cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consumption, Prostitution, and Reproduction: The Poetics of Sweetness in Bori

In this article I explore the semantics of sweetness among the Hausaphone Mawri of Niger. I show how the various configurations of sweetness meaningfully unify the contexts of prostitution, spirit possession, and obstetrics for some Mawri struggling to make sense of changing social realities. These interrelated experiences of production and reproduction in turn provide an idiom for expressing concretely the temptations of consumer culture and the dangers of uncontrolled consumption in contemporary Niger.
The Effect of Mutual Coupling on the Nulling Performance of Adaptive Antennas

The effect of mutual coupling on the performance of adaptive antennas has been a topic of considerable interest for the last three decades. The general conclusion of the work reported in the open literature is that mutual coupling degrades the performance of adaptive antennas. We have carried out an in-depth study of the effects of mutual coupling on the performance of adaptive antennas. Our studies show that this conclusion is not entirely correct. Yes, one does need the in-situ array manifold to obtain the fixed response in the desired signal direction. Otherwise, adaptive weights can also suppress the desired signal. Note that for adaptive antennas based on minimizing the mean squared error between the array output and a locally generated reference signal, this is not an issue. However, mutual coupling between antenna elements hardly affects the nulling performance of adaptive antennas. In fact, in a given size aperture, as the number of antenna elements is increased, one obtains better nulling performance, irrespective of the increased mutual coupling between antenna elements. Also, as expected, for strong wideband interfering signals, one should carry out space-time adaptive processing (STAP).
Leveraging Integration: Toward Efficient Linearized All-Silicon IC Transmitters

The scaling of silicon (Si)-based technologies has led to transistors with maximum frequencies of oscillation fma^ xh surpassing 400 GHz in volume production processes [1]. As a result, operating frequencies in the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) region (+30-300 GHz) have become achievable with Si-based integrated circuits (ICs), with significant commercial development at 60 GHz for high-bandwidth, short-range communications and at 77 GHz for automotive radar systems [2]. However, as device-critical dimensions approach the 10-nm regime, device breakdown voltages are greatly reduced, resulting in reduced maximum operating voltages and amplifier output voltage swings. Therefore, a major challenge in Si RF microelectronics has been to achieve acceptable transmitter linearity for digitally modulated mm-wave signals. At the same time, RF power amplifiers (PAs) in Si technologies historically suffer from low efficiencies, raising the parallel challenge of high-efficiency Si-based transmitter design. On the other hand, today's Si technologies provide an ultrahigh level of integration, which enables the leveraging of complex circuit designs to improve transmitter output power, power efficiency, and linearity, while offering economies of scale for low-cost volume fabrication. Significant technical challenges include the development of high-efficiency Si PA circuits (e.g., Class E, Class F, etc.) at mm-wave frequencies, mixed-signal linearization circuits, and novel circuit designs for increasing output power (e.g., breakdown voltage multiplication, power combining, etc.).
Contemporary expectant therapy series: A viewpoint

Abstract Objective To clarify dimensions of expectant therapy for prostate cancer by analyzing series reported between 1988 and 1992. Methods Analysis of results of those series for which selection criteria for inclusionwere clearly stated. Results As is the case with any nonrandomized protocol, outcomes of individualexpectant therapy series reflect the selection criteria for eligibility. Among the studies investigated, selection criteria were not uniform and differed dramatically across a broad range of variables: stage, grade, age, and symptoms. Conclusions Expectant therapy is appropriate for selected individuals. The degree towhich it is practiced is determined by geographic locale, social and economic factors, and physician training. Only prospective randomized trials can establish the advantage of one treatment modality over another.
Copeptin: A New Biomarker That Is Specific for Preeclampsia?

See related article, pp 1362–1367 Preeclampsia is a hypertensive, multisystem disorder of pregnancy that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and is the most common form of high blood pressure that complicates pregnancy. Preeclampsia is classically defined as new onset hypertension with proteinuria although some women present with hypertension and other multisystem symptoms indicative of preeclampsia, such as thrombocytopenia, impaired liver function, new development of renal insufficiency, or cerebral disturbances, without proteinuria.1 Preeclampsia affects 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide and is a major cause of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality.2 Preeclampsia is thought to develop as a result of insufficient spiral artery remodeling due to shallow invasion of trophoblasts; this results in an ischemic placenta that secretes soluble factors into the maternal circulation, which leads to systemic endothelial and vascular dysfunction. However, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to the development of preeclampsia remain elusive.2 The only effective treatment for the abatement of preeclampsia symptoms is delivery of the placenta. The lack of mechanistic understanding makes early diagnosis and prevention of preeclampsia nearly impossible. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis is of great importance. Moreover, novel biomarkers may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets that could result in the development of more effective treatment options for this devastating disease. Yeung et al3 evaluated the potential use of copeptin as a predictive model of preeclampsia by examining the association between circulating copeptin and the development of preeclampsia or other pregnancy-associated disorders. There are currently only a handful of biomarkers suggested for potential predictive use for the development of preeclampsia. These biomarkers are grouped into 2 categories: angiogenic and immunologic.4 The potential angiogenic markers for preeclampsia are 2 serum proteins: proangiogenic placental growth factor and antiangiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 …
Effect of neighborhood factors on diabetes self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes

Objective The objective of this study was to identify latent variables for neighborhood factors and diabetes self-care and examine the effect of neighborhood factors on diabetes self-care in adults with type 2 diabetes.
457: Individualized growth assessment in pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis

complicated by gastroschisis Sina Haeri, Russell Deter, Padmashree Woodham, Wesley Lee Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children’s Hospital, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Houston, TX, Mercer School of Medicine & Medical Center of Central Georgia, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Macon, GA OBJECTIVE: Traditional fetal growth assessment has relied on the ultrasound (US) estimated fetal weight (EFW) and comparison with reference ranges. Unfortunately, in pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis, this has led to an overestimation of fetal growth restriction (FGR) due to the defect related abdominal circumference changes. Consequently, our objective was to examine growth using the Individualized Growth Assessment (IGA) with each fetus as its own control. STUDY DESIGN: In this cohort study of pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis, longitudinal US data for biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) were obtained. Second trimester-specific Rossavik models [P c(tk st] for these four anatomical parameters were used to generate expected third-trimester size trajectories with age-specific normal reference ranges. Observed and predicted measurements were compared by percent deviations. Subjects with percent deviation less than the normal range (BPD 0-0%, HC -0.11-0%, AC -0.05-0%, FL -0.27-0%) were classified as not having reached their growth potential for a specific parameter (cases). RESULTS: BPD, HC, and FL parameters exhibited normal size trajectories. For AC, 14 (56%) fetuses reached their individualized growth potential, while 11 (44%) did not. Compared to controls, those with impaired AC growth were more likely to demonstrate non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing (36% vs. 0%, p 0.03), have a lower BW (2055 / 659 vs. 2886 / 813 grams, p 0.01), and required a longer length of stay (40.3 / 21.1 vs. 25.0 / 15.2 days, p 0.05). Subjects were also categorized based on birthweight as small for gestational age (SGA) vs. normal. SGA status did not predict adverse neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: IGA provides an alternative to conventional ultrasound measures of growth by allowing the fetus with gastroschisis to serve as its own control. IGA may serve as a superior tool in identifying fetuses with a tenuous post-natal course and allow for targeted management strategies.
Host Specificity of the Argentine Root-Boring Weevil, Heilipodus ventralis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Potential Biocontrol Agent for Snakeweeds (Gutierrezia: Asteraceae) in Western North American Rangelands—U.S. Quarantine Tests

Native snakeweeds, especially Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton and Rusby and Gutierrezia microcephala (DC.) A. Gray, are among the most widespread and damaging weeds of rangelands in the western United States and northern Mexico. The genus long ago spread to southern South America, where further speciation occurred. We have found several species of insects in Argentina that damage other species of snakeweeds there and are possible candidates for biological control in North America. The first of these, the root-boring weevil, Heilipodus ventralis (Hustache), was tested in Argentina and then sent to the USDA-ARS Insect Quarantine Facility at Temple, Texas, for host specificity testing on North American plants. We tested H. ventralis on 40 species of the family Asteraceae, in 19 tests of five types, using 686 adults and 365 larvae. Host specificity increased from adult feeding, to ovipositional selection, to larval development. At Temple, adults fed mostly on 6 species of the closely related genera Grindelia, Gutierrezia, and Gymnosperma, but with substantial feeding on four other genera of the two preferred subtribes Solidagininae and Machaerantherinae and on Baccharis in the tribe Baccharidinae, with lesser feeding on the subtribe Asterinae, all in the tribe Astereae, and on 1 species in the tribe Anthemideae. Females oviposited primarily on the same 6 species but very little on plants outside the 2 preferred subtribes. Larvae developed only on 9 of the 29 U.S. plant species tested, 6 within the two preferred subtribes and on Brickellia and Aster in other tribes. Only 5 species of three genera appear to be potential true hosts of H. ventralis in North America, on which all stages of the life cycle, adult feeding, oviposition, and larval development, can take place; these are Gymnosperma glutinosum (Spreng.) Less., Gutierrezia grandis Blake, Gut. microcephala, Gut. sarothrae, and Grindelia lanceolata Nutt. None of these genera contain species of economic or notable ecological value; the few rare species appear to be protected by habitat isolation from attack by H. ventralis. H. ventralis, therefore, appears sufficiently host specific for field release in North America. This is the first introduced biocontrol agent to be approved for release in a continental area to control a native weed.
The plural society approach to class and ethnic political mobilization

(1983). The plural society approach to class and ethnic political mobilization. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 127-153.
Physicians' attitudes toward misdiagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a utility analysis.

