cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical Students as Mentors of Latinx Youth: A Model for Increasing Cultural Competence and Community Engagement in Medical Schools

The rapid growth of the U.S. Latinx population has led to an increased need for community organizations and academic institutions to develop partnerships focused on addressing gaps in health maintenance and education of Latinx individuals. Medical schools also have a responsibility to educate future physicians in delivering culturally sensitive care through community-oriented learning experiences. This case study approach outlines the logistics of establishing a youth mentoring program between a medical school and a Latinx community and demonstrates the benefits to the institution, medical students, and the population served. We also discuss the challenges arising from this partnership and present early program evaluation data showing consistent mentor satisfaction reported over time. This description of the development of this program provides a framework for creating similar initiatives in medical education to address known disparities in health and well-being of Latinx individuals and other minority populations.
Improved antibody structure prediction by deep learning of side chain conformations

Antibody engineering is becoming increasingly popular in the medical field for the development of diagnostics and immunotherapies. Antibody function relies largely on the recognition and binding of antigenic epitopes via the loops in the complementarity determining regions. Hence, accurate high-resolution modeling of these loops is essential for effective antibody engineering and design. Deep learning methods have previously been shown to effectively predict antibody backbone structures described as a set of inter-residue distances and orientations. However, antigen binding is also dependent on the specific conformations of surface side chains. To address this shortcoming, we created DeepSCAb: a deep learning method that predicts inter-residue geometries as well as side chain dihedrals of the antibody variable fragment. The network requires only sequence as input, rendering our method particularly useful for antibodies without any known backbone conformations. Rotamer predictions use an interpretable self-attention layer, which learns to identify structurally conserved anchor positions across several species. We evaluate the performance of our model for discriminating near-native structures from sets of decoys and find that DeepSCAb outperforms similar methods lacking side chain context. When compared to alternative rotamer repacking methods, which require an input backbone structure, DeepSCAb predicts side chain conformations competitively. Our findings suggest that DeepSCAb improves antibody structure prediction with accurate side chain modeling and is adaptable to applications in docking of antibody-antigen complexes and design of new therapeutic antibody sequences.
Phase Retrieval-Based Coherent Receivers: Signal Design and Degrees of Freedom

Kramers-Kronig (KK) detection exploits properties of minimum-phase, single-sideband signals to recover the phase of a signal from its intensity. It offers many of the benefits of standard coherent detection, while not requiring a local oscillator, quadrature hybrid, or balanced photodiodes. Adding a carrier to a transmitted signal to render it minimum-phase, however, causes a power penalty for KK detection relative to standard coherent detection. We study the mutual information (MI) achieved by KK detection and the impact of signal and system design parameters, including excess bandwidth, carrier-to-signal power ratio, modulation order, probabilistic shaping, and chromatic dispersion, making comparisons to standard coherent detection and standard direct detection. We study the effective degrees of freedom for KK detection, confirming that it tends towards unity at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), supporting the classification of KK detection as coherent detection. At low SNR, however, KK detection is outperformed by standard direct detection in terms of MI per symbol. This study focuses on the fundamental performance of the detection methods under comparison, by numerically approximating ideal continuous-time signals and signal processing operations. The results and conclusions reported here will be constrained, in practice, by limitations of practical implementation, including those addressed in the Discussion section.
Fiber optic anemometer based on silicon Fabry-Pérot interferometer

Flowmeters have been finding vast applications in all kinds of industrial processes, such as process control, food quality surveillance, wind turbines, environment monitoring, etc. In this paper, we propose a new anemometer which consists of a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) implemented using a thin silicon mounted on the tip of an optical fiber. The anemometer takes advantage of the superior thermal and optical properties of silicon. Silicon is transparent to infrared wavelength, while it absorbs visible light. Thus, the silicon FPI can be heated by a beam injected from a red diode laser while the infrared signals go through it without any interference from the heating light. The heat loss from the silicon film will increase when the sensor is placed in stronger flow (wind), which induces a decrease in the optical path of the silicon FPI, which lead to blueshifts the output spectrum. A higher wind speed corresponds to a larger wavelength shift. By tuning the heating power, the response range and sensitivity of the anemometer is changed. Experimental results demonstrate that a wavelength shift -0.574 nm was observed for a wind speed of 4 m/s. Better sensitivity is to be expected when stronger heating applied. The proposed sensor also features simple structure, low cost and fast response.
Generation and Detection of Subpoissonian Fields in Micromasers

