cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing a Quaternion Conversion Method to Determine Human Three-Dimensional Tibiofemoral Angles During an In Vitro Simulated Jump Landing.

Lower limb joint kinematics have been measured in laboratory settings using fixed camera-based motion capture systems; however, recently inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been developed as an alternative. The purpose of this study was to test a quaternion conversion (QC) method for calculating the three orthogonal knee angles during the high velocities associated with a jump landing using commercially available IMUs. Nine cadaveric knee specimens were instrumented with APDM Opal IMUs to measure knee kinematics in one-legged 3-4× bodyweight simulated jump landings, four of which were used in establishing the parameters (training) for the new method and five for validation (testing). We compared the angles obtained from the QC method to those obtained from a commercially available sensor and algorithm (APDM Opal) with those calculated from an active marker motion capture system. Results showed a significant difference between both IMU methods and the motion capture data in the majority of orthogonal angles (p < 0.01), though the differences between the QC method and Certus system in the testing set for flexion and rotation angles were smaller than the APDM Opal algorithm, indicating an improvement. Additionally, in all three directions, both the limits of agreement and root-mean-square error between the QC method and the motion capture system were smaller than between the commercial algorithm and the motion capture.
Steady-state crack growth in heterogeneous fiber network thin sheets

Abstract Commercial copy paper is a thin sheet material that has orthotropic constitutive behavior reminiscent of Al foils. Similar to Al foils, mode I crack tips in paper developed quasistatic, fully plastic, steady-state conditions even though plastic deformation in paper is not isochoric. The characteristic steady-state stress for crack growth depended on specimen orientation and contained a positive offset stress due to fiber bridging ( σ c = 37.3 MPa, σ o f f s e t = 6.0 MPa and σ c = 20.1 MPa, σ o f f s e t = 2.9 MPa for the machine and cross direction orientations, respectively). Orientation-dependent, reversed plastic zones were observed in the crack wake and transverse necking fracture processes were not present.
Cysts of Azospirilla Under Various Cultural Conditions

Cyst formation and germination in A. brasilense ATCC 29145 and A. lipoferum ATCC 29707 was observed by using routine laboratory staining and phase contrast and electron microscopy. Different cultural conditions and carbon sources were tested for the induction of cyst formation. Various morphological forms were found to be resistant to desiccation for a period of more than six months. Even though morphologically and ultrastructurally, A. brasilense cysts obtained under nitrogen limiting conditions resemble Azotobacter vinelandii cysts in some respects, the exact sequence of events associated with encystation and germination is yet to be understood. Unlike A. vinelandii, A. brasilense is found to synthesize and excrete brown-black melanin-like granular pigments during encystation under nitrogen limiting conditions. An attempt to separate the different cyst forms by ultracentrifugation in a sucrose density gradient, yielded three different bands. Most of the dense cyst forms with aggregated pigmented granules were pelleted at the bottom of the 70% gradient.
A Simple and Effective Display for Night Vision Systems

The next generation of automotive night vision systems will likely continue to display to the driver enhanced images of the forward driving scene. In some displays there may also be highlighting of pedestrians and animals, which has been argued to be the primary safety goal of night vision systems. We present here the method that was used to design a conceptual display for night vision systems. Although the primary focus of the method is on safety analysis, consideration is given to driver performance with the system, and exposure to alerts. It also addresses user acceptance and annoyance, distraction, and expected behavior adaptation. The resulting driver interface is a simple and potentially effective display for night vision systems. It consists of a pedestrian icon that indicates when there are pedestrians near the future path of the vehicle. An initial prototype of this night-vision DVI was tested on the road and showed promising results despite its simplicity. It improved pedestrian detection distance from 34 to 44 m and decreased the overall ratio of missed pedestrians from 13% to 5%, correspondingly. The improvement may be attributable to the icon alerting the driver to the presence of a pedestrian. In this experiment, the drivers were probably more alert to the possible presence of pedestrians than drivers in the real world, suggesting that the effect of the icon might be even larger in actual use.
THE FILIATION OF ECONOMIC IDEAS: MARX, SCHUMPETER, GEORGESCU-ROEGEN