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to measure physicians' utilities for outcomes after ventilation-perfusion lung scanning and to explore physicians' attitudes toward misdiagnosis and the treatment of patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism (PE) in a quantitative manner by using a utility analysis. Materials and Methods. Before ordering lung scanning for suspected PE, physicians rated five possible outcomes on a scale of 0–100 by using a computer order-entry system. These responses were rescaled and transformed to a utility measure by using the Torrance transformation. Results. The mean utility for the potential outcomes after 341 lung scans were ( a ) no PE and no treatment (true-negative, 93 ± 22 [mean ± standard deviation]), ( b ) PE with appropriate treatment (true-positive, 84 ± 24), ( c ) no PE but patient received treatment (false-positive, 54 ± 32), ( d ) PE but patient did not receive treatment (false-negative, 14 ± 23), and ( e ) death during pulmonary angiography (2 ± 11). After lung scanning for acute PE, physicians placed greatest value on excluding the diagnosis (true-negative). Providing unnecessary treatment (false-positive) was valued in the midrange of utilities. The value of missing PE (false-negative) was rated almost equal to that of dying during pulmonary angiography. Conclusion. Physicians consider providing treatment for PE without objective confirmation of an embolus to be preferable to missing a case of PE.
An incremental algorithm for Betti numbers of simplicial complexes on the 3-spheres

Abstract A general and direct method for computing the Betti numbers of a finite simplicial complex in S d is given. This method is complete for d ⩽ 3, where versions of this method run in time O(nα(n)) and O(n), n the number of simplices. An implementation of the algorithm is applied to alpha shapes, which is a novel geometric modeling tool.
A numerical scheme to quantify the texture characteristics of sputtered aluminum thin film back reflectors

Texture angle and texture height are critical parameters that determine the performance of solar cell back reflectors. While average peak height and roughness are directly available from atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis, several key parameters are missing. These parameters include average peak angle, peak angle distribution, and peak height distribution. In this work, a numerical scheme was developed to characterize the surface morphology of solar cell back reflectors. First part of this work demonstrated a numerical method to quantify the texture parameters by identifying relevant peak and valley points from 3D surface morphology data, such as AFM scan data. Peak angle and peak height filters were introduced into the numerical code to eliminate noises. In the second part, the program was utilized to systematically study the effects of sputtering deposition parameters on the morphology of thin film aluminum back reflectors. The processed data clearly indicated the existence of multiple factors that determined the film texture.
93. Increased Number of Lung CD34+ Sca-1+ Putative Stem Cells Mediated by Adenovirus Overexpression by Sonic Hedgehog in the Respiratory Tract of Adult Mice

Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a mammalian hedgehog pathway ligand that plays an important role in the development of mammalian epithelia, is a mediator of embryonic lung development, including regeneration of respiratory epithelium. Shh is synthesized as a 47kDa precursor, which under goes autocatalytic cleavage and loss of the carboxy (C)-terminal to generate the 19kDa amino (N)-terminal Shh that is secreted and is responsible for all known biological activities of the molecule. Based on the knowledge that the hedgehog pathways are implicated in the maintenance of stem or progenitor cells of many adult tissues, we hypothesized that overexpression of Shh in the lung would be associated with increased numbers of stem cells in the respiratory tract. To assess this concept, we administered to the lung an adenovirus (AdShhN) encoding a genetically engineered form of the N-terminal of Shh (ShhN) that lacks the enzymatic activity in the C-terminal for the addition of cholesterol, rendering ShhN more diffusible. AdShhN was administered to the respiratory tract of adult C57BL/6 mice via the intratracheal route, with naive mice or mice that received AdNull control vector with no transgene, serving as controls. Based on current knowledge of lung stem cells that are multipotent and have self-renewing properties, lung suspensions were assessed over time for cells that are negative for CD45 and pecam (CD45neg pecamneg; thus excluding the hematopoietic and endothelial lineages), and positive for the stem cell markers CD34 and Sca-1 (CD34pos, Sca-1pos). The number of CD34pos, Sca-1pos cells in the CD45neg pecamneg population were quantified in lung suspensions 3, 7 and 10 days following administration of the Ad vectors by flow cytometry. In naive mice, the Sca-1pos, CD45neg pecamneg cells represented 0.5 -1 % of the total lung cell preparation. After 3 days, in the mice who had received AdShhN, 25 |[plusmn]| 2 % of the Sca-1pos, CD45neg pecamneg cells were positive for CD34 compared to 9 |[plusmn]| 3 % for the naive and 11 |[plusmn]| 4 % for the AdNull groups (p<0.05, both comparisons). At 7 days, the number of CD34pos, Sca-1pos, CD45neg pecamneg cells in the AdhhN group was increased 4- and 3-fold compared to the naive and AdNull group, respectively (p<0.01, both comparisons). At 10 days, although still significantly higher than controls the CD34pos, Sca-1pos, CD45neg cells had returned towards the resting values 1.6- and 1.7-fold in the AdShhN group compared to naive or AdNull, respectively (p<0.01). The data demonstrates that overexpression of ShhN in the respiratory tract increases the number of pulmonary CD34pos, Sca-1pos, CD45neg pecamneg cells, an observation that has implications relevant to the biology of repair of the lung, as well as the development of strategies enhancing lung repair.
Private Provision of a Public Good: Willingness to Pay for Privately Stocked Trout