Subpoissonian fields, and in particular number states of the electromagnetic field, exhibit intensity fluctuations below the classical limit. The last few years have witnessed considerable interest in the generation of such states. To our knowledge, the first observation of subpoissonian fields was performed by Short and Mandel1 in single-atom resonance fluorescence, following a prediction of Carmichael and Walls.2 More recently, Saleh and Teich3 and Walker and Jakeman4 have produced subpoissonian fields by using antibunched electron sources and detection-event-triggered deadtimes in light beams, respectively. An important technological breakthrough was achieved by Machida et al,5 who demonstrated subpoissonian (or intensity squeezed) fields in a pump-noisesuppressed semiconductor laser. This method is closely related to the generation of subpoissonian light in a micromaser6 as well as to the recent proposal of a squeezed-pump laser by Marte and Walls.7 High number states of the electromagnetic field were recently generated by Walther8 following a prediction by Filipowicz et al.9
Hyperspectral Imaging for Defect Detection of Pickling Cucumbers

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the application of hyperspectral imaging for defect detection in pickling cucumbers. Many pickling cucumber processors are currently using machine vision systems in their lines for sorting cucumbers on the basis of size, shape, and color. The systems are not designed for detection of external or internal damage in cucumbers; therefore, they are incapable of detecting bruise damage in pickling cucumbers in the form of water soak lesions, carpel separation, or hollow center. With the stringent quality control requirements, the presence of external and/or internal defect can lead to rejection and make the processor liable for economic loss. Studies on the application of hyperspectral imaging for detection of defects in pickling cucumbers show a potential to use the technology in commercial lines. The simultaneous hyperspectral reflectance and transmittance imaging system can simplify the operation and reduce costs by having multiple inspections (size, shape, color, external, and internal bruise) in one station. However, further research is needed to make the technology applicable in the industry. While hyperspectral data are rich in information, processing the hyperspectral data poses several challenges regarding computation speed requirements, information redundancy removal, relevant information identification, and modeling accuracy. Hyperspectral imaging studies are often conducted as a precursor to the design of a multispectral imaging system using 3–4 wavebands for real-time applications.
Tauists and βaptists United--Well Almost!

Controversy still rages over which of the two hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid plaques and tau tangles, is the primary cause of neurodegeneration in the brain. As many suspected and as [Lee][1] points out in her Perspective, the two pathologies are not separate processes. New work ([ Lewis et al .][2], [ GA¶tz et al .][3]) in transgenic mice shows that amyloid-b deposits influence the formation of tau tangles in areas of the brain known to be affected in AD. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/293/5534/1446 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/293/5534/1487 [3]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/293/5534/1491
Evidence that adaptation of suppression cannot account for auditory enhancement or enhanced forward masking.

Delaying the onset of a signal relative to the onset of a sim ultaneous notched masker often improves the ability of listeners to ‘hear o u t’ the signal at both threshold and suprathreshold levels. Viemeister & Bacon ( J. acoust. Soc. Am. , 71, 1502-1507 (1982)) suggested th at such auditory enhancement effects could be accounted for if the suppression produced by the masker on the signal frequency adapted, thereby releasing the signal from suppression. In support of their hypothesis, Viemeister & Bacon reported that a masker preceded by an enhancer having no com ponent at the signal frequency produced more forward masking than did the masker by itself. Here evidence is provided from five new experiments showing that adaptation of psychophysical two-tone suppression is inadequate to account either for auditory enhancement effects or for the enhanced forward masking demonstrated by Viemeister & Bacon.
Effectiveness of integrating MOOCs in traditional classrooms for undergraduate students

The idea of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) has attracted a lot of media attention in the last couple of years. MOOCs have been used mostly as stand-alone online courses without credits. However, some researchers, teachers, colleges, and universities have attempted to utilize MOOCs in blended format in traditional classroom settings. This paper reviews some recent experiments in the context of current trends in MOOCs by examining methodologies utilized in blended MOOCs in a face-to-face environment. This paper further discusses the preliminary findings related to its effectiveness of learning outcomes and its impact on students and instructors in blended MOOCs format. The review of blended MOOCs in classrooms assists to form the emerging consensus on integrating MOOCs in conventional classroom settings, while highlighting potential opportunities and challenges one might face when implementing MOOCs in similar or entirely different contexts.
Islet cell engraftment and control of diabetes in rats after transplantation of pig pancreatic anlagen.

The insufficient supply of tissue, loss posttransplantation, and limited potential for expansion of β-cells restrict the use of islet allotransplantation for diabetes. A way to overcome the supply ...
Ground penetrating radar for the detection of liquid contaminants

