cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-MDA5 Antibody Dermatomyositis Overlap with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that primarily targets the muscle, skin, and lungs. Many patients have autoantibodies that correspond to distinct clinical phenotypes. Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibody, a specific antibody that targets the melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), has been reported in DM cases and is significant for a distinct cutaneous presentation and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. Objective Herein, we describe a patient with DM with a positive anti-MDA5 antibody and characteristic clinical phenotype, who subsequently developed coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A diagnosis of SLE was supported by his clinical phenotype, positive serologies, hypocomplementemia, and progression to glomerulonephritis and lupus cerebritis, features of which fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE. Conclusion DM is known to overlap with other autoimmune diseases, including SLE, and coexistence can lead to a wide variety of clinical presentations. SLE overlapping with anti-MDA5 positive DM may present with distinct clinical features.
Beneath rational choice: Elements of ‘irrational choice theory’

This article re-examines the prevalent view that classical/neoclassical economics contains only bases or ingredients of rational choice theory, i.e., the economic model of human action and society. Instead, it proposes that elements or implications of alternative ‘irrational choice theory’ also coexist with those of ‘rational choice’ and are relatively important in much of classical and neoclassical economics. The article identifies and considers certain elements and implications of irrational choice theory in classical and neoclassical economics. These consist of the reality, possibility, and realm –i.e., conception and observation – of irrational choices in the economy. The article contributes to understanding better how traditional economics relates to contemporary economic-sociological rational choice theory and its alternative.
Parametric study of liquid-vapor interface within a woven metallic wire mesh screen

Porous wicks are employed in two-phase thermal management devices such as heat pipes and vapor chambers. The capillary forces generated across the liquid-vapor interface in these wick structures causes circulation of working fluid. The liquid flow in such wicks are typically characterized by low Bond (Bo = pgL2/σ), Capillary (Ca = μV/σ) and Reynolds (Re = pvL/μ) numbers [Bo ∼ O(10−7), Ca ∼ O(10−5), and Re ∼ O(10−2)]. This paper attempts to focus on the flow characteristics of one such porous wick — a single layered micron diameter metallic wire mesh screen. This screen, folded to form an accordion, is employed in the evaporator package of a novel two-phase heat transfer device and functions similar to a thermal wick. A single repeat unit of this screen is investigated to obtain the shape of the liquid-vapor interface using a numerical model. The wires are assumed to be woven in a sinusoidal pattern. An interface-tracking scheme, the volume-of-fluid (VOF) technique, is utilized and the 3D finite-volume model is solved for the liquid-vapor meniscus. Water is employed as working fluid in this study. The paper reports variation of capillary pressure across this computationally obtained liquid-vapor interface under static equilibrium condition. In addition to the parametric study based on the amount of liquid fill in the screen, investigated by Meniscus height (H), the paper also investigates the impact of equilibrium contact angle (0) on the interface of the screen.
Alternative Formulas for Selected Indices

The values of all popular indices of uneven distribution can be obtained using a variety of mathematically equivalent computing formulas. For a given index some formulas are more familiar and widely used than others, but no single formula can be declared sacred or best for all purposes. The many alternatives can be confusing to those who are new to segregation research. But their availability benefits researchers by providing a variety of options from which to choose to best serve the needs of a particular study. The relevant considerations can include factors such as efficiency of computation, ease of explaining the index to broad audiences, relevance for establishing appealing substantive interpretations, capacity for enabling practical tasks such as decomposition analysis or the calculation of spatial versions of index scores, and utility for pinpointing technical issues in segregation measurement. Researchers may choose a particular formula specifically to serve the needs of a given study. Or they may use a formula based on familiarity and habit. But in one crucial sense the choice is unimportant as all valid formulas can be used interchangeably without affecting the results of individual index scores, research findings, and substantive conclusions.
Strategies to Improve Academic Achievement in Secondary School Students: Perspectives on Grit and Mindset:

This article examines the academic performance of secondary school students from the perspectives of grit and mindset through a detailed review of the literature. What makes a learner resilient? Persistent? Willing to take on academic challenges? The research on grit and mindset provides an understanding of why many secondary students struggle academically. Whereas Duckworth discusses persistence and resilience, Dweck compares fixed versus growth mindsets, the willingness to take on academic challenges and belief in oneself as a learner. Teaching strategies and materials that can help students increase persistence and build a growth mindset are presented as keys to successfully affecting academic performance.
Abstract TP353: Implementing a Nurse Driven Patient Education Program to Improve Understanding of Stroke Signs and Symptoms and Personal Risk Factors Post-discharge

Purpose: Nurse led patient education programs to improve patient understanding of the signs and symptoms (s/s) of a stroke and their personal stroke risk factors can play a significant role in prev...
De-novo Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Bariatric Surgery: A Large Case Series.