Governments may fail to adequately supply public goods, due, in part, to declining budgets and entrenched methods of provision. This undersupply provides opportunities for private organizations to supplement governmental efforts in the provision of goods with positive externalities. This study examines a case where a local, nongovernmental organization conducts a fish stocking program on a restored public waterway in West Virginia. Results show that anglers are generally supportive of the program. Estimated average willingness to pay for fish stocking is about $29 per angler per year, based on results from a grouped data Tobit model. Annual stated willingness to pay is affected by distance to the site, knowledge of the program, demographics, and fishing preferences, each of which has implications for promoting and marketing the trout stocking program. Knowledge of the program helps mitigate the distance decay of spillover benefits.
Autocorrelations from the scale dependence of transverse-momentum fluctuations in Hijing-simulated Au-Au collisions at s(NN)**(1/2) = 200-GeV

Abstract We present measurements of the scale (bin-size) dependence of event-wise mean transverse momentum 〈 p t 〉 fluctuations for Au–Au collisions at s N N = 200 GeV simulated with the Hijing-1.37 Monte Carlo. We invert those scale distributions to obtain autocorrelation distributions on pseudorapidity η and azimuth ϕ difference variables ( η Δ , ϕ Δ ) . The autocorrelations have a simple structure dominated by a same-side (on azimuth) peak with similar widths on the two difference variables. With jet quenching imposed, the same-side peak widths increase slightly in both directions, and the amplitude is substantially reduced. The same-side peaks are attributed to minijets, observed in this study as local velocity correlations of charged particles with p t 2 GeV / c .
Field publishing performance of U.S. economics departments

The purpose of this study is to reduce information costs in the market for graduate education in economics and the market for Ph.D. economists by providing information on research concentration in each of 19 fields for 1980–1986. Some variation in publishing performance across fields is found in highly regarded universities. Unexpected faculty strength is discovered in some middle level departments for particular fields. Among middle- and lower-ranked departments, substantial publishing diversity across fields is evident.
High performance InAs quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIP) on InP by MOCVD

Inter-subband detectors such as quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) have been widely used in infrared detection. Quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) have been predicted to have better performance than QWIPs including higher operation temperature and normal incidence detection. Here we report our recent results of InAs QDIP grown on InP substrate by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The device structures consist of multiple stacks of InAs quantum dots with InP barriers. High detectivities in the range of 1010cmHz1/2/W were obtained at 77K. The measurements at higher temperatures show better temperature dependent performance than QWIP. However, the performances of QDIPs are still far from the expected. One of the reasons is the low quantum efficiency due to the low fill factor of quantum dots layer. Resonant cavity enhanced QDIP has been studied to increase the quantum efficiency. Different schemes of mirrors using free carrier plasma and distributed Bragg reflector are discussed.
Comments on “Clinical Anthropology”

conception to birth, death, and mourning. Coupled with this is an awareness of the serious effects of age-set, sex, and race stereotypes upon social functioning and health. (e) The concepts of health, well-being, and competence are always conditional upon the forces of encompassing social and physical ecologies (Shimkin 1970). 3. In the individual therapies, and programs of self-help and of community help developed by social/behavioral scientists, the indispensable approach is interactionist. The intervenor and the intervention are placed within rather than being superimposed authoritatively upon the networks and value systems of the person or groups aided. Detailed methods of intervention and outcome goals emerge from the alliance of practitioner and client rather than being predetermined by the health specialist alone. 4. In this context, clinical anthropology is distinguished by a number of characteristics such as particular sensitivity to value variations and conflicts (Golde, Ms.). Our work is only in its early stages. We believe we have defined an emerging health profession and anthropological specialization within a context of related multidisciplinary developments. The efforts we have described will need to be pursued to gain both further clarification and help to younger colleagues. The most important next step for those interested in clinical anthropology appears to us to be a thorough examination of issues in training-goals, standards, materials, and methods.
Dyssynergic Defecation: A Treatable Cause of Persistent Symptoms When Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is in Remission

Introduction of biologic agents in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased the likelihood of disease remission. Despite resolution of active inflammation, a subset of IBD patients report persistent defecatory symptoms. To evaluate a group of patients with inflammatory bowel disease with suspected functional defecatory disorders, by use of anorectal manometric testing and subsequent biofeedback therapy. A group of IBD patients with persistent defecatory problems despite clinical improvement were included in this study. These patients had no evidence of left-sided disease. Endoscopic and radiographic study findings and timing in relation to the manometry study were recorded. Anorectal manometry was performed by the standard protocol and included rectal sensory assessment, ability to expel a balloon, and pressure dynamics with simulated defecation. Thirty IBD patients (Crohn’s 23 patients; ulcerative colitis six patients) presented with defecatory disorders including constipation (67 %) increased stooling (10 %), and rectal urgency and/or incontinence and rectal pain (6 %). All but one patient had anorectal manometric criteria of dyssynergia (presence of anismus motor pattern and inability to expel the balloon). Of the patients who completed biofeedback therapy, 30 % had a clinically significant (≥7-point) improvement in SIBDQ score, with a reduction in health-care utilization after a six-month period (p = 0.02). Despite remission, some inflammatory bowel disease patients have persistent defecatory symptoms. Defecatory symptoms may not be predictive of an underlying inflammatory disorder. Lack of inflammatory activity and absence of left-sided disease should prompt investigation of functional disorders. Anorectal manometric testing and biofeedback therapy for patients with a diagnosis of dyssynergia may be a useful therapy.
Why Do Chemists Weigh Things in Grams Instead of Gamus