Abstract The significance of ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a tool to detect near-surface contaminants is illustrated at a site in the Midwest representing petroleum product above the water table. Tests show that ground penetrating radar may provide a means of mapping hydrocarbons in the vadose zone. Results of controlled surveys in a sand test pit at The Ohio State University demonstrate conclusively that there is a clear GPR anomaly over containers of diesel fuel and containers containing the host sand material saturated with diesel fuel. Comparisons of GPR data measured at different times of the year (summer, fall, and winter) at a gasoline spill site in northern Indiana shows direct information on layers and lenses in the vadose zone that tend to accumulate water during times of high moisture and subsequently lose the moisture during dry periods. GPR data collected in the winter over partially frozen ground provided measurements that were more sensitive to the presence of the gasoline than measurements that were made during the summer and fall. The relative propagation transparency of the near-surface zone for GPR measurements from winter data over fozen ground allowed detection of the water table that could not be confidently identified from two of the other data sets. Four important points can be concluded from a comparison of the four data sets: (1) the quality and repeatability of GPR measurements over a clean sand depends on the amount of moisture located in the unsaturated zone above the water table; (2) reflections from sedimentary features can be distinguished from reflections from percolating groundwater; (3) GPR measurements made during the dry month of August are nearly devoid of reflections above the gasoline product, indicating that the water in the unsaturated region may have been displaced by liquid gasoline, or by gasoline vapors; and (4) most importantly, these tests illustrate the resolving power and sensitivity of ground penetrating radar.
REACTIONS BETWEEN INFLUENZA VIRUS AND A COMPONENT OF ALLANTOIC FLUID

Evidence is presented which shows that there is a component present in normal allantoic fluid, probably mucoprotein in nature, capable of combining with influenza A virus (PR8), and that following combination between this component and the virus only partial dissociation of the complex occurs. Evidence is also presented which strongly suggests that the component is present in virus-infected allantoic fluid in which it is in part combined with the virus and in part free although altered by viral action. The probability that the component is present as well in highly purified preparations of influenza virus, and its effect upon various reactions obtained with this agent are discussed.
Improved prediction of nonepileptic seizures with combined MMPI and EEG measures.

Summary: Purpose: Nonepileptic seizures (NESs) are frequently mistaken for epileptic seizures (ESs). Improved detection of patients with NESs could lead to more appropriate treatment and medical cost savings. Previous studies have shown the MMPI/MMPI-2 to be a useful predictor of NES. We hypothesized that combining the MMPI-2 with a physiologic predictor of epilepsy (routine EEG; rEEG) would result in enhanced prediction of NES. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing CCTV-EEG monitoring underwent rEEG evaluation and completed an MMPI-2. Patients were subsequently classified as having epilepsy (n = 91) or NESs (n = 76) by using standardized criteria. Logistic regression was used to predict seizure type classification. Results: Overall classification accuracy was 74% for rEEG, 71% for MMPI-2 Hs scale, and 77% for MMPI-2 Hy scale. The model that best predicted diagnosis included rEEG, MMPI-2, and number of years since the first spell, resulting in an overall classification accuracy of 86%. Conclusions: The high accuracy achieved by the model suggests that it may be useful for screening candidates for diagnostic telemetry.
Thermal and X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Doped and Undoped Single Crystal and Polycrystalline BaTiO3

Calorimetric changes in a series of pure and doped single crystal and polycrystalline BaTiO 3 were studied using differential scanning calorimetry over the temperature range of-110°C to 200°BC. The dopants, oxides of niobium and iron were varied from 0.5 to 8 mole percent, and strontium was varied from 5 to 35 mole percent. Endotherms were observed corresponding to three crystallographic transitions. The highest observed thermal transition corresponds to a tetragonal to cubic crystallographic transition and is also associated with the Curie temperature in these materals. Two additional endothermic transitions were also observed, an intermediatetemperature orthorhombic to tetragonal transition, and a low-temperature rhombohedral to orthorhombic transition. The three dopants decreased the crystallographic transition temperatures and Curie temperature as the dopant concentration was increased. X-ray diffraction was used to identify phases present and to determine the extent of solid solution. It is expected that these materials will display improved infrared detection as well as opto-electronic properties.
Hand Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common condition and is frequently encountered in patients seen by hand surgeons. This review examines the known problems associated with diabetes, as well as some of the clinical findings noted in these patients, who often have multiple visits for hand conditions over time.
Isostasy on the Moon

Lunar gravitational anomalies from internal density variation viewpoint, discussing isostasy in maria
Urethro-vesical function during spinal shock.

Twenty spinal shock patients were investigated with simultaneous urethrovesical, anal and rectal pressure recordings and EMG of the external urethral and anal sphincters. “Dynamic” and “static” urethral pressure profiles (UPP) were carried out with empty and full bladder. Baldder filling was accompanied by an increased resistance in the “internal sphincter” zone, which in turn was paralleled in the majority of cases by an elevation of pressure in the membranous urethra without concomitant increase of its EMG activity. This is suggestive of an increased sympathetic activity in the bladder neck area and in the smooth muscle component of the external urethral sphincter. “Dynamic” pullthrough UPP's displayed higher resistances in the membranous urethra than “static” interrupted UPP's pointing to the role played by the urethral muscosal receptors in eliciting artefactual results. Higher pressures were recorded in the juxtabulbar portion of the membranous urethra than in its mid portion pointing to a gradient of pressure within the external urethral sphincter itself. The amount of EMG activity recorded in the anal and urethral sphincters at “rest” was somewhat decreased; high pressures and distinct reflex activity were recorded in both sphincters showing that they escape spinal shock characterized primarily by areflexia. After defining spinal shock a rational explanation based upon neuroanatomical and neurophysiological findings is offered as to why somatic activity of the sacral segments escapes it as evidenced by clincial, urodynamic, and electromyographic recordings.
State Autonomy and Structural Constraints: Software Wars in Brazil:

In 1987, the Brazilian government's decision to deny licensing of Microsoft's MS-DOS operating system led to the imposition of U.S. trade sanctions. This article examines the implications of the MS-DOS case for understanding the role of the state in newly industrializing countries and its relationship to local and foreign capital. It assesses the relevance of dependency theory, identifying its major contribution as the analysis of the structural conditions that affect the prospects for state action. Brazil's position of trade dependency created a convergence of interests between local exporters and the U.S. government that eventually changed the direction of Brazilian informatics policy.
MO-F-213AB-01: Improving Dose Uniformity in Patch-Field Proton Therapy Using Beam Current Modulation.

Purpose: To improve the dose homogeneity in patch‐field proton therapy using beam current modulation. Methods:MCNPX simulations were performed for various configurations of the Mevion S250 beamline. Spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) dose distributions were calculated, and lateral and distal dose profiles were extracted for through‐ and patch‐field targets at depths ranging from 5.0 to 27.5 cm. We define ‘dose non‐uniformity’ (DNU) as the difference between the maximum and minimum dose relative to the prescription observed in a patched dose distribution. DNU was first calculated for dose distributions combining through‐field lateral dose profiles and with patch‐field distal dose profiles, assuming a ‘standard’ delivery with constant beam current. Distal dose profiles were then optimized using beam current modulation to better complement the lateral dose profiles when combined into a patched dose distribution. The DNU for optimized dose distributions was then calculated and compared to the DNU found for standard delivery. Results: Using standard deliveries, DNU was 10% or less when patching lateral profiles 12.5–17.5 cm deep. Significantly greater DNU was observed for patches outside of this range, sometimes exceeding 35%. Using optimized distal profiles, DNU was reduced to 10% or less for all lateral profiles deeper than 12.5 cm. Patches with lateral profiles shallower than 12.5 cm were not improved, as distal dose dropoff could not be improved to better match the sharp lateral dose dropoff. Conclusions: Optimizing beam current modulation can create distal profiles with more gradual dose falloff than found in a standard delivery, allowing optimized distal dose distributions to sum more homogeneously with lateral dose distributions. Thus, the hot or cold spots that often appear in patched dose distributions from standard deliveries can be mitigated by optimizing beam current. This method may also be applied to feathering methods or scanned beam deliveries to further improve patch‐field dose homogeneity. Partially supported by MEVION Medical Systems, Inc.
New and important roles for DMSP in marine microbial communities

Abstract The algal osmolyte dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is recognised as the major precursor of marine dimethylsulfide (DMS), a volatile sulfur compound that affects atmospheric chemistry and global climate. Recent studies, using 35 S-DMSP tracer techniques, suggest that DMSP may play additional very important roles in the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of the surface ocean. DMSP may serve as an intracellular osmolyte in bacteria that take up phytoplankton-derived DMSP from seawater. In addition, DMSP appears to support from 1 to 13% of the bacterial carbon demand in surface waters, making it one of the most significant single substrates for bacterioplankton so far identified. Furthermore, the sulfur from DMSP is efficiently incorporated into bacterial proteins (mostly into methionine) and DMSP appears to be a major source of sulfur for marine bacterioplankton. Assimilatory metabolism of DMSP is via methanethiol (MeSH) that is produced by a demethylation/demethiolation pathway which dominates DMSP degradation in situ. Based on the linkage between assimilatory metabolism of DMSP and bacterial growth, we offer a hypothesis whereby DMSP availability to bacteria controls the production of DMS by the competing DMSP lyase pathway. Also linked with the assimilatory metabolism of DMSP is the production of excess MeSH which, if not assimilated into protein, reacts to form dissolved non-volatile compounds. These include sulfate and DOM–metal–MeSH complexes, both of which represent major short-term end-products of DMSP degradation. Because production rates of MeSH in seawater are high (3–90 nM d −1 ), reaction of MeSH with trace metals could affect metal availability and chemistry in seawater. Overall, results of recent studies provide evidence that DMSP plays important roles in the carbon, sulfur and perhaps metal and DOM cycles in marine microbial communities. These findings, coupled with the fact that the small fraction of DMSP converted to DMS may influence atmospheric chemistry and climate dynamics, draws attention to DMSP as a molecule of central importance to marine biogeochemical and ecological processes.
Evidence for a Heritable Brain Basis to Deviance-Promoting Deficits in Self-Control.