The evolutionary approaches to economics taken by Marx and Schumpeter underlie the Marx- Schumpeter-Georgescu-Roegen filiation of economic ideas and the sub sequent birth of bioeconomics. In tracing this filiation from Marx to Schumpeter and on to Georgescu-Roegen, this paper begins with the influence that Marx had on Schumpeter, then explores the direct impact that Marx and his school had on Geor gescu-Roegen as well as Schumpeter's influence on Georgescu-Roegen. As a link in this filiation of economic ideas, Georgescu-Roegen became a heterodox economist critical of neoclassical economics and anxious to establish a new economic para digm.
Simian Model for Infection-Associated Preterm Labor

Preterm labor that results in premature birth is the most common cause of perinatal mortality, accounting for 80% of perinatal deaths which are not attributable to congenital malformations. There is now considerable evidence to suggest that cytokines participate in the pathogenesis of infection-associated preterm labor. To examine the temporal and quantitative relationships between intra-amniotic infection and preterm labor, the authors developed a simian model involving chronically catheterized rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with timed gestations. Bacterial vaginosis, previously associated with preterm labor and intra-amniotic infection in women, was identified by Gram stain criteria in 8 of 31 monkeys (26%), a prevalence similar to that reported in women, and was likewise associated with increased intravaginal concentrations of Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus spp., and anaerobes. Following intra-amniotic infection, increases in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGF2α concentrations in amniotic fluid occur in parallel with increases in cytokine concentrations in amniotic fluid and precede increases in uterine contractility. The presence of a single fetus, the hormonal control of parturition, and hemochorial placentation with an abundant amniotic fluid cavity all approximate the human situation. Ideally, prevention of prematurity should be directed toward identification and eradication of the offending microorganism while it is still confined to the lower genital tract, as has been demonstrated for certain lower genital tract infections.
Strong association of health literacy with functional status among rheumatoid arthritis patients: a cross-sectional study.

Objective Studies linking health literacy to outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been underpowered and have not adequately accounted for confounders. We examined the association of health literacy with functional status in 6,052 subjects participating in a prospective observational study, controlling for numerous important covariates. Methods Using linear regression, we analyzed the cross-sectional association of health literacy, as measured by 2 validated single-item literacy screening questions (SILS1 and SILS2), and functional status, assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index. Subjects reported demographics, comorbidities, social support, educational attainment, visual problems, and memory problems, as well as use of prednisone, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologic agents. Each SILS measure was forced into the final model. Results Low health literacy was present in 7.0% and 4.3% of subjects (per SILS1 and SILS2, respectively). When controlling for all covariates, low health literacy was associated with a 0.376-point greater HAQ score, compared to subjects with adequate health literacy (95% confidence interval 0.306, 0.447; P < 0.001). This relationship persisted, even after modeling educational attainment. Results were similar for the 2 SILS instruments. Low health literacy was also associated with poorer self-reported adherence to RA medications. Visual and memory problems were associated with worse functional status. Conclusion Health literacy was more strongly associated with functional status than prednisone use, smoking history, and biologic agent use, and independent of educational attainment. Health literacy may play an important role in understanding functional status in RA patients. Single-item questions amenable to use in the clinical setting may identify subjects with low health literacy, who are at risk for poor RA outcomes.
F -term supersymmetry breaking and moduli

We discuss the coupling of heavy moduli fields to light fields when the dynamics of the latter, absent such couplings, yields metastable vacua. We show that the survival of the vacuum structure of the local model depends nontrivially on the cross couplings of the two sectors. In particular we find that for local models (such as those realized by D-branes in type II string theories) with metastable vacua breaking supersymmetry via F-terms, the cross coupling of the two sectors at an intermediate scale can push the metastable vacuum outside of the regime of the effective field theory. We parametrize the region in which the metastable vacua are safe. We then show that sufficiently small cross couplings can be made natural. Finally, we briefly discuss the role of moduli in stringy realizations of retrofitted SUSY-breaking sectors.
Interleukin-7 mediates the homeostasis of naïve and memory CD8 T cells in vivo.