Background Case reports of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] have been reported in patients with a history of bariatric surgery. Our aim was to characterize patients who were diagnosed with IBD after having undergone bariatric surgery. Methods Electronic medical records were reviewed at two institutions to identify patients who developed de-novo Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis [UC] after bariatric surgery. Data on demographics, type of bariatric surgical procedure, IBD subtype, phenotype and medication usage were obtained. The incidence rate of de-novo IBD after bariatric surgery [per 100000 person-years] and standardized incidence ratio [SIR] were estimated from a prospective bariatric surgery database. Results A total of 44 patients with de-novo IBD after bariatric surgery were identified [31 Crohn's disease, 12 UC, one IBD unclassified]. Most patients were female [88.6%], with median age at IBD onset of 44 years [IQR, 37-52] and median time to IBD diagnosis after bariatric surgery of 7 years [IQR, 3-10]. Sixty-eight per cent underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In the prospective database, the incidence of IBD in patients who underwent bariatric surgery was 26.7 per 100000 person-years [4.5 for UC and 22.3 for Crohn's disease]. The age-adjusted SIR ranged from 3.56 in the 40-49 year age group to 4.73 in the 30-39 year age group. Conclusion We described a case series of patients developing de-novo IBD after bariatric surgery. There appears to be a numerically higher incidence of Crohn's disease in this population. Confirmation of causality is required in larger patient cohorts.
Fully-integrated 57 mV cold start of a thermoelectric energy harvester using a cross-coupled complementary charge pump

This paper presents a low-voltage cold-start architecture for battery-less thermoelectric energy harvesters that achieves fast start-up from an input voltage of 57 mV. The fully-integrated design uses a novel cross-coupled complementary charge pump with clocks generated using an ultra-low voltage ring oscillator to create a fast switching edge that assists in starting an inductive boost converter. The autonomous harvester implemented in a 180 nm CMOS process achieves start-up in 135 ms while consuming only 90 nJ of energy from the harvesting source to start the primary converter. This work demonstrates cold-start of a thermoelectric energy harvester at the lowest input voltage reported to date for a fully-integrated solution.
Characterization of the Phenotypic Features, Immuno-modulatory Properties and Therapeutic Potentials of Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

The Wharton’s jelly (WJ) of the umbilical cord has been identified as a rich source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are considered as promising candidates for stem cell-based therapy to treat several diseases. In particular, MSCs harvested from the “young” WJ are believed to be more proliferative, immunosuppressive and therapeutically active stem cells than those derived from adult tissues, such as the bone marrow or adipose. MSCs derived from WJ also exhibit transplantable features such as ease of sourcing, in vitro expandability, differentiation capacities, immune-evasion and immune-regulation profiles. Indeed, the potentiality of WJ-derived stem cells to treat cancer, cardiovascular and liver diseases, and nerve and cartilage tendon injuries has been suggested. In this paper, we present an overview of the phenotypic characteristics, immune-modulatory properties and therapeutic potentials of WJ-derived stem cells, and suggest optimization protocols for successful advancement of WJ-derived stem cells into clinical use.
Frequency Domain Identification-Based Feedforward-Feedback Controller for Coordinated Power Control of Wind and Gas Joint Power Generation

In this paper, a feedforward-feedback coordinated control scheme is proposed for the hybrid wind farm and combined cycle power plant (CCPP) system. In this system, we first identify the power control loop model of CPCC and the process model of the wind turbine generator (WTG), according to the automatic generation control and daily wind farm operating data. Specifically, the process frequency response is estimated using the measured input and output data of the process loop; their transfer functions are obtained by solving least squares with the variables amplitude and phase. Based on above CCPP and WTG models, the improved Internal Model Control (IMC) and optimal feedforward controller methods are then used to design the feedback and feedforward controllers. In comparative study we demonstrate that, the proposed scheme achieves significant improvement in reducing power deviation in the grid caused by the intermittent wind power.
Laser-induced modifications of HfO2 coatings using picosecond pulses at 1053 nm: Using polarization to isolate surface defects

For pulse lengths between 1 and 60 ps, laser-induced modifications of optical materials undergo a transition from mechanisms intrinsic to the materials to defect-dominated mechanisms. Elucidating the location, size, and identity of these defects will greatly help efforts to reduce, mitigate, or eliminate these defects. We recently detailed the role of defects in the ps laser-modifications of silica coatings. We now discuss the similar role of defects in HfO2 1/2-wave coatings and also include the environmental effects on the damage process. By switching between S and P polarizations, we distinguish the effects of defects at the surface from those throughout the material. We find that defects very near the surface are dependent on the environment, leading to worse damage in vacuum than in air. Air suppresses or lessens the effects of these defects, suggesting a photo-chemical component in the mechanism of laser damage in HfO2 coatings.
CROMO: Enhancing Crowd Mobility Characterization through Real-time Radio Frequency Data Analytics