Purpose Classic criminological theories emphasize the role of impaired self-control in behavioral deviancy. Reduced amplitude of the P300 brain response is reliably observed in individuals with antisocial and substance-related problems, suggesting it may serve as a neurophysiological indicator of deficiencies in self-control that confer liability to deviancy.
Functional Amyloids Composed of Phenol Soluble Modulins Stabilize Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the skin and mucosal surfaces of mammals. Persistent staphylococcal infections often involve surface-associated communities called biofilms. Here we report the discovery of a novel extracellular fibril structure that promotes S. aureus biofilm integrity. Biochemical and genetic analysis has revealed that these fibers have amyloid-like properties and consist of small peptides called phenol soluble modulins (PSMs). Mutants unable to produce PSMs were susceptible to biofilm disassembly by matrix degrading enzymes and mechanical stress. Previous work has associated PSMs with biofilm disassembly, and we present data showing that soluble PSM peptides disperse biofilms while polymerized peptides do not. This work suggests the PSMs' aggregation into amyloid fibers modulates their biological activity and role in biofilms.
What's New in Fungal Infection in Leukemic Patients

Fungal infections have become an important cause of mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. In recent years, fungi such as Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp and Trichosporon spp have emerged as important pathogens. Amphotericin B remains the antifungal agent with the broadest spectrum of activity, although some of the newer pathogens may be resistant. The administration of this drug in lipid vehicles reduces the toxicities, permitting the administration of higher doses that may be more effective. The new agents, fluconazole and itraconazole, have activity against some fungal pathogens, although their role in therapy has not been fully determined. Fluconazole has been shown to be effective for prophylaxis of Candida infections.
Growth and characterisation of InAs/InGaSb/InAs/AlSb infrared laser structures

The authors have studied the molecular-beam epitaxial growth of type-II heterostructures for mid-wavelength infrared lasers. Based on their photoluminescence spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns, it is found that the quality of these heterostructures is highly sensitive to the growth temperature and the interfacial bond type.
Nanodiscs versus macrodiscs for NMR of membrane proteins.

It is challenging to find membrane mimics that stabilize the native structures, dynamics, and functions of membrane proteins. In a recent advance, nanodiscs have been shown to provide a bilayer environment compatible with solution NMR. We show that increasing the lipid to “belt” peptide ratio expands their diameter, slows their reorientation rate, and allows the protein-containing discs to be aligned in a magnetic field for oriented sample solid-state NMR. The spectroscopic properties of membrane proteins with one to seven transmembrane helices in q = 0.1 isotropic bicelles, ∼10 nm diameter isotropic nanodiscs, ∼30 nm diameter magnetically aligned macrodiscs, and q = 5 magnetically aligned bicelles are compared.
Memory-efficient scalable line-based image coding

We study the problem of memory-efficient scalable image compression and investigate some tradeoffs in the complexity versus coding efficiency space. The focus is on a low-complexity algorithm centered around the use of sub-bit-planes, scan-causal modeling, and a simplified arithmetic coder. This algorithm approaches the lowest possible memory usage for scalable wavelet-based image compression and demonstrates that the generation of a scalable bit-stream is not incompatible with a low-memory architecture.
Turbulence in flocculators: Effects of tank size and impeller type

Past research shows that for the same power per unit volume, flocculation performance varies with tank size and impeller type. This study was performed to characterize effects of scale and impeller design on turbulence produced in the flocculation process. The study was performed with a Rushton turbine and an A310 foil impeller in three square tanks of 5-, 28- and 560-L volume. Fluid velocities were measured using a dual-channel laser Doppler velocimeter with an enhanced burst spectrum analyzer. Flocculation tanks were operated at a constant average unit-mass energy-dissipation rate of 0.0016 m2/s3. The results show that the turbulence intensity and local turbulent energy-dissipation rate were higher for the Rushton turbine than for the A310 impeller. The turbulence intensity was found to increase with increasing tank size regardless of impeller type. The local turbulent energy dissipation rate decreased for the Rushton turbine and remained constant for the A310 impeller with increasing tank size.
Pseudocoarctation of the aorta presenting as a mediastinal mass with dysphagia

Pseudocoarctation is an uncommon anomaly thought to be caused by congenital elongation and kinking of the aorta. We report a case of pseudocoarctation of the aorta presenting as a superior mediastinal mass causing dysphagia. Aortography and echocardiography revealed dilatation of the aorta and an aneurysm below the level of the pseudocoarctation. The patient underwent operative repair of the pseudocoarctation and associated aneurysm with good symptomatic relief. Review of the literature and experience with this case demonstrate that pseudocoarctation of the aorta cannot necessarily be regarded as a benign condition. Surgical treatment is recommended for all symptomatic patients and for those with associated aneurysm formation.
Vortical scales for two- and three-dimensional turbulence.

