographical factors that have been shown to be important in understanding the distribution and causes of violence while also considering yearly and country fixed effects. For our main climate indicators at gridded 1° resolution (∼100 km), wetter deviations from the precipitation norms decrease the risk of violence, whereas drier and normal periods show no effects. The relationship between temperature and conflict shows that much warmer than normal temperatures raise the risk of violence, whereas average and cooler temperatures have no effect. These precipitation and temperature effects are statistically significant but have modest influence in terms of predictive power in a model with political, economic, and physical geographic predictors. Large variations in the climate–conflict relationships are evident between the nine countries of the study region and across time periods.
In-vitro binding of morphactins and 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid in corn coleoptiles and their effects on auxin transport

Utilizing the specific binding of radioactive 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to a particulate fraction of corn coleoptiles, a series of NPA and morphactin analogues were tested for competition with the NPA binding site. Competition for this binding site was found for NPA itself, chloro-1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid and dichloro-1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid, to about the same degree. 1-N-phenylphthalamic acid and 4-chloro-1-N-phenylphthalamic acid were less active, and 1-N-naphthylphthalimide did not compete for the NPA binding site Morphactins were found to compete for the NPA site as well; the free fluorenol acids, 2-chloro-9-hydroxylflorene-9-carboxylate and 9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate, compete better for the NPA binding site than n-butyl-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (Bu-HFC), methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (Me-Cl-HFC) and methyl-2,7-dichloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (Me-diCl-HFC). The inhibition of NPA binding has the characteristics of a competitive inhibition when examined in double-reciprocal plots.
Effect of spin diffusion on spin torque in magnetic nanopillars

We present systematic magnetoelectronic measurements of magnetic nanopillars with different structures of polarizing magnetic layers. The magnetic reversal at small magnetic field, the onset of magnetic dynamics at larger field, and the magnetoresistance exhibit a significant dependence on the type of the polarizing layer. We performed detailed quantitative modeling showing that the differences are caused by the effects of spin-dependent electron diffusion.
Inhibition of Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation with a class of TAGE-triazole conjugates

A chemically diverse library of TAGE-triazole conjugates was synthesized utilizing click chemistry on the TAGE scaffold. This library of small molecules was screened for anti-biofilm activity and found to possess the ability of inhibiting biofilm formation against Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. One such compound in this library demonstrated the most potent inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation that has been displayed by any 2-aminoimidazole derivative.
Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic comparison of endothelial cell-Descemet's membrane proteins in Fuchs' dystrophy and normal corneas

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to compare the proteins isolated from the combined corneal endothelial cell-Descemet's membrane complex of three pairs of corneas with Fuchs' dystrophy with three pairs of normal corneas. Normal or Fuchs' dystrophy endothelium and Descemet's membrane was documented by pathologic analysis of each cornea. Proteins were separated by isoelectric point in the first dimension and molecular weight in the second dimension. Over 300 proteins were resolved from each sample, and similar patterns were noted in both groups. No consistent differences were detected between the corneas with Fuchs' dystrophy and the normal corneas. Allelic variations of some proteins were detected in both groups.
Security Enhancement of Hand Geometry Scanners Using Optical Blood Flow Detection

In today's security conscious society the efficiency of biometric systems has an increasing tendency to replace the classic but less effective keys and passwords. Hand geometry readers are popular biometrics used for acces control and time and attendance applications. One of their weaknesses is vulnerability to spoofing using fake hands (latex, play-doh or dead-hands). The object of this paper is to design a feature to be added to the hand geometry scanner in order to detect vitality in the hand, reducing the possibilities for spoofing. This paper demonstrates how the hand reader was successfully spoofed and shows the implementation of the vitality detection feature through an inexpensive but efficient electronic design. The method used for detection is photo-plethysmography. The Reflectance Sensor built is of original conception. After amplifying, filtering and processing the sensor's signal, a message is shown via an LCD display, concerning the liveness of the hand and the pulse rate.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the distribution of running times of certain integer factoring algorithms

Abstract There are several algorithms for computing the prime decomposition of integers whose running times essentially depend on the size of the second largest prime factor of the input. For several such algorithms, we give uniform estimates for the number of inputs n with 1 ≤ n ≤ x for which the algorithm will halt in at most t steps. As a consequence we derive the best known lower bound for the number of integers n ≤ x that can be completely factored in random polynomial time.
Durability of infliximab dose intensification in Crohn's disease.