The naive and memory T lymphocyte pools are maintained through poorly understood homeostatic mechanisms that may include signaling via cytokine receptors. We show that interleukin-7 (IL-7) plays multiple roles in regulating homeostasis of CD8+ T cells. We found that IL-7 was required for homeostatic expansion of naive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in lymphopenic hosts and for CD8+ T cell survival in normal hosts. In contrast, IL-7 was not necessary for growth of CD8+ T cells in response to a virus infection but was critical for generating T cell memory. Up-regulation of Bcl-2 in the absence of IL-7 signaling was impaired after activation in vivo. Homeostatic proliferation of memory cells was also partially dependent on IL-7. These results point to IL-7 as a pivotal cytokine in T cell homeostasis.
Regulation of the NF-κB Activation Pathway by Isolated Domains of FIP3/IKKγ, a Component of the IκB-α Kinase Complex

FIP3, isolated as a type 2 adenovirus E3–14.7-kDa interacting protein, is an essential component of the multimeric IκB-α kinase (IKK) complex and has been shown to interact with various components (Fas receptor-interacting protein, NF-κB-inducing kinase, IKKβ) of the NF-κB activation pathway. FIP3 has also been shown to repress basal and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α-induced NF-κB activity as well as to induce cell death when overexpressed. The adenovirus E3–14.7-kDa protein (E3-14.7K) is an inhibitor of TNFα-induced cell death. In the current study, we generated deletion mutants to map the domains of FIP3, which are responsible for its various functions. The NF-κB inhibitory activity and the E3–14.7K binding domains were mapped at the carboxyl half of the FIP3 protein. We also found that the carboxyl-terminal half of FIP3 blocked TNFα-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and subsequent degradation, which suggests that the stabilization of the cytoplasmic inhibitor of NF-κB underlies the FIP3 inhibition of NF-κB activity. The amino-terminal 119 amino acids were responsible for the FIP3-IKKβ and FIP3-IKKα interaction, and the middle of the protein (amino acids 201–300) appeared to be both the FIP3 self-association domain as well as the FIP3-Fas receptor-interacting protein interaction domain. Thus, FIP3 might serve as a scaffold protein to organize the various components of the IκB-α kinase complex. Whereas the full-length protein is required for efficient cell death, the amino-terminal 200 amino acids are sufficient to cause rounding and detachment of the cells from the monolayer.
An Experimental Test of a Reward-Cost Formulation of Status Inconsistency

Abstract Thibaut and Kelley's and Homans' conceptualizations of reward-cost processes are adapted to the problem of explaining the dissatisfaction that status inconsistency produces. It is shown: (a) that consistency between position and ability ranks is associated with the best reward-cost outcome in the case of both high- and low-ability individuals when the rewards attached to holding a position and the rewards attached to performing adequately the activities it entails are equal, (b) that inconsistency of position and ability is associated with the best reward-cost outcome in the case of high-ability individuals when performance is rewarded more heavily than position, and (c) that inconsistency of position and ability is associated with the best reward-cost outcome in the case of low-ability individuals when position is rewarded more heavily than performance. Subjects are led to believe that they have high or low ability with regard to a task, and rewards for position and performance are varied so as to produce the consistencies and inconsistencies described. Arguing from a position similar to one advanced by Brehm and Cohen, it is predicted that the inconsistencies will not produce lower satisfaction. The prediction receives support.
Preoperative sedation in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Abstract Objective: Based on a few reports that describe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients as having an increased risk of acute upper airway obstruction (UAO) after pharmacological sedation, this population is less likely to receive sedation prior to surgery. Our objective was to evaluate pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing who received preoperative sedation to determine if there was an increase in preoperative airway obstruction. Design: Retrospective chart review from 1995 to 2000. Setting: Two tertiary care academic medical centers. Patients: Sixty-five children (mean age=4.7±2.3 years; 49 boys, 16 girls) diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing by sleep study or clinical evaluation that received preoperative midazolam hydrochloride. Outcome measure: The occurrence of preoperative adverse events defined as UAO, hypoventilation, desaturation, bradycardia, or sustained lethargy that required active intervention after the administration of midazolam hydrochloride within 24 h of surgery. Results: None of the 65 children evaluated in this study experienced respiratory compromise requiring intervention after the administration of preoperative sedation. Potential risk factors such as patients' age, sex, weight, comorbidities, midazolam hydrochloride dose, and severity of sleep apnea did not appear to affect outcome. Conclusion: The preliminary data suggested that preoperative sedation might be safely administered to children with mild or moderate sleep-disordered breathing, and possibly to children with severe OSA, if children are closely observed prior to surgery. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Numerical analysis of local interpolation error for 2D‐MLFMA