Correlation analysis of two-dimensional (2D) turbulence is performed on the basis of the Navier-Stokes equations. It is found that within the inertial range of scales (L ${\mathrm{Re}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/2}$\ensuremath{\ll}r\ensuremath{\ll}L; L is the external scale, Re is the Reynolds number) there is a physically distinguished scale ${\mathit{l}}_{\mathit{c}}$=L ${\mathrm{Re}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/4}$\char22{}a natural scale for coherent vortex patches. A hierarchy of vortical scales for 2D and 3D turbulence is found from a covariance analysis of more detailed spatial structure of the vorticity field.
Urban Gothic in Charlotte Dacre's Zofloya

Charlotte Dacre's novel Zofloya marks a turning point in Gothic literature. Although Dacre draws on both the Radcliffe and Lewis modes of Gothic novel, Zofloya insists on the importance of Venice as the center of the action, distinguishing it as an urban Gothic text. Various characters' identities are closely linked with Venice in ways that question the boundaries between self and city. Pride, violence, and revenge may typify the novel's depiction of Venetians, but Zofloya's central action depends on a break in urban identity, when the central character fails to act like a Venetian. In keeping with the Gothic convention of displacing contemporary concerns to earlier times in foreign places, Zofloya's exploration of the relationship between personal identity and constructed urban space addresses early nineteenth-century anxieties regarding London's rapid development.
Sprayed Polyelectrolyte Multilayers

Polyelectrolyte multilayers deposited by sequential spraying of poly(styrenesulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) solutions are described. A highly uniform thin film is rapidly obtained over a large area. The morphology, uniformity, and chemical composition of sprayed multilayers, as well as the selective membrane properties, are found to be virtually identical to those prepared by dip-immersion.
Tracking the human-building interaction: A longitudinal field study of occupant behavior in air-conditioned offices

This paper presents findings from a one-year longitudinal case study of occupant thermal comfort and related behavioral adaptations in an air-conditioned office building. Long-term data were collected via online daily surveys and datalogger measurements of the local thermal environment and behavior. Behavioral outcomes are examined against both environmental and personal thermal comfort variables. Key personal variables include one's currently acceptable range of thermal sensations, which significantly explains inter-individual variations in thermal comfort responses. Results also show substantial between-day clothing adjustments and elevated metabolic rates upon office arrival, which may affect subsequent thermal comfort and behavior trajectories. Behavior sequencing appears complex, with multiple behaviors sometimes observed within a short time period and certain behaviors subject to contextual constraints. By elucidating the nature of the human-building interaction, the paper's findings may inform the improved measurement, modeling, and anticipation of occupant behavior as part of future sustainable building design and operation practices.
Human α‐fetoprotein purified from amniotic fluid enhances growth factor‐mediated cell proliferation in vitro

Using a primary monolayer culture of porcine granulosa cells (pGC) as an in vitro cell proliferation assay, we have examined the growth-promoting activity of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) purified from term cord blood and midtrimester amniotic fluid. Increasing concentrations (2.5-20%) of crude human cord blood (CB) increased pGC proliferation, while identical concentrations of crude amniotic fluid (AF) were ineffective. When the cell system was maximally stimulated, AF dose dependently decreased cell proliferation. AFP purified from AF and CB (1.25-5.0 micrograms/ml) was not mitogenic alone, but, in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) + insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) (10 ng/ml each), AFP dose dependently increased cell proliferation to nearly double that of EGF + IGF-I alone. The response of pGC to the proliferative effects of AF-AFP and CB-AFP were identical at each dose of AFP tested. These results indicate that although crude, pooled midtrimester AF does not display the mitogenic activity seen in cord blood, AFP purified from pooled AF significantly synergizes with growth factors to increase cell proliferation markedly.
Ionization of highly excited helium atoms in an electric field

We present detailed measurements of ionization of highly excited triplet helium atoms in a static electric field. The atoms were prepared in states with energy $E$ close to the saddle-point threshold $E=\ensuremath{-}2{[F(\mathrm{a}.\mathrm{u}.)]}^{\frac{1}{2}}$. The electric field $F$ was sufficiently strong for the states to be characterized by total spin $S$ and absolute value of the magnetic quantum number ${M}_{L}$. For ${M}_{L}=0$ states the experiments measured ionization properties of adiabatic states. In another case, $|{M}_{L}|=2$, they predominantly measured those of diabatic states. In both cases the ionization rate was found to be a highly nonmonotonic function of the field strength. The observations are analyzed in terms of a theory of the helium density of states in an electric field. A companion paper [D. A. Harmin, Phys. Rev. A 30, 2413 (1984)] develops in detail the general theory, which uses quantum defects to parametrize the effect of the core interaction. The agreement between measured and calculated ionization curves is good, indicating that the field ionization of a nonhydrogenic atom can now be understood in a detailed, quantitative, and predictive sense.
It's fair for us: Diversity structures cause women to legitimize discrimination