Dose intensification is a common approach to treat Crohn’s disease (CD) patients who lose response to infliximab maintenance therapy. Few studies have reported upon its long-term efficacy or predictors of response. The goal of this study is to investigate durability and predictors of response to dose intensification—including method of dose intensification, combination immunomodulator therapy, and premedication with intravenous hydrocortisone. We performed a retrospective study of dose-intensified CD patients at our institution. Dose intensification was defined as an increase in dose from 5 to 10 mg/kg, an increase in frequency of infusions from every 8 weeks to every 6 weeks or less, or both an increase in dose and frequency. Thirty CD patients (mean age, 39.9 years) met study criteria and underwent dose intensification. Ten (33.3%) patients remained on dose intensification at the end of our study or returned to their former infliximab dose or schedule (median follow-up, 41 months). Fourteen patients (46.7%) eventually lost response to dose intensification, but dose intensification extended infliximab therapy by a median duration of 9 months. Six patients (20%) didn’t respond to dose intensification. Neither method of dose intensification, combination immunomodulator therapy, nor premedication with intravenous hydrocortisone predicted initial or durable response to dose intensification. However, analysis of predictors was limited by the small sample size of our study. The majority of CD patients respond to dose intensification, and a substantial portion will experience durable response such that infliximab therapy is successfully extended by one or more years.
Aeroelastic Wing Shaping Control Subject to Actuation Constraints.

This paper considers the control of coupled aeroelastic aircraft model which is configured with Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap (VCCTEF) system. The relative deflection between two adjacent flaps is constrained and this actuation constraint is accounted for when designing an effective control law for suppressing the wing vibration. A simple tuned-mass damper mechanism with two attached masses is used as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of vibration suppression with confined motion of tuned masses. In this paper, a dynamic inversion based pseudo-control hedging (PCH) and bounded control approach is investigated, and for illustration, it is applied to the NASA Generic Transport Model (GTM) configured with VCCTEF system.
Political Freedom, Political Instability, and Policy Uncertainty: A Study of Political Institutions and Private Investment in Developing Countries

This paper examines whether democracy and other major characteristics of political institutions have any significant consequences for private investment. I isolate three political determinants that may affect property rights and private investment: political freedom, political instability, and policy uncertainty. The major findings in this paper can be characterized as follows: Political freedom promotes private investment, particularly through the channel of improving human capital formation. Political instability, as measured by the variability of political freedom, has a negative effect on private investment. Finally, policy uncertainty, as measured by the variability of government capacity, adversely affects private investment. These findings have been tested rigorously through using variables controlling for both domestic and international conditions.
Tourism in sub-Saharan Africa: production–consumption nexus

There has been a growing academic interest in tourism in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as reflected in some relatively recent research and scholarship on the region (Backman & Nzuki, 2011a, 2011b; Diek...
Convergence of a class of efficient quadrature-based predictor-corrector methods for root-finding

In this paper we analyze a class of predictor-corrector techniques for root-finding that are derived from quadrature methods. They are found to have a rate of convergence of 1 + 2 regardless of the degree of precision for the quadrature technique from which they are derived, provided it is at least one. By using previously-evaluated quantities in the predictor step, they require fewer functional evaluations than the standard class of techniques. This class is found to be superior to the standard class provided that the quantity of knots from the quadrature is 1 ≤ m ≤ 3 , with the optimal method being that derived from the Midpoint Method.
Kinetics of the Alkaline Hydrolysis of High Explosives RDX and HMX in Aqueous Solution and Adsorbed to Activated Carbon

Aqueous alkaline hydrolysis of bulk quantities and wastewater contaminated with high explosives is a promising technology for treatment and disposal of the worldwide surplus of munitions. We investigated the hydrolysis kinetics of the high explosives hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) for temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 °C and in the pH range from 10 to 12. The experimental data were described using a pseudo-first-order model with subsequent calculation of second-order rate constants from experiments with excess hydroxide concentration. The temperature dependency of the rate constants was evaluated using the Arrhenius model. The activation energies were determined to be ERDX = 99.9 ± 1.9 kJ mol-1 and EHMX = 111.9 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1. The rate of HMX hydrolysis is much slower than the rate of RDX hydrolysis and may become rate limiting in the treatment of RDX/HMX mixtures. The alkaline hydrolysis of RDX yields 1.6 M NO2-, 1.5 M HCOO-, 0.1 ...
Pearls & Oy-sters: polycythemia vera presenting with ischemic strokes in multiple arterial territories.