The error control of local interpolation for a 2D MLFMA will be discussed. The way to select proper parameters is proposed in terms of both numerical accuracy and computational cost. Satisfying the conditions derived in this paper, error can be controlled at the same level as global interpolation, and the computational cost becomes less expensive than the global one. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 8–12, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10655
New' manifestations of BOR syndrome.

Defined in 1975, branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder consisting of branchial arch anomalies, hearing loss, and urinary tract malformations. It is the prototype of the non-chromosomal syndromes that have branchial arch anomalies as major clinical manifestations: BOR, branchio-otic (BO), branchio-otic-facial (BOF), and Townes-Brock syndromes. Subsequently, several clinical manifestations have expanded its phenotype. Retrospective analysis of 31020 families evaluated between January 2, 1982 and December 31, 1996 at the genetic clinics of the University of South Florida, showed seven probands with BOR/?BOR syndrome. Four of the probands and affected relatives had manifestations that further expanded the phenotype: gustatory lacrimation, hypospadias, imperforate anus, osteosclerosis, microcephaly, hypodontia, congenital vocal cord paresis, and congenital incomplete fixation of the transverse colon. Thus, BOR/ ?BOR syndrome appears to be a clinically and genetically heterogeneous multiorgan/system entity that manifests itself predominantly during organogenesis. Clinicians and researchers alike should be cognizant of the expanded phenotype and heterogeneity, while in the DNA laboratories the latter will be sorted out.
Screening cerebrovascular patients for silent myocardial ischemia with stress testing and ambulatory left ventricular function monitor

Patients with symptomatic cerebrovascular disease suffer a high mortality from myocardial ischemia, which may occur during rest or following the conclusion of exercise. In a pilot study, we screened 11 patients with transient cerebral ischemic attack or stroke for silent myocardial ischemia using bicycle ergometer stress testing with electrocardiographic (EKG) monitoring and ambulatory left ventricular function monitoring (VEST). Three of 11 patients had nondiagnostic exercise EKGs due to failure to achieve their target heart rates during exercise but had positive VEST tests during and after exercise. One patient was falsely positive. VEST may be useful in combination with stress EKG for the detection of silent myocardial ischemia in cerebrovascular patients, but further assessment of the sensitivity and specificity in this patient population needs to be accomplished.
Structure of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Nucleoprotein-RNA Complex

Vesicular stomatitis virus is a negative-stranded RNA virus. Its nucleoprotein (N) binds the viral genomic RNA and is involved in multiple functions including transcription, replication, and assembly. We have determined a 2.9 angstrom structure of a complex containing 10 molecules of the N protein and 90 bases of RNA. The RNA is tightly sequestered in a cavity at the interface between two lobes of the N protein. This serves to protect the RNA in the absence of polynucleotide synthesis. For the RNA to be accessed, some conformational change in the N protein should be necessary.
A static measurement of beam profiles

Abstract A method for measuring an effective beam profile is presented which requires no relative motion between the beam and the probe during the course of a measurement.
Submarine volcanism in the Sumisu Rift, Izu-Bonin arc: submersible and deep-tow camera results

Abstract Multi-vent volcanic extrusions in the Sumisu back-arc rift have formed individual cones in the outer rift and short segment en echelon ridges in the inner rift. Alternating or coincident phases of constructional volcanism and mass wasting have produced a terrain consisting mainly of large basalt pillow lavas, lesser amounts of fresh-looking lobate, ropy, and sheet flows along the ridge crests, and volcanic debris ubiquitous throughout the rift. A rhyolite volcano and inactive hydrothermal chimneys occur at the step in the largest en echelon ridge. At present, constructional volcanism predominates over tectonism on the features studies. The development of en echelon basaltic ridges is greater in other western Pacific back-arc rifts with more extension. Continued extension in Sumisu Rift may cause a shift in the concentration of volcanism from the cross-rift trend to an along-axis orientation, eventually leading to the coalescing of the inner rift volcanic ridges into a back-arc spreading system.
Alkyne coupling at a rhenium–monocarborane substrate: synthesis of Re,B-η2:σ-butadienyl complexes