Human casualties at entertaining, religious, or political events often occur due to lack of proper crowd management. Notably, for the crowd in mobile, a minor accident can create a panic for the people to start stampeding and trampling others. Although many smart video surveillance technologies are recently proposed, it is still very challenging problems to predict a crash in real-time among the mobile crowd for preventing any potential disaster.In this paper, we propose CROMO that enhances crowd mobility characterization through real-time Radio Frequency (RF) data analytics. Inspired by the recent advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology and machine learning (ML) algorithms, traditional video surveillance technologies make object detection and identification possible in real-time. However, their scalability and capacity lack in a crowded mobile environment. CROMO propose to fill the gap via RF signal analytics. Among the many crowd mobility characteristics, we tackle object group identification, the speed, and direction detection for the mobile group. We also apply them to group semantics to track the crowd status and predict any potential accidents and disasters. Taking advantage of power-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ubiquitous availability, we specifically analyze a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal. We have tested CROMO in both a practical crowd event and the controlled indoor and outdoor lab environments. The results show that CROMO can detect the direction, the speed, and the density of the mobile crowd in real-time. Therefore, it can help the crowd management in avoiding disasters possibilities at crowd events.
A general diagnostic classification model for rating scales

This study proposes and evaluates a general diagnostic classification model (DCM) for rating scales. We applied the proposed model to a dataset to compare its performance with traditional DCMs for polytomous items. We also conducted a simulation study based on the applied study condition in order to evaluate the parameter recovery of the proposed model. The findings suggest that the proposed model shows promise for (1) accommodating much smaller sample sizes by reducing a large number of parameters for estimation; (2) obtaining item category response probabilities and individual scores very similar to those from a traditional saturated model; and (3) providing general item information that is not available in traditional DCMs for polytomous items.
Absence of correlation of hydrogen bond donor ability with acid strength and catalytic activity of acid catalysts

Two liquids, acetic acid and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), and two solids, silica gel and polymethacrylic acid (PMA), were compared for hydrogen bond donor ability, acid strength, and catalytic activity in typical acid‐catalyzed reactions, inversion of sugar and cleavage of acetone dimethyl ketal. In each pair, the weaker acid (HFIP and silica gel, respectively) was much the stronger hydrogen bond donor, but was totally devoid of catalytic activity, which the poor hydrogen bond donor but stronger acids (acetic and methacrylic acid, respectively) exhibited. A strong hydrogen bond donor (e.g., HFIP) enhances, however, the catalytic activity of the acid catalyst (AcOH). Thus, hydrogen bond donor ability is not a measure of acid strength. A correlation of the two properties is possible only when each group (acids and bases) involved in the comparison consists of very close structural relatives. Such a correlation cannot be extrapolated to any other case.
Death of an infant: Accessing the voices of bereaved mothers to create healing. A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe the health challenge for mothers whose infants have died and approaches and resources they used to manage the loss. BACKGROUND The death of an infant is a devastating experience for families. Bereaved mothers have higher rates of mental distress, loneliness and isolation. While some learn to cope, others remain consumed by grief, unable to function, with persistent affective, cognitive and physical symptoms. DESIGN Qualitative design guided by story theory. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers 13-36 months after the death of their infant. Looking at the present, past and future, mothers were asked to describe the health challenge of losing an infant and approaches used to manage the loss. The COREQ checklist was used. RESULTS These mothers' experiences were captured in six main themes: 'Painful aloneness', 'Blemished identity', 'Burden of being misunderstood', 'Being with and being heard', 'Being present and building a future' and 'Finding meaning in the tragedy'. In sharing their stories, mothers identified positive and negative encounters with healthcare professionals following the death of their infant. CONCLUSION After losing an infant, mothers experience an array of challenges as they move forward. They describe their approaches used to manage the loss. This included a need to be heard, feel supported and find meaning in the loss as they try to build a new future. Their stories express a need for health care encounters to be healing, allowing mothers to feel cared for and supported on their unique journeys towards a new sense of well-being. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE In sharing their stories what matters most to these mothers having lost an infant emerged. The study findings can be used to guide nursing practice, incorporated into healthcare providers bereavement training, increase knowledge and build effective communication skills.
Multiplexed single particle sensing in optofluidic sensors using free space excitation

Multiplexed detection of single particles in an optofluidic chip is demonstrated by free space excitation of encoded patterns milled on a metal-coated liquid core waveguide. Encoded signals from nanobeads are distinguished with high fidelity, showing promise for differential biomarker diagnosis.
Underlying Motives for Selected Adventure Recreation Activities: The Case for Eudaimonics and Hedonics