This paper points out that chemists still call the determination of mass “weighing,” when doing so is incorrect. Legitimizing mass as a verb is advocated. It then suggests a new unit of mass for chemists, the gamu, or grand amu, that will change Avogadro’s number to an even ten to the 24th power. This will improve student understanding of macroscopic to microscopic conversions, while at the same time making these conversions computationally easier. Examples are given to compare calculations using both gamus and grams.
Isotopic evidence for glacial meltwater recharge to the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer, north-central United States

The chemistry of water in the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer in six midwestern states has been studied as part of the Northern Midwest Regional Aquifer-System Analysis of the U.S. Geological Survey. Dissolved-solids concentrations generally increase perpendicular to the direction of regional groundwater flow, from less than 400 mg/liter in southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa to more than 10,000 mg/liter in northwest Missouri. Isotopic ratios of hydrogen and oxygen are significantly depleted from north to south, with an areal distribution approximately parallel to the distribution of dissolved solids. For example, δ18O in southern Iowa and northern Missouri is about 6 parts per thousand lighter than δ18O of modern recharge water in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Covariance between δ18O and δD of the groundwater, similar to that of modern precipitation, suggests that the differences in isotopic ratios between groundwater and modern recharge water reflect meteoric signatures of water during past recharge events rather than geochemical processes such as isotopic exchange with aquifer materials. The pronounced parallelism between the distribution of isotopes and dissolved solids over large areas probably reflects largescale recharge of Pleistocene glacial meltwater into the aquifer system, which probably had a paleoflow system with a gradient from northeast to southwest rather than from northwest to southeast.
Postsynaptic nicotinic receptors on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the rat

Previous studies have shown that application of nicotinic agonists in the substantia nigra pars compacta increases the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons. We have used intracellular recordings to show that the response of these neurons to nicotine is postsynaptic, since it persists in the presence of low-calcium buffer containing tetrodotoxin. Burst firing in the presence of nicotine was not observed. The presence of postsynaptic nicotinic receptors was confirmed by immunohistochemical localization of the alpha4 nicotinic receptor subunit on dendrites in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The majority of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta were also immunopositive for the alpha4 subunit. Immunohistochemical localization of the alpha4 and beta2 subunits in adjacent brain sections produced similar patterns of staining. Electron micrographs clearly indicated the presence of alpha4 subunit at postsynaptic densities. The predominant role of nicotinic receptors in the central nervous system has been suggested to be the presynaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release [McGehee D. S. and Role L. W. (1995) A. Rev. Physiol. 57, 521-546]. Although several postsynaptic nicotinic responses have also been reported in the literature, it is unclear as to whether the postsynaptic nicotinic receptors mediating responses to exogenously applied agonists are involved in synaptic transmission. From our electrophysiological and immunohistochemical results, we conclude that alpha4-containing nicotinic receptors are found at synapses on dopaminergic neurons. These synapses are similar to the cholinergic synapses described at these neurons, suggesting that nicotinic receptors are important in modulating the excitability of dopaminergic neurons by direct synaptic transmission.
BOSONIC AND SPINNING WEYL-INVARIANT RIGID STRINGS '~

Abstract We present a number of new bosonic Weyl-invariant rigid strings. We also find world sheet supersymmetric and super Weyl-invariant counterparts to some of them, using two-dimensional superspace supergravity.
Two-point resolution criterion for multiaperture optical telescopes

The standard two-point resolution criteria for a single-aperture optical system are not appropriate for multiaperture systems. In this paper we propose a new two-point resolution criterion based on the idea of thresholding the irradiances of the resulting far-field diffraction patterns of multiaperture optical systems. Theoretical data of irradiance versus point separation for various multiaperture optical systems are presented. The two-point resolution for these configurations was analyzed. A new two-point resolution criterion in which thresholds are used is demonstrated for coherent and incoherent illumination. Three different multiaperture incoherent systems are compared by using this threshold criterion.
Effects of insulin on Schistosomatium douthitti.