Treatment of 7-NH2But-nido-7-CB10H12 in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with LiBun (3 equiv) and then [ReBr(CO)3(THF)2] gives the rhenacarborane dianion [1-NHBut-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-ReCB10H10]2−, isolated as the bis-[N(PPh3)2]+ salt (4). Iodine oxidation of this ReI intermediate gives the ReIII complex [1,2-µ-NHBut-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-ReCB10H10] 6 in which the carborane functions formally as an 8-electron (6π + 2σ) donor. Reaction of 6 with ligands L in the presence of Me3NO gives substituted products [1,2-µ-NHBut-2,2-(CO)2-2-L-closo-2,1-ReCB10H10] [L = PPh3 (7a), CNXyl (7b; Xyl = C6H3Me2-2,6), or ButCCH (7c)]. Formation of complex 7c is unexpectedly accompanied by [1,2-µ-NHBut-2,2-(CO)2-3,2-σ:η2-{C(CHBut)–CHCHBut}-closo-2,1-ReCB10H9] 8a, in which an alkyne-derived dienyl group is bound to both the rhenium centre and to an adjacent boron vertex. Complex 8a is also obtained from 7c with ButCCH and Me3NO. The same reaction of 7c, using PhCCH or CNXyl instead of ButCCH, gives, respectively, [1,2-µ-NHBut-2,2-(CO)2-3,2-σ:η2-{C(CHBut)–CHCHPh}-closo-2,1-ReCB10H9] 8b and [1,2-µ-NHBut-2-ButCCH-2-CO-2-CNXyl-closo-2,1-ReCB10H10] 9. Addition of donors L to 8a results in displacement from rhenium of the pendant dienyl moiety, yielding [1,2-µ-NHBut-2,2-(CO)2-2-L-3-{C(CHBut)–CHCHBut}-closo-2,1-ReCB10H9] [L = PMe3 (10a), CNBut (10b)]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses have confirmed the novel structural features of compounds 6, 7c, 8b and 9.
PEITC treatment suppresses myeloid derived tumor suppressor cells to inhibit breast tumor growth.

Breast tumors are heterogeneous with a complex etiology. The immune system plays a crucial role in the development of tumors and can facilitate tumor growth pleiotropically. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines to suppress T cells, dendritic cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Hence, the inhibition of MDSCs could be an important strategy for anticancer therapeutics. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a bioactive compound present in cruciferous vegetables, is known to have anticancer properties. However, the effects of PEITC administration on the immune system have not been previously reported. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of administering PEITC to immunocompromised NOD-SCID IL2Rγ−/− (SCID/NSG) host mice bearing MDA-MB-231 xenografts on MDSCs in the peripheral blood. Our results reveal that oral administration of 12 μmol PEITC attenuated tumor growth by 76%. This was marked tumor-inhibitory phenotype was associated with a significant reduction in the levels of MDSCs bearing the surface markers CD33, CD34 and CD11b in PEITC treated mice, indicating that overall tumor growth suppression by PEITC correlates with inhibition of MDSCs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing effects of PEITC on MDSCs.
Core-collapse supernovae and the Younger Dryas/terminal Rancholabrean extinctions