One of the interesting behaviors practiced by citizens across the globe is the pursuit of outdoor recreational activities featuring elements of personal risk and danger. These types of activities are now becoming a global mainstay for many individuals, economies, and organizations. This study examined the underlying motivations and subsequent behaviors associated with risk-taking recreational activities and used the concepts of eudaimonics and hedonics to examine the motivations for participation from individuals engaging in three different adventure activities occurring in eight different locations. Recruitment took place in several forms, including in-person solicitation of participants at the activity areas, which consisted of mountain biking trailheads, rock climbing areas, and whitewater sites. Data were collected from three popular outdoor adventure activities (OAAs), including mountain biking, rock climbing, and whitewater boating. This study employed the use of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to investigate the relationship between two independent variable sets, including (1) the activity type, and (2) the level of experience, gender, type of activity, and the dependent variables of the Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activities (HEMA) scale (eudaimonic and hedonic). In addition, a cumulative odds ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds was utilized to determine the effects of expertise level and activity type on reported eudaimonic and hedonic motivations. A qualitative interview process was utilized to further investigate participant responses surrounding eudaimonic and hedonic motivational perspectives. The results indicated slight variations in experience level in the underlying motivations. Furthermore, qualitative inquiry revealed several motivation categories and diversity in the way those motivations were present throughout the recreation activity.
One university’s story on teacher preparation in elementary mathematics: examining opportunities to learn

This multi-case study examines how three elementary mathematics methods instructors, in the same teacher education program, provide their prospective teachers with learning opportunities. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and artifacts. The findings suggest that the instructors’ beliefs associated with teaching philosophies influence both the content that prospective teachers have the opportunity to learn (what) and the nature of the prospective teachers’ opportunities to learn (how). Through analytic induction, three assertions were developed to understand and explicate: similarities in opportunities to learn, differences in opportunities to learn, and perceptions about the purpose of the methods courses across the three cases. Specifically, the first assertion examines how all three methods instructors focused on developing conceptual understanding and combating mathematical misconceptions for which prospective teachers most often experience opportunities to learn through representations and approximations. The second and third assertions place more emphasis on differences across the cases based upon observed instructor actions and their beliefs. This study is significant because it helps us gain a deeper understanding about prospective teachers’ opportunities to learn within one teacher education program, and therefore, may point toward what can be done in the future to better prepare teachers in elementary mathematics education and the development of ambitious instruction. Additionally, this study unpacks how prospective teachers in the same teacher education program may have varying experiences and thus varied access to opportunities to learn.
Open Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Bone Grafting and Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allografting

Background Large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are challenging pathological conditions to treat, but particulated juvenile cartilage allografts (PJCAs) supplemented with bone grafts are a promising therapeutic option. The purpose of this project was to further elucidate the role of PJCA with concomitant bone autografts for treating large cystic OLTs with extensive subchondral bone involvement (greater than 150 mm2 in area and/or deeper than 5 mm). Methods We identified 6 patients with a mean OLT area of 307.2 ± 252.4 mm2 and a mean lesion depth of 10.85 ± 6.10 mm who underwent DeNovo PJCA with bone autografting between 2013 and 2017. Postoperative outcomes were assessed with radiographs, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and visual pain scale scores. Results At final follow-up (27.0 ± 12.59 weeks), all patients had symptomatic improvement and incorporation of the graft on radiographs. At an average of 62 ± 20.88 months postoperatively, no patients required a revision surgery. All patients contacted by phone in 2018 and 2020 reported they would do the procedure again in retrospect and reported an improvement in their symptoms relative to their preoperative state, especially with pain and in the FAOS activities of daily living subsection (91.93 ± 9.04 in 2018, 74.63 ± 26.86 in 2020). Conclusion PJCA with concomitant bone autograft is a viable treatment option for patients with large cystic OLTs. Levels of evidence Level IV.
1MW-Class Solid Oxide Electrolyser System Prototype for Low-Cost Green Hydrogen

Ceres aims to play a central role in the global transition to clean, affordable energy to help tackle climate change and air pollution. As part of this goal, Ceres is now focused on applying its well-established and mature solid oxide cell technology to electrolysis system applications as a compelling solution that can address the carbon emissions from the so called hard-to-abate sectors in heavy industry (cement, steel, and chemicals) and heavy-duty transport (road haulage, shipping, and aviation). These sectors represent 10GtCO2 or 30% of CO2 emissions from energy and industry(1). This paper describes Ceres proposed development path from a first-of-a-kind prototype system demonstrator towards full technology maturation and commercialization over the next 5 years. The advantages of heat integration with Ceres' solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEL) system are explored and a roadmap to the first commercial SOEL systems is presented setting out predicted system capital expenditure and hydrogen production costs.
Cannabis use and electronic cigarette use: The role of dual use on use frequency and related problems