Thrombosis is the presenting symptom in 20% of patients with polycythemia vera (PV); 70% of these thrombotic events are TIAs or strokes. The authors thank Larry Goldstein, MD, and Ellen Bennett, PhD, for critical review of the manuscript.
Self-Medication Hypothesis of Substance Use: Testing Khantzian's Updated Theory

Substance use research has been a salient focus for mental health professionals in recent years. Several organizations, including the American Psychological Association, have been pressing for more substance use research, particularly clinically relevant, theory-based investigations. However, there are few theories of substance use, and even fewer with scientific support. One theory is the Self Medication Hypothesis by Khantzian (1977, 1974), a theory with 30 years of research. However, recent modifications in Khantzian's theory (1999) have not been properly tested. Specifically, two areas require further investigation: Khantzian's belief that more negative affect should be related directly to more substance use, and expanding the number of affective states examined, including alexithymia, to better operationalize Khantzian's belief that several painful and ambiguous forms of affect may be implicated in the self-medicating process. The current study assessed anxiety, depression, hostility and alexithymia levels in 70 methadone maintenance treatment patients. Results indicated that affective measures did not have the expected relationship with reported substance use. The authors advocate for the exploration of multiple factors, not merely emotional regulation, in the variability of substance use.
CALCIUM CARBONATE SATURATION IN SEAWATER: EFFECTS OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER1

Surface seawater is generally supersaturated with CaCO3; but carbonate will not precipitate from natural seawater in convenient experimental times. If the supersaturation is increased by the addition of Ca2+ or CO32− ions, precipitation can occur in minutes or hours. Seawater, with 0.1 m Na2CO3 solution added to give a pH of 9.5, will begin rapid CaCO3 (aragonite) precipitation in as little as 15 min. The length of time between the addition of the Na2CO3 and rapid precipitation increases with an increase in the dissolved organic content of the water. If CaCl2, which produces no pH increase, is added to seawater, CaSO4·2H2O (gypsum) is the only precipitate that will form within 12 hr.
Neuronal regulation and function of natriuretic peptide receptor C

The neuromodulatory effect of natriuretic peptides is probably the best example of a whole organ response mediated by natriuretic peptide C receptors (NPR-Cs). Both NPR-C specific agonists and ablation experiments utilizing NPR-C specific antibodies or antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated the essential signaling role of the NPR-C in these neuromodulatory responses. Our most recent studies utilize peptides representing the NPR-C intracellular region to elucidate the specific signaling region of the NPR-C. These studies have identified an inhibitory influence of NPR-C on adrenergic neurotransmission by a calcium-dependent process.
Intrapopulational variation of ejaculate traits and sperm depletion in red-sided garter snakes

Female sexual promiscuity is a prevalent element of mating systems. One consequence of female sexual promiscuity is that male-male competition often continues post-copulation within the female's reproductive tract. According to theory, the number of sperm a male inseminates relative to his rivals strongly predicts his fertilization success. However, sperm quality is also important, especially when males are sperm limited and female sperm storage is prevalent. In this study, we examined intrapopulational variation in sperm numbers and ejaculate quality (sperm mobility) in male red-sided garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis, and determined whether these traits varied with male body size and condition over successive matings. We obtained sperm by dissolving copulatory plugs collected from natural matings, which enabled us to also test whether males allocated more sperm to larger, more fecund females. We found significant variation in ejaculate quality among males and that small males transferred as many sperm as large males. Total sperm numbers declined significantly from a male's first to second ejaculate suggesting that males may become significantly sperm depleted across successive matings. The mass of the relatively sperm-free posterior portion of the copulatory plug that remained after liberation of sperm was correlated with copulation duration. Males copulated longer with larger females; however, longer copulation durations did not correlate with total sperm. Thus, males may allocate more copulatory plug material to larger females to guard against her remating, instead of allocating more sperm.
Sprout I/O: a texturally rich interface

In this paper we describe Sprout I/O, a novel haptic interface for tactile and visual communication. Sprout I/O combines textiles and shape-memory alloys to create a soft and kinetic membrane with truly co-located input and output. We describe implementation details, the affordances made possible by the use of smart materials in human computer interaction and possible applications for this technology.
Effects of dexamethasone on induction of monocytic differentiation in human U‐937 cells by dimethylsulfoxide