Abstract Early predictions that some supernovae release large quantities of prompt high energy photons are now corroborated by optical identification of core-collapse supernovae associated with extragalactic GRBS (beamed γ-ray bursts) and XRFS (beamed or un-beamed X-ray flashes). Given the in-galaxy supernova frequency and GRB and XRF recurrence statistics, significant Earth-incident events during the past several million years very likely occurred and nearby events should have affected the Earth and other planetary atmospheres, including terrestrial surface solar UV, the Earth’s climate, and its ecology. The Younger Dryas Stadial (∼12,900 to 11,550 calendar yr BP) began with sharply cooler temperatures in the Earth’s northern hemisphere, regional drought, paleoecological evidence compatible with increased UV, and abrupt increases in cosmogenic 14C and 10Be in ice and marine cores and tree rings. In North America, stratigraphic and faunal sequences indicate that a major pulse of mammalian extinctions (at least 23–31 genera) began very close to 12,830 calendar yr BP and was sudden: deposits one century younger are devoid of diverse extinct fauna remains. A 10 s beamed GRB within 2 kpc of the Earth delivers 100 kJ m−2 fluence to the Earth’s atmosphere, where it causes spallation and catalytic reactions depleting 35–50% O3, and producing excess NOx species (which favor cooling, drought, and surface fertility), 14C, and 10Be. An un-beamed, 1050 erg hard photon impulse at ∼250 pc produces similar terrestrial atmospheric effects. A well-characterized massive star supernova, the unusually close Vela event (d = 250 ± 30 pc; total energy of 1–2 × 1051 erg; age constrained from remnant nebula shock velocities considerations at 13,000–16,000 yr and from the pulsar characteristic age at ∼11,400 yr) may have initiated the Younger Dryas climate change, and caused the extinction of the terminal Rancholabrean fauna.
When is an inhibitory synapse effective

Interactions between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs on dendrites determine the level of activity in neurons. Models based on the cable equation predict that silent shunting inhibition can strongly veto the effect of an excitatory input. The cable model assumes that ionic concentrations do not change during the electrical activity, which may not be a valid assumption, especially for small structures such as dendritic spines. We present here an analysis and computer simulations to show that for large Cl- conductance changes, the more general Nernst-Planck electrodiffusion model predicts that shunting inhibition on spines should be much less effective than that predicted by the cable model. This is a consequence of the large changes in the intracellular ionic concentration of Cl- that can occur in small structures, which would alter the reversal potential and reduce the driving force for Cl-. Shunting inhibition should therefore not be effective on spines, but it could be significantly more effective on the dendritic shaft at the base of the spine. In contrast to shunting inhibition, hyperpolarizing synaptic inhibition mediated by K+ currents can be very effective in reducing the excitatory synaptic potentials on the same spine if the excitatory conductance change is less than 10 nS. We predict that if the inhibitory synapses found on cortical spines are to be effective, then they should be mediated by K+ through GABAB receptors.
Dihydrotestosterone derivatives: relative binding affinity versus affinity purification

Abstract Mono esters of a homologous series of diacids of dihydrotestosterone were synthesized and converted to the corresponding n- butyl amides. The relative binding affinities of these amides to androgen receptor were compared with the degree of purification of rat prostate androgen receptor by affinity columns prepared by linking the steroidal acid to ammo Sepharose. There was good correlation between binding of the amide model to androgen receptor and the extent of purification by the affinity resin .
A novel approach to intertriplet birth weight discordance

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate intertriplet birth weight discordance. Study Design: Birth weight discordance greater than 25% was evaluated in a cohort of 2804 US live-born triplets. Symmetric and high- and low-skew sets were defined by the rank of the middle triplet between the heavier and the lighter triplets. Frequencies of discordance level and type were analyzed by gestational age, parity, and total triplet birth weight. Results: Discordance of 25.1% to 35% and greater than 35% was found in 19.4% and 9.5% of the triplets analyzed, respectively. Frequencies of greater than 25% discordant sets demonstrated polynomial relationship to gestational age ( R 2 = 0.94, P R 2 = 0.97, P Conclusion: Birth weight discordance in triplets is frequent and large and implies exhaustion of fetal growth potential despite a uterine environment that appears to perform at maximal effort in these pregnancies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1026-30.)
The nature of Weinberger-12

From IUE spectra of its central star, it is concluded that Weinberger-12 is a small H II region, and not a planetary nebula. The star is substantially reddened with a color excess of 0.75 m, is most likely a B0.5-B1 giant or subgiant about three kpc distant, and possibly belongs to the Cas OB2 association.
Ultrasonic lamb waves in a thin plate