Abstract Three experiments tested the hypothesis that the mere presence (vs. absence) of diversity structures makes it more difficult for women to detect sexism. In Experiment 1, even when a company's hiring decisions disadvantaged women, women perceived the company as more procedurally just for women and were less supportive of sexism litigation when the company offered diversity training, compared to when it did not. In Experiment 2, women perceived a company as more procedurally just for women and as less likely to have engaged in sexism when the company offered diversity training, compared to when it did not. This effect was not moderated by women's endorsement of status legitimizing beliefs. In Experiment 3, women perceived a company as more procedurally just and less discriminatory when the company had been recognized for positive gender diversity practices compared to when it had not. Additionally, these effects were most pronounced among women who endorsed benevolent sexist beliefs and mitigated among those who rejected benevolent sexist beliefs. Together, these experiments demonstrate that diversity structures can make it difficult for women to detect and remedy discrimination, especially women who hold benevolent sexist beliefs.
The 2001 STRICTA recommendations for reporting acupuncture research: a review with implications for improving controlled clinical trial design.

Abstract Background: The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines were developed in 1996 by researchers and journal editors to improve the quality of reporting of biomedical research by providing a standardized format for researchers to present information on randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). This improved data reporting allows readers to independently assess the quality and conclusions of these studies, and has been widely incorporated in contemporary research reports. In 2001, a supplemental set of criteria that specifically address the reporting of design and implementation issues for RCTs involving the use of acupuncture was introduced, termed the STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture) recommendations.The CONSORT guidelines are stated to be part of a broader effort to improve the quality of research, as they can be used by researchers to optimize the design of future trials. Similarly, the STRICTA recommendations outline r...
Distinct Memory CD4+ T Cells with Commitment to T Follicular Helper- and T Helper 1-Cell Lineages Are Generated after Acute Viral Infection

CD4(+) T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide the required signals to B cells for germinal center reactions that are necessary for long-lived antibody responses. However, it remains unclear whether there are CD4(+) memory T cells committed to the Tfh cell lineage after antigen clearance. By using adoptive transfer of antigen-specific memory CD4(+) T cell subpopulations in the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection model, we found that there are distinct memory CD4(+) T cell populations with commitment to either Tfh- or Th1-cell lineages. Our conclusions are based on gene expression profiles, epigenetic studies, and phenotypic and functional analyses. Our findings indicate that CD4(+) memory T cells "remember" their previous effector lineage after antigen clearance, being poised to reacquire their lineage-specific effector functions upon antigen reencounter. These findings have important implications for rational vaccine design, where improving the generation and engagement of memory Tfh cells could be used to enhance vaccine-induced protective immunity.
Parathyroid hormone‐related protein is abundant in osteoarthritic cartilage, and the parathyroid hormone‐related protein 1‐173 isoform is selectively induced by transforming growth factor β in articular chondrocytes and suppresses generation of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate

Objective Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is a major, locally expressed regulator of growth cartilage chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, synthetic function, and mineralization. Because mechanisms that limit cartilage chondrocytes from maturing and mineralizing are diminished in osteoarthritis (OA), we studied PTHrP expression by articular chondrocytes. Methods PTHrP was studied in normal knee cartilage samples and cultured articular chondrocytes, and in cartilage specimens from knees with advanced OA, obtained at the time of joint replacement. Results PTHrP was more abundant in OA than in normal human knee articular cartilage. Both demonstrated PTH/PTHrP receptor expression. PTHrP 1-173, one of three alternatively spliced PTHrP isoforms, was exclusively expressed and induced by transforming growth factor β in cultured chondrocytes. Chondrocytes mainly used the GC-rich P2 alternative promoter to express PTHrP messenger RNA. Inhibition by PTHrP 1-173, but not by PTHrP 1-146 or PTHrP 1-87, of inorganic pyrophosphate (Ppi) elaboration suggested selective functional properties of the 1-173 isoform. Exposure to a neutralizing antibody to PTHrP increased PPi elaboration by articular chondrocytes. Conclusion Increased expression of PTHrP, including the 1-173 isoform, has the potential to contribute to the pathologic differentiated functions of chondrocytes, including mineralization, in OA.
The Supreme Court as a Policy Arena: The Strategies and Tactics of State Attorneys General

Presently, state governments are more active and more successful in the U.S. Supreme Court than at any time since the New Deal. These rates of activity and success are a function of two coincident forces—the emergence of the Republican Court and the increased capacity of the states to pursue their policy goals aggressively before the High Bench. In this analysis, we seek to offer a better-defined portrait of the states’ evolving advocacy in the Supreme Court. Using archival and survey data, we find that, as a group, the states are more capable Supreme Court litigators, that their perceptions of the Republican Court have encouraged them to increase their pursuit of policy goals through litigation, and that they are “procedurally rational”—i.e., their estimates of success enter into their decisions to engage the Court.
Aging effects on latex tonometer cover.