The present studies demonstrate that dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) treatment of human U-937 myelomonocytic leukemia cells is associated with induction of monocytic differentiation. The DMSO-induced U-937 monocytic phenotype was associated with 1) growth inhibition, 2) loss of clonogenic survival, 3) increases in alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (NSE) staining, and 4) increases in cell surface expression of the monocyte marker Mac-1. DMSO treatment of U-937 cells was also associated with down-regulation of c-myc and c-myb gene expression as well as with increases in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA levels. The results further demonstrate that induction of U-937 monocytic differentiation by DMSO is accompanied by increases in phospholipase A2 activity. Moreover, this stimulation of phospholipase A2 was sensitive to dexamethasone. We therefore studied the effects of dexamethasone on DMSO-induced differentiation of U-937 cells. Although dexamethasone had no effect on growth inhibition or loss of clonogenic survival by DMSO, this glucocorticoid blocked increases in NSE staining and cell surface Mac-1 expression. Dexamethasone also had no effect on the down-regulation of c-myc and c-myb expression but blocked the reappearance of c-myb transcripts after 6 hr of DMSO treatment. Finally, dexamethasone inhibited DMSO-induced increases in TNF gene expression. Taken together, the results demonstrate that dexamethasone inhibits multiple characteristics, including the stimulation of phospholipase A2 activity, associated with DMSO-induced monocytic differentiation of U-937 cells.
Quantitative K-Theory Related to Spin Chern Numbers ?

We examine the various indices defined on pairs of almost commuting unitary matrices that can detect pairs that are far from commuting pairs. We do this in two symmetry classes, that of general unitary matrices and that of self-dual matrices, with an emphasis on quantitative results. We determine which values of the norm of the commutator guarantee that the indices are defined, where they are equal, and what quantitative results on the distance to a pair with a different index are possible. We validate a method of computing spin Chern numbers that was developed with Hastings and only conjectured to be correct. Specifically, the Pfaffian{Bott index can be computed by the \log method" for commutator norms up to a specific constant.
Outcome of parastomal hernia repair with and without midline laparotomy.

Background Surgical options for parastomal hernia (PSH) repair are primary fascial, mesh repair, and relocation with or without midline laparotomy. Overall, recurrence rates are higher after fascial repairs than after relocation. However, stoma relocation may require a midline laparotomy with higher associated morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of PSH repair with relocation with or without a midline laparotomy.
Organization Effectiveness Measurement and Policy Research

The theoretical and empirical research literature on measurement of organization effectiveness reveals that empirical methodologies, developed primarily by psychologists and sociologists, do not adequately express the complexity of effectiveness measurement. This article suggests a more accurate methodology, cautions researchers about over-simplifying concepts of effectiveness and offers directions for future research.
Temperature effects on IGCT performance

The integrated gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT) is an advanced semiconductor device for high frequency, high power applications. This work presents a detailed discussion of experimental dynamic characteristics of IGCTs at ambient temperatures ranging from -40/spl deg/C to 50/spl deg/C. A lumped-charge physics-based IGCT model with full temperature response is also developed in this work. A chopper circuit with an inductive load is employed to test the IGCT switching behavior both experimentally and by simulation. Comparison between the experimental and simulation results is made and discrepancies are discussed.
Professional Practice: A Topic for Engineering Research and Instruction

Professional practice is considered as a much broader topic for inclusion in engineering curricula than traditionally associated with engineering design. Practicing engineers require a working knowledge of several non-engineering disciplines and must interact with people of a variety of backgrounds within a variety of organizational contexts. Engineers must develop the skills of problem solving and decision making for circumstances much broader than generally used in the engineering class room. Professional engineering practice in this broad context can be the subject of legitimate research and instruction. Case research methods are applicable to the exploratory study of engineering practice and the development of a knowledge base important to designing engineering curricula. Case instruction provides one method of dealing with topics at the boundaries of the engineering disciplines and in developing decision making skills that are fundamental to engineering practice. It is concluded that the engineering education community should explore new frameworks for research, instruction and the associated scholarship that address professional practice issues.
Natural resources, aid, and democratization: A best-case scenario