Despite high rates of use of both cannabis and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), little is known about the role of cannabis use among ENDS users and of ENDS use among cannabis users. This study tested whether dual use was related to more frequent use, use-related problems, and negative affect. Among cannabis users (n=315), ENDS was associated with more frequent cannabis use, cannabis-related problems, anxiety, and depression. Among ENDS users (n=156), cannabis was associated with more frequent ENDS use, ENDS-related problems, and anxiety. Overall, ENDS use is common among cannabis users and cannabis use is common among ENDS users. Further, use of both of these substances is related to more use, use-related problems, and negative affect, especially anxiety.
An in-silico benchmark for the tricuspid heart valve – Geometry, finite element mesh, Abaqus simulation, and result data set

Abstract This article provides the Abaqus input files and user subroutine for performing finite element simulations of the tricuspid heart valve with an idealized geometry. Additional post-processing steps to obtain a ParaView visualization file ( *.vtk ) of the deformed geometry are provided to allow the readers to use the included ParaView state file ( *.pvsm ) for customizable visualization and evaluation of the simulation results. We expect this first-of-its-kind in-silico benchmark dataset will facilitate user-friendly simulations considering material nonlinearity, leaflet-to-leaflet contact, and large deformations. Additionally, the information included herein can be used to rapidly evaluate novel in-silico approaches for simulating cardiac valve function. The benchmark can be expanded to consider more complex features of the tricuspid valve function, such as the dynamic annulus motion or the time-varying transvalvular pressure. Interested readers are referred to the companion article [1] for an example application of this in-silico tool for isogeometric analysis of tricuspid valves.
Terahertz-Control of Charge-Carrier Wavepackets in Semiconductor Quantum Wells

With the advancement of free-electron lasers [FEL’s] as well as THz solid-state emitters [1], THz physics and related technology is currently coming out of its infancy. Two-color techniques (optical and THz) applied to mesoscopic semiconductors have also been developed [2]. Consequently, the dynamics of charge carriers (electrons and holes) after excitation with short light pulses and terahertz fields in semiconductor heterostructures has been receiving an upsurge of attention recently. Besides being of fundamental interest, the investigation of interplaying THz and optical fields is also relevant in the operation of high-speed electronic and optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors, modulators, and switches. By application of strong THz fields, the effects of electron and hole transport in semiconductor devices can be considerable. The field perturbation is very intense but with a photon energy small compared to the bandgap energy. In the low density regime, in the presence of a broadband pulse, interfering electron-hole relative motion wave packets [WP’s] are formed.
Equilibrium Behavior of Cloud Drops and Ice Particles

Having established some background material for use in studying the bulk and surface properties of water and aqueous solutions, it is appropriate now to take a closer look at the equilibrium behavior of typical and/or idealized cloud particles of ice and water. In particular, we shall study the equilibrium of (Da pure water or aqueous solution drop surrounded by water vapor or humid air, (2) an ice crystal in humid air, (3) an ice crystal and a separate solution drop in humid air, and (4) an ice crystal immersed in a solution drop in humid air. We shall see later that the relationships provided by these case studies are needed in order to formulate the conditions for which cloud drops and ice crystals are nucleated in the atmosphere (Chapters 7 and 9).
Flanking A·T Basepairs Destabilize the B∗ Conformation of DNA A-Tracts

Capillary electrophoresis has been used to characterize the interaction of monovalent cations with 26-basepair DNA oligomers containing A-tracts embedded in flanking sequences with different basepair compositions. A 26-basepair random-sequence oligomer was used as the reference; lithium and tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) ions were used as the probe ions. The free solution mobilities of the A-tract and random-sequence oligomers were identical in solutions containing <∼100 mM cation. At higher cation concentrations, the A-tract oligomers migrated faster than the reference oligomer in TBA+ and slower than the reference in Li+. Hence, cations of different sizes can interact very differently with DNA A-tracts. The increased mobilities observed in TBA+ suggest that the large hydrophobic TBA+ ions are preferentially excluded from the vicinity of the A-tract minor groove, increasing the effective net charge of the A-tract oligomers and increasing the mobility. By contrast, Li+ ions decrease the mobility of A-tract oligomers because of the preferential localization of Li+ ions in the narrow A-tract minor groove. Embedding the A-tracts in AT-rich flanking sequences markedly alters preferential interactions of monovalent cations with the B∗ conformation. Hence, A-tracts embedded in genomic DNA may or may not interact preferentially with monovalent cations, depending on the relative number of A·T basepairs in the flanking sequences.
Dutch books and agent rationality

According to the Dutch Book Argument (DBA), if an agent's subjective probabilities fail to satisfy the axioms of the probability calculus and so make the agent vulnerable to a Dutch Book, the agent's subjective probabilities are incoherent and the agent is therefore irrational. Critics of DBA have argued, however, that probabilistic incoherence is compatible with various kinds of rationality – logico-semantic, epistemic, instrumental and prudential. In this paper, I provide an interpretation of DBA on which it is true that probabilistic incoherence entails agent irrationality. Articulating this interpretation requires the specification of some of the connections among the varieties of rationality. Once this is done, it becomes possible to vindicate a modest version of DBA.
Rhodopsin evolution in the dark.