The effects of insulin on Schistosomatium douthitti were examined in 8-hr in vitro trials. Insulin caused an increase in oxygen uptake by S. douthitti males, females, and cercariae, as well as by an unidentified strigeoid cercarial species. Significantly greater amounts of glucose were taken up by insulin-treated than by control schistosomes (p < 0.025). Exogenous glucose enhanced oxygen consumption of S. douthitti adults (both males and females) and cereariac.
The Utility of an Efficient Outcomes Assessment System at University Counseling Centers

Due to increased demands placed on university counseling centers (UCCs) in recent years, there is a need for these centers to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their psychological services. Regularly monitoring client progress is one approach to increase the likelihood of positive clinical outcomes. This article describes the use of the Behavioral Health Measure–20 (BHM-20; Kopta & Lowry, 2002) in monitoring the progress of 13,803 clients at 23 UCCs across the United States from 2006–2011. Results show that the BHM-20, via the CelestHealth System–MH (CHS-MH), is an effective instrument for the electronic administration, scoring, and tracking of client progress. Overall, clients improved over the course of treatment and the benefit from treatment peaked between 7 to 10 sessions. Three case vignettes using the CHS-MH in patient care are presented. Implications for continuing the use of monitoring individual client change at UCCs are discussed.
Ca2+-Dependent Excitation-Contraction Coupling Triggered by the Heterologous Cardiac/Brain DHPR β2a-Subunit in Skeletal Myotubes

Molecular determinants essential for skeletal-type excitation-contraction (EC) coupling have been described in the cytosolic loops of the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) α1S pore subunit and in the carboxyl terminus of the skeletal-specific DHPR β1a-subunit. It is unknown whether EC coupling domains present in the β-subunit influence those present in the pore subunit or if they act independent of each other. To address this question, we investigated the EC coupling signal that is generated when the endogenous DHPR pore subunit α1S is paired with the heterologous heart/brain DHPR β2a-subunit. Studies were conducted in primary cultured myotubes from β1 knockout (KO), ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) KO, ryanodine receptor type 3 (RyR3) KO, and double RyR1/RyR3 KO mice under voltage clamp with simultaneous monitoring of confocal fluo-4 fluorescence. The β2a-mediated Ca2+ current recovered in β1 KO myotubes lacking the endogenous DHPR β1a-subunit verified formation of the α1S/β1a pair. In myotube genotypes which express no or low-density L-type Ca2+ currents, namely β1 KO and RyR1 KO, β2a overexpression recovered a wild-type density of nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ currents with a slow activation kinetics typical of skeletal myotubes. Concurrent with Ca2+ current recovery, there was a drastic reduction of voltage–dependent, skeletal-type EC coupling and emergence of Ca2+ transients triggered by the Ca2+ current. A comparison of β2a overexpression in RyR3 KO, RyR1 KO, and double RyR1/RyR3 KO myotubes concluded that both RyR1 and RyR3 isoforms participated in Ca2+-dependent Ca2+ release triggered by the β2a-subunit. In β1 KO and RyR1 KO myotubes, the Ca2+-dependent EC coupling promoted by β2a overexpression had the following characteristics: 1), L-type Ca2+ currents had a wild-type density; 2), Ca2+ transients activated much slower than controls overexpressing β1a, and the rate of fluorescence increase was consistent with the activation kinetics of the Ca2+ current; 3), the voltage dependence of the Ca2+ transient was bell-shaped and the maximum was centered at ∼+30 mV, consistent with the voltage dependence of the Ca2+ current; and 4), Ca2+ currents and Ca2+ transients were fully blocked by nifedipine. The loss in voltage-dependent EC coupling promoted by β2a was inferred by the drastic reduction in maximal Ca2+ fluorescence at large positive potentials (ΔF/Fmax) in double dysgenic/β1 KO myotubes overexpressing the pore mutant α1S (E1014K) and β2a. The data indicate that β2a, upon interaction with the skeletal pore subunit α1S, overrides critical EC coupling determinants present in α1S. We propose that the α1S/β pair, and not the α1S-subunit alone, controls the EC coupling signal in skeletal muscle.
Design and characterization of a protein superagonist of IL‐15 fused with IL‐15Rα and a high‐affinity T cell receptor

To avoid high systemic doses, strategies involving antigen-specific delivery of cytokine via linked antibodies or antibody fragments have been used. Targeting cancer-associated peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (pepMHC) increases the number of potential target antigens and takes advantage of cross-presentation on tumor stroma and in draining lymph nodes. Here, we use a soluble, high-affinity single-chain T cell receptor Vα-Vβ (scTv), to deliver cytokines to intracellular tumor-associated antigens presented as pepMHC. As typical wild-type T cell receptors (TCRs) exhibit low affinity (K(d) = 1-100 μM or more), we used an engineered TCR, m33, that binds its antigenic peptide SIYRYYGL (SIY) bound to the murine class I major histocompatability complex protein H2-K(b) (SIY/K(b) ) with nanomolar affinity (K(d) = 30 nM). We generated constructs consisting of m33 scTv fused to murine interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 15 (IL-15), or IL-15/IL-15Rα (IL-15 linked to IL-15Rα sushi domain, called "superfusion"). The fusions were purified with good yields and bound specifically to SIY/K(b) with high affinity. Proper cytokine folding and binding were confirmed, and the fusions were capable of stimulating proliferation of cytokine-dependent cells, both when added directly and when presented in trans, bound to cells with the target pepMHC. The m33 superfusion was particularly potent and stable and represents a promising design for targeted antitumor immunomodulation.
Lymphocystis disease in Wisconsin fishes