Natural resources and aid give dictators revenue to maintain power. Attempts are being made, therefore, to funnel these resources away from nondemocratic governments and toward their citizens. Using formal analysis and building on existing theories of democratization, I analyze the effects of such institutional solutions when they function perfectly (the best-case scenario). The models show that even with institutional safeguards, these resources diminish chances for democratization. In addition to their practical importance, the results have an important theoretical implication: the political resource curse may not be due to dictators' use of these resources, but simply to their existence in nondemocracies.
Cholesterol-derivatized polyurethane: Characterization and endothelial cell adhesion

Endothelialization of synthetic surfaces has been challenging with limited success thus far. We investigated the hypothesis that covalent attachment of cholesterol to polyurethane via the urethane nitrogen groups would create a high-affinity surface for attachment and adhesion of endothelial cells. Cholesterol was covalently bound to the polyether polyurethane, Tecothane®, by first derivatizing the polyurethane nitrogen groups with bromoalkyl side chains, followed by reacting mercapto-cholesterol to the bromoalkyl sites. Cholesterol-modified polyurethane demonstrated a qualitatively smoother surface per atomic force microscopy than nonmodified and increased surface energy (contact angle measurements) compared with unmodified polyurethane. Cell attachment assays showed a significantly greater number of attached bovine arterial endothelial cells (p = 0.0003) after 45 min of seeding on cholesterol-modified polyurethane versus unmodified polyurethane. Bovine arterial endothelial cells cultivated on cholesterol-modified Tecothane® showed significantly greater levels of cell retention compared with unmodified Tecothane® when exposed to arterial level shear stress for 2 h (25 dynes/cm2) with 90.0 ± 6.23% cells remaining adherent compared with unmodified polyurethane, 41.4 ± 11.7%, p = 0.0070. Furthermore, ovine endothelial precursors, obtained as blood outgrowth endothelial cells, were seeded on cholesterol-modified polyurethane and exposed to 25 dynes/cm2 shear conditions for 2 h, with the retention of 90.30 ± 3.25% of seeded cells versus unmodified polyurethane, which retained only 4.56 ± 0.85% (p < 0.001). It is concluded that covalently linking cholesterol to polyurethane results in improved material properties that permit increased endothelial cell retention compared with unmodified polyurethane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 200–212, 2005
Defining Managerial Problems: A Framework for Prescriptive Theorizing

Reflective problem solving activity presumes the existence of a problem definition or representation, often the precursor of a formal model. Although problem definition has been addressed by theorists from several disciplines, it has not been adequately conceptualized, limiting the potential value of descriptive and prescriptive research. This article places problem definition in the overall problem solving process and delineates the various ways in which problems are commonly defined. It identifies the central dilemma of problem definition and proposes a prescriptive framework responding to that dilemma.
Solutions of nonlinear matrix equations arising in nonlinear control theory. I

An attempt is made to establish the existence of solutions of nonlinear matrix equations of the form X(z)A(z)X(z)=X(z), where all matrices X(z), A(z) are holomorphic matrices. Such matrix equations arise in nonlinear control theory of nonlinear dynamical systems where A(z) is a given holomorphic matrix. Numerical methods of solutions of such nonlinear matrix equations are given. Use is made of parallel processing and supercomputers to carry out the numerical calculations of such problems. Examples of methods used for problems of the above type are given. >
Full complex transmission and reflection characterization of a Bragg grating in a single laser sweep

Using an all-fiber network and a tunable laser, all four complex response spectra (two transmission and two reflection) of a Bragg grating or any linear fiber optic component may be measured in less than ten seconds with a single laser sweep.
Gender disparity in engineering: Results and analysis from school counselors survey and national vignette

In an earlier paper by our group [1] we presented statistical analysis based on 30 years of ACT data illustrating gender disparity in engineering majors and career choices. Obtained results also revealed the presence of a large number of students who are interested in engineering but who may not be adequately prepared to pursue a successful career in this discipline. Because of the role of school counselors as “gate keepers” of both academic information and career planning options, further understanding of the role of school counselors in the longstanding gender disparity in the engineering field has been established as an important avenue for interventions to help reverse a continued declining trend of female participation in STEM related fields. This paper describes results of a survey that is specifically targeted school counselors and their knowledge of engineering and the social influences that may affect their guidance approach for female students. To help delve further into the attitudes of school counselors regarding the issue of gender disparity, a vignette was developed for national distribution, and results from this effort will also presented in this paper.
Novel Lead-Free Drape Applied to the X-Ray Detector Protects against Scatter Radiation in the Angiography Suite