The gene for the visual pigment rhodopsin has been extensively studied from biochemical, molecular and evolutionary perspectives. This makes it ideal for investigating the relationship between protein structure and function1,2, and the effects of loss of functional constraint on the evolution of a gene. We specifically addressed the question of what happens when there is no light available by studying rhodopsin genes from three pairs of cave-dwelling and surface-dwelling freshwater crayfish species. Contrary to predictions, we found no differences in the rate of evolution between the cave and surface species or between the conserved and variable structural motifs of the rhodopsin protein. This suggests that rhodopsin might have a previously unknown function in the absence of light.
Biological modulation of upper ocean physics: Simulating the biothermal feedback effect in Monterey Bay, California

Marine phytoplankton and associated organic materials absorb a substantial quantity of solar shortwave energy penetrating the upper ocean. Most of this absorbed energy is lost as heat and thereby contributes to the warming of near-surface waters. Here we examine this biothermal feedback effect on upper ocean physics and air-sea energy exchange using a fully integrated ocean-atmosphere-biological modeling system. Our model simulations show that a local phytoplankton bloom may impact upper ocean physics in such a way as to promote the spatiotemporal persistence of the bloom itself within a semi-enclosed coastal embayment. This is accomplished primarily via enhanced thermal stratification that promotes vertical stability and more efficient utilization of macronutrients. Modulations of wind stress patterns due to perturbations in the local surface pressure gradients also arise as a result of the simulated biothermal warming of surface waters. The model evidence suggests that the observed persistence of phytoplankton blooms in the northern Monterey Bay, California, may be enhanced by similar synergistic interactions between ocean biology and physics.
Pricing and imperfections in the medical care marketplace.

Many well-known papers in the literature of health economics assume that prices paid to providers (gross prices) approximate those that would be set in a competitive market (e.g., Pauly 1968; Feldstein 1973) or that any deviation from competitive prices is well understood (Crew 1969). In the policy arena, however, this view has not predominated; for example, in the United States Medicare payments to physicians have recently been changed on the premise that prices do not resemble those set in a competitive market (Hsiao et al., 1988; PPRC, 1987).
Bayesian Learning over Conflicting Data: Predictions for Language Change

This paper is an analysis of the claim that a universal ban on certain ('anti-markedness') grammars is necessary in order to explain their non-occurrence in the languages of the world. To assess the validity of this hypothesis I examine the implications of one sound change (a > ə) for learning in a specific phonological domain (stress assignment), making explicit assumptions about the type of data that results, and the learning function that computes over that data. The preliminary conclusion is that restrictions on possible end-point languages are unneeded, and that the most likely outcome of change is a lexicon that is inconsistent with respect to a single generating rule.
Exponentially Small Estimate for the Amplitude of Capillary Ripples of a Generalized Solitary Wave

Abstract A recently discovered phenomenon of capillary-gravity waves on water is a solitary wave of elevation plus small-amplitude ripples at infinity. It has been conjectured by Beale [Comm. Pure Appl. Math.44 (1991), 211-257] that the amplitude of the ripples should be exponentially small beyond all orders. In this paper we prove this conjecture.
A possibility measure is not a fuzzy measure

Abstract In this note we show that a possibility measure is not a particular type of fuzzy measure, except in trivial cases.
Measurements of Plasma Fluctuations in an 8-cm Mercury Ion Thruster

The rms magnitude, spectra, and cross-correlations for the fluctuations in the beam current, the neutralizer keeper current, and the discharge current and voltage were measured for an 8-cm diam dished grid ion thruster for a beam current of 72 mA. The effects on the fluctuations of varying several neutralizer parameters, including the keeper hole diameter, the keeper current, and the flow rate were studied. Varying the neutralizer keeper hole diameter resulted in a variation in the ratio of the rms magnitude of the fluctuation to the time-mean of the beam current from 0.02 to 0.67. The ratio of the rms magnitude of the fluctuations to the time-mean neutralizer keeper current was found to depend significantly on the neutralizer time-mean keeper current, the flow rate, and keeper hole diameter. The maxima of the spectra of the beam current fluctuations did not depend on the discharge fluctuations. From the spectral and cross-correlation results, the discharge current fluctuations did not contribute directly to the beam current fluctuations. The rms magnitudes, spectral, and cross-correlation results of the neutralizer keeper current fluctuations indicate that the neutralizer contributions to the beam fluctuations could be small (for good neutralizer-to-beam coupling) but not negligible and appear mostly in the higher frequency range measured.
Aztec surface-relief volume diffractive structure