ABSTRACT The behavior of the wave field produced in a thin unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite plate by a dynamic point load is studied using an approximate shear deformation plate theory (S.D.P.T) and a finite element analysis (F.E.A). Comparisons are made for propagation at 0 o , 45 , and 90 directions relative to the fibers showing excellent agreement between the two model approaches. The approximate method is then used to calculate the response of a composite plate as well as of an aluminum plate to a uniform dynamic surface load distributed in a circular region. A periodic reversal in the phase of the signal with propagation distance is observed. It is found that this is caused by the strong dispersion of the first antisymmetric waves at low frequencies. For clarification, the steepest descent method is applied to obtain a closed form analytical expression for the far field response in the aluminum plate for a Dirac delta source. It is shown that the waveform carries a singularity that reverses its phase at regular intervals. The present work should be helpful in understanding the nature of waveform signals produced by impact loads and in the detection and characterization of impact damage in composite structures. Keywords: Thin plate, unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite, periodic phase reversal, low frequency, first antisymmetric mode, the steepest descent method
Generation of Formaldehyde from Methenamine: Effect of pH and Concentration, and Antibacterial Effect

Using an in vitro system that simulates the dynamics of the urinary tract, we have shown that concentrations of formaldehyde ≥ 25 μg/ml can be achieved in urine containing ≥ 0.6 mg of methenamine per ml at pH ≤ 5.7 or ≥ 1 mg/ml at pH ≤ 5.85. Exposure to this concentration of formaldehyde for 2 h produced a measurable antibacterial effect. These studies suggest that an effective bacteriostatic level of formaldehyde is likely to be achieved with currently used dosages of methenamine when the urine pH is less than 5.7 to 5.85.
Complementary Alternative Medical Therapies for Heart Surgery Patients: Feasibility, Safety, and Impact

Background Complementary therapies (touch, music) are used as successful adjuncts in treatment of pain in chronic conditions. Little is known about their effectiveness in care of heart surgery patients. Our objective is to evaluate feasibility, safety, and impact of a complementary alternative medical therapies package for heart surgery patients. Methods One hundred four patients undergoing open heart surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either complementary therapy (preoperative guided imagery training with gentle touch or light massage and postoperative music with gentle touch or light massage and guided imagery) or standard care. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pain and tension were measured preoperatively and as pre-tests and post-tests during the postoperative period. Complications were abstracted from the hospital record. Results Virtually all patients in the complementary therapy group (95%) and 86% in standard care completed the study. Heart rate and blood pressure patterns were similar. Decreases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure in the complementary therapies group were judged within the range of normal values. Complication rates were very low and occurred with similar frequency in both groups. Pretreatment and posttreatment pain and tension scores decreased significantly in the complementary alternative medical therapies group on postoperative days 1 ( p p Conclusions The complementary medical therapies protocol was implemented with ease in a busy critical care setting and was acceptable to the vast majority of patients studied. Complementary medical therapy was not associated with safety concerns and appeared to reduce pain and tension during early recovery from open heart surgery.
The arrival of recently formed Labrador sea water in the Deep Western Boundary Current at 26.5°N

The Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) of the North Atlantic is a principal conduit between the formation region for Labrador Sea Water (LSW) and the oceanic interior to the south. Time series (1985–1997) of hydrographic properties obtained in the DWBC at 26.5°N show that prior to 1994, temperature, salinity, and transient tracer properties within the LSW density range showed little indication of recently formed parcels. Properties characteristic of a newer version of LSW (cooler, fresher, and higher tracer concentrations) were observed beginning in 1994 and continuing through 1997. Longer time series of temperature and salinity, developed from a regional data base, show both the 1994 and a 1980–1981 event in the Abaco region. Both events are consistent with anomalies in the Labrador Sea that occurred some 10 years earlier. The 10-year transit time from the Labrador Sea to 26.5°N is less than the 18-year transit time inferred from earlier studies.
The projection-operator approach to the Kondo-lattice model