Abstract Purpose To evaluate a sterile, disposable lead-free drape for reducing scatter radiation exposure during fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Materials and Methods Computer-aided design software was used to model a procedure room with a thoracic anthropomorphic phantom on the angiography table. Using this model, measurements of scatter radiation were made from the phantom before and after the application of the drape using a collimated and full field of view in low-output conditions (70 kVp, 48 mA) and high-output conditions (125 kVp, 156 mA). Transmission of x-rays through the drape and entrance exposure rates were also measured. Statistical significance was measured using a Student t test. Results Scatter radiation was attenuated throughout the procedure room when the drape was applied. The highest level of scatter radiation was detected in the expected position of the operator, adjacent to the phantom. Radioprotection by the drape was the greatest in this position: 71.5% attenuation at waist level and 89% at neck level ( P Conclusions The use of this drape significantly reduces scatter radiation in the procedure room; this effect is maximal in close proximity to the phantom.
THE CHANGES IN CHEMICAL COMPOSITION DURING DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOVINE NUCHAL LIGAMENT

Whole bovine nuchal ligaments, or portions thereof (in the case of commercially valuable animals), were obtained from 45 animals (28 fetal and 17 postnatal) ranging in age from 110 days of gestation to 10 yr. Insoluble elastin was quantitatively prepared from the fresh ligaments by extraction with hot alkali and by a combination of multiple extractions with alkaline buffer and then repeated autoclaving. When adult samples were examined, the yields of insoluble residue by these two methods were very similar, but with young fetal samples the second method gave significantly higher values, because of incomplete purification of the elastin residue. The changes in the concentration of collagen, alkali-insoluble elastin, and DNA have been examined. DNA concentration, and, thus, cell population density, fell progressively during the fetal period of development, to reach a steady value soon after birth. Collagen appeared in appreciable quantities before elastin, but its concentration was rapidly halved at about the time of birth. Insoluble elastin concentration was low until the end of the 7th fetal month, at which time it began to rise rapidly. The rate of increase in elastin concentration remained high throughout the next 10–12 wk, by which time the adult value had been reached. Quantitative studies, on the basis of the whole ligament, showed that the total cell content rises to a maximum at birth, but falls soon after to a level about half that at birth. Total collagen production and elastin deposition continue at a steady, maximal rate over the interval from 235 days of gestation to the end of the 1st postnatal month. It is concluded that the immediate postnatal period would be the most favorable phase in which to attempt the isolation of the soluble precursor elastin.
Editorial guidance and wildlife science: The roles of Wildlife Society Bulletin Authors, Associate Editors, and Reviewers

This essay began as a guidance document for Wildlife Society Bulletin (WSB) Associate Editors (AEs). Colleagues who reviewed an early draft mentioned that the manuscript also had important implications for Reviewers, so I revised it accordingly. More recently, since the early whitepaper version has circulated among AEs, Reviewers, and other people, numerous colleagues have suggested I revise the manuscript to include the role of Authors. This document is the outcome of that process.
Uncertainty Analysis by Dimension Reduction Integration and Saddlepoint Approximations

Uncertainty analysis, which assesses the impact of the uncertainty of input variables on responses, is an indispensable component in engineering design under uncertainty, such as reliability-based design and robust design. However, uncertainty analysis is an unaffordable computational burden in many engineering problems. In this paper, an uncertainty analysis method is proposed with the purpose of accurately and efficiently estimating the cumulative distribution function (CDF), probability density function (PDF), and statistical moments of a response given the distributions of input variables. The bivariate dimension reduction method and numerical integration are used to calculate the moments of the response; then saddlepoint approximations are employed to estimate the CDF and PDF of the response. The proposed method requires neither the derivatives of the response nor the search of the most probable point, which is needed in the commonly used first and second order reliability methods (FORM and SORM) and the recently developed first order saddlepoint approximation. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method is illustrated with three example problems. With the same computational cost, this method is more accurate for reliability assessment and much more efficient for estimating the full range of the distribution of a response than FORM and SORM. This method provides results as accurate as Monte Carlo simulation, with significantly reduced computational effort.
Insider Trading of Managers:Information Environments and Executive Role Groups