Surface-relief diffractive optical elements made interferometrically typically are recorded with the off-axis technique, for which the fringe maxima lie on planes that are predominantly perpendicular to the recording surface and with an intensity variation that is sinusoidal. Such a structure can be readily replicated by mechanical means. Volume diffractive elements, on the other hand, which result from beams propagating in opposite directions, have fringe planes that are predominantly parallel to the surface and, as such, cannot be mechanically replicated. A new type of surface-relief diffractive structure called Aztec is discussed here; it combines features of both off-axis and volume recording geometries, with the result being a phase-quantized, or terraced, surface-relief pattern. The groove profile, instead of being sinusoidal, resembles a stepped pyramid. This structure has been replicated by metal mastering and molding into plastic in the same manner as conventional embossed surface-relief elements, but the diffraction characteristics are typical of volume phase reflective structures. Light of a given wavelength is resonantly diffracted from steps that are a half-wavelength apart and with a bandwidth that is inversely proportional to the number of steps. Color control has been achieved by overcoating the step structure with a clear dielectric that shifts the resonant wavelength to a new value, depending on the index of refraction of the dielectric. Information content is less for the single-layered, but stepped, Aztec structure than for the usual multilayered volume diffractive element. Deep Aztec stepped gratings have also been fabricated by optical lithography, using multiple-mask techniques.
Thermal Properties of Ration Components as Affected by Moisture Content and Water Activity During Freezing

Beef roast with vegetables is an example of a meal, ready-to-eat (MRE) ration entree. It is a mixture of meat, potato, mushroom, and carrot with a gravy sauce. The thermal properties of each component were characterized in terms of freezing point, latent heat, freezable and unfreezable water contents, and enthalpy during freezing using differential scanning calorimetry. Freezing and thawing curves and the effect of freezing and thawing cycles on thermal properties were also evaluated. The freezing points of beef, potato, mushroom, and sauce were all in the range of -5.1 to -5.6 degrees C, but moisture content, water activity, latent heat, freezable and unfreezable water contents, and enthalpy varied among these components. Freezing temperature greatly affected the unfrozen water fraction. The unfreezable water content (unfrozen water fraction at -50 degrees C) of ration components was in the range of 8.2% to 9.7%. The freezing and thawing curves of vegetables with sauce differed from those of beef but took similar time to freeze or thaw. Freezing and thawing cycles did not greatly affect the thermal properties of each component. Freezing point and latent heat were reduced by decreasing moisture content and water activity of each component. Water activity was proportionally linear to freezing point at a(w) > 0.88, and moisture content was proportionally linear to freezable water content in all ration components. Water was not available for freezing when moisture content was reduced to 28.8% or less. This study indicates that moisture content and water activity are critical factors affecting thermal behavior of ration components during freezing.
Homer Lea and the Chinese Contras: The Chinese Imperial Reform Army in America, 1901-1911

Frustrated in his desire for a military career, Homer Lea, an eccentric but brilliant American military strategist at the beginning of this century, organized and commanded the Chinese Imperial Reform Army, a sizable and well-funded expatriate movement based in the United States.1 Very little remains in the historical record about this episode, yet it is a fascinating footnote in Sino-American relations. "General" Lea's dream was to return to China and lead his troops in restoring the Guangxu Emperor to the throne from which he had been driven by the Empress Dowager following his attempt at political reform in 1898. The political turmoil in China at the turn of the century provided Homer Lea with a chance to fulfill what he saw as his personal destiny.
Early Pregnancy Loss in the Infertile Couple

The infertile couple invests tremendous amounts of time, money, and physical and emotional energy in attempting to conceive. When these couples experience early pregnancy loss, their grief can be profound. The emotional aspects of such pregnancy losses and specific nursing interventions are presented.
Hypersonic Scramjet Testing via Diode Laser Absorption in a Reflected Shock Tunnel

A wavelength-multiplexed two-color tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy sensor probing transitions near 1.4 μm was developed to measure H2O temperature and column density simultaneously across three lines of sight in a ground-based model scramjet combustor. High-enthalpy scramjet conditions equivalent to Mach 10 flight were generated with a reflected shock tunnel. The sensor hardware development and optical engineering to overcome noisy combustor conditions, including short test time, beam steering, and mechanical vibration, are discussed. A new scanned-wavelength-modulation spectroscopy technique was used to acquire the complete spectral lineshape while maintaining the high signal-to-noise ratio characteristic of wavelength-modulation spectroscopy measurements. Two combusting flow experiments were conducted, and the results compared with steady-state computational fluid dynamics calculations, with both the simulations and the measurements finding formation of H2O from H2 combustion during the tes...
Analysis of conserved domains identifies a unique structural feature of a chloroplast heat shock protein.