. Lymphocystis disease is reported from seven fish species in 48 of Wisconsin's 72 counties (67%). It was previously known from only two fish species in five counties. The record from northern pike, Esox Indus L. is new. Five other host records are new for Wisconsin. A relationship between the disease distribution in new waters and walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill), stocking sources is noted. Histologlcal observations from black crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus (Lesueur) and walleye are similar to previously published accounts. Events in hyaline capsule degeneration are described for the first time. In Wisconsin, the disease was most commonly observed in the spring, particularly in walleye, but was consistently evident throughout the rest of the year.
Mitral Annulus Calcification is associated with valvular and cardiac structural abnormalities

Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is a common finding on echocardiographic examination. The goal of this study was to evaluate associations between MAC and cardiac abnormalities using a large echocardiographic database. For this study we retrospectively reviewed 24,380 echocardiograms performed for clinical reasons between the years 1984 and 1998. MAC was reported in 1,494 (6.1%) subjects. Using multivariate analysis, age, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), mitral regurgitation (MR), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), aortic stenosis (AS), left atrial (LA) enlargement and reversed E/A ratio were independently associated with MAC.)MAC was noted in 11.7 % of patients with MR vs. 4.3% without MR (OR: 2.0, CI 1.6–2.6, p < 0.0001), in 13.9% of those with TR vs. 4.5% without TR (OR: 3.8, CI 2.9–4.8, p < 0.0001), in 10.6% with LVH vs. 4.2% without LVH (OR: 1.9, CI 1.5–2.4, p < 0.0001), in 14.8% with AS vs. 5.5% without AS (OR: 1.4, CI 1.08–1.9, p = 0.01), in 9.4% with reversed E/A ratio vs. 3.8% without reversed E/A ratio (OR: 1.7, CI 1.4–2.2, p < 0.0001) and in 8.2% with LA enlargement vs. 4.8% without LA enlargement (OR: 1.3, CI 1.06–1.7, p = 0.02). In our study, MAC independently correlated with significant structural heart abnormalities. This suggests that identification of MAC may serve as a marker for other cardiac structural disorders.
A comparison of Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes in young and old continental lithospheric mantle: Patagonia and eastern China

It is commonly accepted that beneath the continental crust lies a keel of lithospheric mantle, which extends 50–200 kilometres downward to a transition zone into the asthenosphere. The chemical and physical properties of this reservoir are best known through studies of the basalts and xenoliths that provide samples of the subcrustal mantle. Although sharing many characteristics with oceanic island basalts, some continental basalts become increasingly distinct isotopically as crustal age increases, strongly supporting a permanent association between crust and mantle. Consequently, the distinctive trace element and isotope composition of the lithospheric mantle is able to give important clues to its origin and evolution. The mantle under newly‐created crust is typified by a radiogenic isotope variability that emphasizes the materials from which the continental lithosphere is assembled. Old lithospheric mantle, on the other hand, exhibits more evolved isotopic patterns that attest to the existence of long‐li...
Labor Union Political Strategy in an Era of Decline and Revitalization

U.S. labor unions faced sharp membership losses over the last few decades, and some responded by ushering in a new, revitalized model of organizing. Yet we know little about how these forces may be shaping the political activities of the labor movement. Has crisis prompted unions to take aim at public policies inhibiting union vitality, or have unions turned outward to embrace broader social causes? This paper uses an original dataset of union appearances in congressional hearings to analyze unions’ legislative advocacy activities. Findings suggest substantial differences between those unions that are likely to appear in hearings on core labor-related topics and those that appear in hearings on broad social issues: AFL-CIO unions are more likely to participate in hearings on core labor issues, while unions commonly cited as “revitalized” and public sector unions are more likely to appear in hearings on broad social issues.
On the Poisson approximation of multinomial probabilities

Abstract The degree of approximation of the distance between multinomial and Poisson probabilities has been investigated by Hodges and LeCam (1960) and McDonald (1980). In this note we provide an elementary proof of a bound on the deviation between the multinomial and Poisson probabilities. An extension to the case of randomly stopped experiments is also given.
Biliary excretion of [14C]taurocholate by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) is stimulated at warmer acclimation temperature.

Sexually immature Shasta strain rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) of either sex were acclimated at 10, 14 or 18 degrees C for at least 4 weeks and plasma pharmacokinetics and biliary excretion of i.p. injected [14C]taurocholate (TC) examined in spinally transected or free-swimming fish, respectively. Plasma elimination half-lives but not absorption rate constants for [14C]TC (10 mumol/kg) were about two-fold reduced in 18 as compared to 10 or 14 degrees C acclimated fish. Distribution of [14C]TC to tissues other than plasma, liver, bile and small intestine was not different in 10, 14 or 18 degrees C acclimated free-swimming fish at 1 or 4 hr post-injection. Biliary excretion of [14C]TC (7.5-10 mumol/kg) at 1 hr post-injection was significantly higher in 14 and 18 as compared to 10 degrees C acclimated fish.
Effects of surround luminance on perceptual latency.