I examine the information asymmetry that exists between managers and shareholders. However, managers are not one homogeneous group. Information asymmetry may exist amongst managers as well. I test this hypothesis using the trades of different Executive Role Groups. I find that all managers do not trade the same, suggesting they experience a different information environment within the firm. By splitting executives into three groups, which parallels their relative positions in firm hierarchies, I document differences in purchase and sales behavior, controlling for ownership levels, firm and managerial attributes. By forming portfolios based on insider trades, these differences are born out in subsequent excess returns. Information asymmetry is likely to vary across firms in differently regulated environments or vary across time as new laws are implemented to increase disclosure. I find that reduced information asymmetry in more heavily regulated firms results in lower insider trading returns for managers as a whole. However, insiders are unequally affected by this information asymmetry with the senior and junior executives benefiting from information asymmetry while the middle role group (of predominantly financial experts) not apparently exploiting the information asymmetry.
Collective Complexity out of Individual Simplicity

The concept of Swarm Intelligence (SI) was first introduced by Gerardo Beni, Suzanne Hackwood, and Jing Wang in 1989 when they were investigating the properties of simulated, self-organizing agents in the framework of cellular robotic systems [1]. Eric Bonabeau, Marco Dorigo, and Guy Theraulaz extend the restrictive context of this early work to include “any attempt to design algorithms or distributed problem-solving devices inspired by the collective behavior of social insect colonies,” such as ants, termites, bees, wasps, “and other animal societies.” The abilities of such systems appear to transcend the abilities of the constituent individuals. In most biological cases studied so far, robust and capable high-level group behavior has been found to be mediated by nothing more than a small set of simple low-level interactions between individuals, and between individuals and the environment. The SI approach, therefore, emphasizes parallelism, distributedness, and exploitation of direct (agent-to-agent) or indirect (via the environment) local interactions among relatively simple agents.
A high-order staggered finite-element vertical discretization for non-hydrostatic atmospheric models

Abstract. Atmospheric modeling systems require economical methods to solve the non-hydrostatic Euler equations. Two major differences between hydrostatic models and a full non-hydrostatic description lies in the vertical velocity tendency and numerical stiffness associated with sound waves. In this work we introduce a new arbitrary-order vertical discretization entitled the staggered nodal finite-element method (SNFEM). Our method uses a generalized discrete derivative that consistently combines the discontinuous Galerkin and spectral element methods on a staggered grid. Our combined method leverages the accurate wave propagation and conservation properties of spectral elements with staggered methods that eliminate stationary (2Δx) modes. Furthermore, high-order accuracy also eliminates the need for a reference state to maintain hydrostatic balance. In this work we demonstrate the use of high vertical order as a means of improving simulation quality at relatively coarse resolution. We choose a test case suite that spans the range of atmospheric flows from predominantly hydrostatic to nonlinear in the large-eddy regime. Our results show that there is a distinct benefit in using the high-order vertical coordinate at low resolutions with the same robust properties as the low-order alternative.
The treatment of venous malformations with percutaneous sclerotherapy at a single academic medical center

PurposeWe report a retrospective analysis of venous malformation patients treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy, describing their clinical manifestations, therapeutic outcomes and procedural complications.Materials and methodsWe reviewed our Vascular Anomalies database for all patients who underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformation between January 2005 and July 2011 and retrieved 186 patients, out of which 116 were included in the final analysis. The majority of patients were treated using 100% alcohol (72%) and the rest were treated with <100% alcohol, Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate or combination of these therapies. The most common location was the lower extremity in 67 patients (58%), followed by the head and neck in 27 (23%) and the upper extremity in 11 (9%). Retrospective review of medical records was performed. Outcomes were classified on an improvement scale based on clinical therapeutic effects.ResultsTwo-hundred and forty-five sclerotherapy procedures were performed in 116 patient...
Carbon nanostructure-derived polyaniline metacomposites: electrical, dielectric, and giant magnetoresistive properties.

Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites incorporating different loadings of graphene and various other carbon nanostructures including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been synthesized using a surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicate that the graphene has been exfoliated into a few layers (typically one, two, and three layers) during polymerization and has been uniformly dispersed in the PANI matrix. The graphene layer dispersion degree is quantified by a free-path spacing measurement (FPSM) method based on the TEM microstructures. The SIP method also demonstrates its feasibility for coating PANI on one-dimensional (1D) CNFs and CNTs without introducing additional surface functional groups. The effects of graphene size, loading level, and surface functionality on the electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of their corresponding nanocomposites have been systematically studied. The temperature-dependent conductivit...
Biochemical genetic differences in vulnerability to drug effects: is statistically significant always physiologically important and vice versa?