Tonometer sterilization is a major source of concern, whether the tonometry be limited to a physician's office or to a glaucomascreening program. Many devices and proce­ dures have consequently been suggested for the sterilization of tonometers. The impetus for these techniques arises from documented epidemics of eye infections spread through the use of tonometers.' The most difficult part to sterilize is the area between the plunger and the encompass­ ing shaft. Secretions and infected material migrate up this space by capillary action. Merely sterilizing the foot plate of the to­ nometer is therefore inadequate. An extensive investigation of techniques employed in tonometer sterilization found all of the commonly used chemical agents to be unreliable.' Ethylene oxide was dependable but impractical, due to the long period neces­ sary to produce satisfactory results. None of the physical agents, such as flaming, hot-air heat, moist heat, or ultraviolet radiation were sufficiently rapid or dependable for use in office or clinic practice. This problem appeared to be solved by the development of the Tonofilm (American Biochemical Laboratory, Baltimore), a dis­ posable latex membrane which covers the tonometer foot plate and cylinder(fig. 1). This exceedingly useful device solved a num­ ber of problems. Because it is enclosed in sterile packets, it will not transmit bacteria, viruses, or fluid. By using a fresh Tonofilm for each patient, the transmission of infec­ tions is eliminated. Being thin and flexible, Tonofilms have been found not to interfere
Survival after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer: trends in outcomes for 1,600 patients during two decades at a single institution.

Background This study analyzes factors associated with differences in long-term outcomes after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer over time. Study Design Sixteen-hundred consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer between 1985 and 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were grouped into 2 eras according to changes in availability of systemic chemotherapy: era I, 1985 to 1998; era II, 1999 to 2004. Results There were 1,037 patients in era I and 563 in era II. Operative mortality decreased from 2.5% in era I to 1% in era II (p = 0.04). There were no differences in age, Clinical Risk Score, or number of hepatic metastases between the 2 groups; however, more recently treated patients (era II) had more lymph node–positive primary tumors, shorter disease-free intervals, more extrahepatic disease, and smaller tumors. Median follow-up was 36 months for all patients and 63 months for survivors. Median and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) were better in era II (64 months and 51% versus 43 months and 37%, respectively; p 2, n=506) patients in either era. There was a marked improvement in both RFS and DSS for low risk (Clinical Risk Score ≤2, n=1,094) patients. Conclusions Despite worse clinical and pathologic characteristics, survival but not recurrence rates after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases have improved over time and might be attributable to improvements in patient selection, operative management, and chemotherapy. The improvement in survival over time is largely accounted for by low-risk patients.
A synthesis of Lyapunov's first and second methods

This paper considers the relation which exists between the first and second methods of Lyapunov. As a result of this study a useful nth order generating technique for Lyapunov functions is developed which applies to linear and nonlinear systems. The function obtained has a negative definite time derivative so that regions of asymptotic stability or instability can be determined. The function is derived from the equations of the system and the curl relations. The final result requires the calculation of single and inverse coefficients using recursive formulae. The basic method for generating Lyapunov functions makes use of the first method of Lyapunov. It is then extended to systems where the first method fails, to variations which have proved useful, and to more general and, hence, more complex forms. Two theorems are proved and examples are given in each section to illustrate the method presented.
Mercury reactions in the human mouth with dental amalgams

This is a preliminary study of die reactions of mercury (Hg) in the human mouth with dental amalgams. It was conducted by analysing saliva samples from subjects with amalgam fillings and control subjects with no amalgams. Samples were collected both prior to and after cleaning the mouth. These samples were analyzed for elemental mercury (Hg°), inorganic mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercuiy (MeHg). We concluded that the concentrations after cleaning represented the systemic concentrations. Hg2+ and MeHg were found in all systemic samples from both subjects and controls, while Hg° was found only in the samples from subjects with amalgams. In the control group, the concentrations found before and after cleaning die mouth were equivalent In the amalgam group, concentrations of Hg2+ found before cleaning the mouth were 10 to 40 times higher than those found after cleaning, suggesting that die oxidation reaction of Hg° into Hg2+ takes place. For MeHg, a similar but less pronounced pattern as Hg2+ was found, supporting methylation in the mouth.
Coherent ringing in superfluorescence.

Superfluorescence (SF), the cooperative radiation damping of an inverted assembly of two-level atoms, is by now fairly well understood on the basis of both semiclassical and quantized field treatments [1]. However, an important remaining question has been under what conditions, if any, SF can exhibit ringing, and what the nature of this ringing is. In the initial SF experiment, in HF gas [2], ringing was observed and attributed to coherent Rabi-type oscillations. However, in a subsequent series of experiments, in atomic Cs [3], a regime of “single-pulse” SF was identified in which ringing never occurred. We have performed new SF experiments to study this question [4].