The apparent brightness of a test field can be substantially reduced by an extended-duration surround. In experiment I, test-field luminance was adjusted to match the brightness of a reference stimulus. Over a wide range of surround luminance, latency was measured by comparing test-stimulus and surround-field onsets, using the perceived-order method, in which the temporal interval between the two stimuli is varied to obtain subjective simultaneity. A series of control observations was made using test stimuli covering the same range of test-stimulus luminance that was used in the main series of observations, but with no surround field. Latencies of test stimuli were found to be considerably shorter with high-luminance surround fields than with no surround. Apparently, high-luminance surrounds resulted in reduction of latency of response to the test stimulus (facilitation of response to the test stimulus). In experiment II, a constant test-stimulus luminance was used. Reduction of latency of response to the test stimulus was found to increase with increasing surround luminance when surround luminance exceeded test-stimulus luminance. Supplementary observations indicated that the reduction of test-stimulus latency was not an artifact of dark adaptation.
College-Readiness Rates in Texas: A Statewide, Multiyear Study of Ethnic Differences

In this study, we examined the college-readiness rates of Black, Hispanic, and White Texas public high school graduates using archival data from the Texas Education Agency Academic Excellence Indicator System. An examination of the state college-readiness rates across a 3-year period was conducted to determine the extent to which academic achievement gaps had increased, decreased, or remained relatively large and stable among Black, Hispanic, and White high school graduates in Texas. For the 3 years of data, college-readiness rates of White students were higher than the college-readiness rates of Black and Hispanic students in reading, math, and both subjects by large margins. Of the 27 statistical analyses of college readiness, statistically significant findings were present, revealing 19 large effect sizes, one near-large effect size, one moderate effect size, and six small effect sizes. Although Black and Hispanic students increased their college-readiness rates, White students also increased their col...
First outcomes from the CNR-ISAC monthly forecasting system

Abstract. A monthly probabilistic forecasting system is experimentally operated at the ISAC institute of the National Council of Research of Italy. The forecasting system is based on GLOBO, an atmospheric general circulation model developed at the same institute. The model is presently run on a monthly basis to produce an ensemble of 32 forecasts initialized with GFS-NCEP perturbed analyses. Reforecasts, initialized with ECMWF ERA-Interim reanalyses of the 1989–2009 period, are also produced to determine modelled climatology of the month to forecast. The modelled monthly climatology is then used to calibrate the ensemble forecast of daily precipitation, geopotential height and temperature on standard pressure levels. In this work, we present the forecasting system and a preliminary evaluation of the model systematic and forecast errors in terms of non-probabilistic scores of the 500-hPa geopotential height. Results show that the proposed forecasting system outperforms the climatology in the first two weeks of integrations. The adopted calibration based on weighted bias correction is found to reduce the systematic and the forecast errors.
Risk scoring for preterm labor: Where do we go from here?

Risk scoring systems based on traditional demographic, social, and medical factors have limited use, especially in certain populations. Newer approaches, including frequent cervical examinations, periodic outpatient monitoring for contractions, extensive daily monitoring at home for contractions in very high-risk persons, and identification and reduction of modifiable behavioral risks, offer promise.
Incidence of cleft pathology in Greater New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina.

Background: Reports after the 2005 Hurricane Katrina have documented an increase in stress reactions and environmental teratogens (arsenic, mold, alcohol). Objective: To assess the incidence of cleft pathology before and after the hurricane, and the distribution of cleft cases by gender and race. Methods: Retrospective chart review of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate (CP) cases registered with the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Children's Hospital of New Orleans, the surgical center that treated cleft cases in Greater New Orleans between 2004 and 2007. Live birth data were obtained from the Louisiana State Center for Health Statistics. Results: The incidence of cleft cases, beginning 9 months after the hurricane (i.e., June 1, 2006) was significantly higher compared with the period before the hurricane (0.80 versus 1.42; p = .008). Within racial group comparisons showed a higher incidence among African Americans versus whites (0.42 versus 1.22; p = .01). The distribution ...
The Accuracy of Aneroid Sphygmomanometers in the Ambulatory Setting

The mercury sphygmomanometer is the undisputed gold standard for the indirect measurement of blood pressure. Some public health advocates have recently expressed concern about the use of mercury in medical practice.2 This concern has prompted many medical facilities to replace mercury manometers with aneroid devices. The present report examined the performance of 282 aneroid sphygmomanometers in outpatient medical practices. Results were examined for predetermined end points within ±3 mm Hg from the reference values and to indicate zero at no pressure. Ninety-three devices (33%) failed to perform at ≥1 pressure levels. Most (76%) of the failures were due to low readings. Only 7 of the 93 failing units did not rest at zero, making this an unreliable indicator of accuracy. Inaccurate readings of aneroid sphygmomanometers may result in a failure to diagnose and treat hypertension, thereby placing hypertensive patients at risk for end-organ damage and cardiovascular events.