The goal of biochemical genetic experiments, which are designed to better understand vulnerability to drug effects, is to determine variation in biochemical traits which can account for variation in behavioral and physiological efffects of drugs. Biochemical genetic experiments commonly span several distinct scientific disciplines and many different methodologies, both behavioral and biochemical. In most cases, biochemical genetic experiments involve at least three different levels of analysis, including sophisticated mathematical models of genetic inheritance, many behavioral
New Horizons Mission Design for the Pluto-Kuiper Belt Mission

As the first scientific reconnaissance mission to explore Pluto, the Pluto-Kuiper Belt mission will investigate the geology, surface composition, and atmosphere of Pluto and its moon Charon and visit one or more Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) positioned beyond Pluto’s orbit. This mission will be implemented by launching a spacecraft, called New Horizons, to fly by the Pluto-Charon system and to encounter the KBOs, using a Jupiter gravity assist trajectory. Its mission design currently maintains dual compatibility with two EELV-class launch vehicles – the Delta IV and Atlas V, as guided by NASA. Planned for launch in January 2006, New Horizons will arrive at Pluto as early as 2015 or 2016, depending on the launch vehicle. The Pluto encounter trajectory design allows for both solar and Earth occultations by Pluto and Charon and permits simultaneous access to the spacecraft from two Deep Space Network (DSN) stations during the Earth occultation. A backup mission design for launch in 2007 provides New Horizons a fallback option that reaches Pluto in July 2020.
Design and Fabrication of Composite Water-Cooled Turbine Nozzles

This paper presents an account of the mechanical design and the fabrication development required to produce the functional nozzle segment of a gas turbine generator operated with coal-derived fuels at a firing temperature of 2600°F (1426°C). The nozzle is water cooled by a closed loop system. It is constructed of a composite of materials which have been totally diffusion bonded by means of the Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process. Several segments have been made. These segments will be tested late in 1980.© 1982 ASME
Non-negative matrix analysis in X-ray spectromicroscopy: Choosing regularizers

In x-ray spectromicroscopy, a set of images can be acquired across an absorption edge to reveal chemical speciation. We previously described the use of non-negative matrix approximation methods for improved classification and analysis of these types of data. We present here an approach to find appropriate values of regularization parameters for this optimization approach.
Emergence and accumulation of novel pathogens suppress an invasive species

Emerging pathogens are a growing threat to human health, agriculture and the diversity of ecological communities but may also help control problematic species. Here we investigated the diversity, distribution and consequences of emerging fungal pathogens infecting an aggressive invasive grass that is rapidly colonising habitats throughout the eastern USA. We document the recent emergence and accumulation over time of diverse pathogens that are members of a single fungal genus and represent multiple, recently described or undescribed species. We also show that experimental suppression of these pathogens increased host performance in the field, demonstrating the negative effects of emerging pathogens on invasive plants. Our results suggest that invasive species can facilitate pathogen emergence and amplification, raising concerns about movement of pathogens among agricultural, horticultural, and wild grasses. However, one possible benefit of pathogen accumulation is suppression of aggressive invaders over the long term, potentially abating their negative impacts on native communities.
Dimensions of flow in academic and social activities among summer music camp participants

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of flow experiences among high school music students attending a two-week summer instrumental music camp. Specifically, the study sought ...
Follicular lymphoma: evolving therapeutic strategies

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Western hemisphere. After decades of stagnation, the natural history of FL appears to have been favorably impacted by the introduction of rituximab. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that the addition of rituximab to standard chemotherapy induction has improved the overall survival. Maintenance rituximab strategies can improve progression-free survival. Even chemotherapy platforms have changed in the past 5 years, as bendamustine combined with rituximab has rapidly become a standard frontline strategy in North America and parts of Europe. Recent discoveries have identified patients at high risk for poor outcomes to first-line therapy (m7-Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index [m7-FLIPI]) and for poor outcomes after frontline therapy (National LymphoCare Study). However, several unmet needs remain, including a better ability to identify high-risk patients at diagnosis, the development of predictive biomarkers for targeted agents, and strategies to reduce the risk of transformation. The development of targeted agents, exploiting our current understanding of FL biology, is a high research priority. A multitude of novel therapies are under investigation in both the frontline and relapsed/refractory settings. It will be critical to identify the most appropriate populations for new agents and to develop validated surrogate end points, so that novel agents can be tested (and adopted, if appropriate) efficiently.