A low molecular weight heat shock protein which localizes to chloroplasts has been identified in several plant species. This protein belongs to a eukaryotic superfamily of small HSPs, all of which contain a conserved carboxyl-terminal domain. To investigate further the structure of this HSP, we isolated and sequenced cDNA clones for the chloroplast LMW HSPs from Petunia hybrida and Arabidopsis thaliana. The cloning of chloroplast HSPs from these two species enabled us to compare the amino acid sequences of this protein from plant species (petunia, Arabidopsis, pea, soybean and maize) that represent evolutionarily divergent taxonomic subclasses. Three conserved regions were identified, which are designated as regions I, II and III. Regions I and II are also shared by cytoplasmic LMW HSPs and therefore are likely to have functional roles common to all eukaryotic LMW HSPs. In contrast, consensus region III is not found in other LMW HSPs. Secondary structure analysis predicts that this region forms an amphipathic α-helix with high conservation of methionine residues on the hydrophobic face and 100% conservation of residues on the hydrophilic face. This structure is similar to three helices, termed “methionine bristles”, which are found in a methionine-rich domain of a 54 kDa protein component of signal recognition particle (SRP54). The conservation of regions I and II among LMW cytoplasmic and chloroplast HSPs suggests that these HSPs perform related functions in different cellular compartments. However, identification of the methionine bristle domain suggests that chloroplast HSPs also have unique functions or substrates within the special environment of the chloroplast or other plastids.
Using all available means of persuasion: the twentieth century first lady as public communicator

Historians have been polled in an effort to determine rankings of American first ladies (Gould, 1996; Watson, 1999). Eleanor Roosevelt (#1), Rosalynn Carter (#5), Lady Bird Johnson (#6), Jacqueline...
Measurement errors associated with two-wavelength interferometric techniques in salt water solutions

Abstract An experimental test system capable of measuring the refractive index variation of a salt water solution generated refractive index data as a function of temperature and concentration at two wavelengths [1]. Using this data, the effect of fringe resolution on the measurement of temperature and concentration distributions in a hypothetical double-diffusive system are investigated.
The storage complexity of some estimators of the median

Abstract We consider the computational complexity of various algorithms for finding the median of an unknown distribution from which independent random samples of any size can be drawn. We present two principal results: We prove that computation of the sample median of arbitrarily large samples requires storage of unbounded amounts of data, which is intuitively reasonable. Indeed, we prove that even if the population consists of a known, finite number K of distinct elements, the computation of the medians of arbitrarily large samples requires K - 1 counters that need unbounded capacity, and no algorithm with either fewer counters or counters with bounded capacities can succeed. In contrast, we then present an algorithm, though not a very efficient one, for computing a sequence of estimators (necessarily not sample medians) that converge almost surely to the median of any given (unknown) distribution and that requires only a small, fixed number of counters (to count certain events) and registers (each of which contains a real number to the same degree of precision as the sample elements).
Lifetime Prevalence of Learning Disability Among US Children

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to examine the lifetime prevalence of learning disability by sociodemographic and family-functioning characteristics in US children, with particular attention paid to the children with special health care needs. METHODS. By using data from the National Survey of Children9s Health, we calculated lifetime prevalence of learning disability using a question that asked whether a doctor or other health care or school professional ever told the survey respondent that the child had a learning disability. Children with and those without special health care needs were classified on the basis of how many of 5 definitional criteria for children with special health care needs they met (0–5). Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to assess independent associations of selected sociodemographic and family variables with learning disability. RESULTS. The lifetime prevalence of learning disability in US children is 9.7%. Although prevalence of learning disability is lower among average developing children (5.4%), it still affected 2.7 million children compared with 3.3 million (27.8%) children with special health care needs. As the number of definitional criteria children with special health care needs met increased from 1 to 5, so did the prevalence of learning disability (15.0%, 27.1%, 41.6%, 69.3%, and 87.8%, respectively). In the adjusted logistic regression model, in addition to the number of definitional criteria the children met, variables associated with the increased odd ratios of learning disability were lower education, all categories of poverty CONCLUSIONS. Although more than half of lifetime prevalence of learning disability occurred in children with special health care needs, it is a significant morbidity in average-developing children as well. Learning disabilities represent important comorbidities among children with special health care needs.
Grand design, multiple arm, and flocculent spiral galaxies

Les proprietes et les origines possibles de 3 types de structure spirale galactique sont passees en revue