Abstract The projection-operator method in combination with the modified perturbation theory is used for an analytical approach to the Kondo-lattice model. The derived expression for the self-energy is at least correct up to second order in the coupling parameter and fulfills almost all available test criteria. Its properties are briefly discussed by studying the obtained densities of states in the conduction band.
Recurrent vernal presence of the toxic Alexandrium tamarense/Alexandrium fundyense (Dinoflagellata) species complex in Narragansett Bay, USA

Abstract The vernal occurrence of toxic dinoflagellates in the Alexandrium tamarense/Alexandrium fundyense species complex in an enclosed embayment of Narragansett Bay (Wickford Cove, Rhode Island) was documented during 2005 and 2009–2012. This is the first report of regular appearance of the Alexandrium fundyense/Alexandrium tamarense species complex in Narragansett Bay. Thecal plate analysis of clonal isolates using SEM revealed cells morphologically consistent with both Alexandrium tamarense Lebour (Balech) and Alexandrium fundyense Balech. Additionally, molecular analyses confirmed that the partial sequences for 18S through the D1–D2 region of 28S were consistent with the identity of the two Alexandrium species. Toxin analyses revealed the presence of a suite of toxins (C1/2, B1 (GTX-5), STX, GTX-2/3. Neo, and GTX-1/4) in both Alexandrium tamarense (6.31 fmol cell −1 STX equiv.) and Alexandrium fundyense (9.56 fmol cell −1 STX equiv.) isolated from Wickford Cove; the toxicity of a Narragansett Bay Alexandrium peruvianum isolate (1.79 fmol cell −1 STX equiv.) was also determined. Combined Alexandrium tamarense / Alexandrium fundyense abundance in Wickford Cove reached a peak abundance of 1280 cells L −1 (May of 2010), with the combined abundance routinely exceeding levels leading to shellfishing closures in other systems. The toxic Alexandrium tamarense / Alexandrium fundyense species complex appears to be a regular component of the lower Narragansett Bay phytoplankton community, either newly emergent or previously overlooked by extant monitoring programs.
Integration of cancer stem cell maintenance and lipid metabolism by scavenger receptors.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) contains self-renewing, tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) which contribute to tumor propagation and therapeutic resistance. While the tumor microenvironment is essential to CSC self-renewal, the mechanisms by which CSCs sense and respond to microenvironmental conditions are poorly understood. Scavenger receptors are a broad class of membrane receptors that are well characterized on immune cells and instrumental in sensing apoptotic cellular debris and modified lipids. METHODS: To interrogate the role of scavenger receptors in GBM, we utilized GBM patient tissue and patient derived xenografts. CSCs were enriched using standard cell surface marker methods and validated using functional assays (proliferation, self-renewal, tumor initiation). The role of scavenger receptors was tested using RNA interference and small molecule approaches in combination with CSC functional assays. The use of scavenger receptors as a biomarker was evaluated using bioinformatics databases and tissue microarray analysis. Lipid metabolism was evaluated by addition of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and de novo lipogenesis was evaluated by following carbon flux from acetate and oleate into phospholipids. RESULTS: We detected the expression of CD36, a major scavenger receptor, in GBM cells in addition to previously described cell types including endothelial cells, macrophages and microglia. CD36 was enriched in CSCs and was able to functionally distinguish self-renewing cells. CD36 was co-expressed with integrin alpha 6, a previously described CSC functional marker, and CD36 reduction by RNA interference resulted in concomitant loss of integrin alpha 6 expression, self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity. These results were confirmed using a novel small molecule inhibitor to CD36. We confirmed that oxidized phospholipids, ligands of CD36, were present in GBM and found that the proliferation of CSCs, but not non-CSCs, increased with exposure to oxLDL. RNA and protein levels of CD36 were informative biomarkers of malignancy and negatively correlated to patient prognosis. An unbiased analysis of GBM patients revealed that higher lipid metabolism correlated to poorer prognosis. To determine if differences in lipid metabolism were present in CSCs versus non-CSCs, we evaluated de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid esterification, both of which were significantly elevated in CSCs and could be attenuated using a CD36 small molecule inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that CD36 expression is elevated in CSCs, functions to promote self-renewal, and provides CSCs a selective lipid uptake advantage. Taken together, these results provide a paradigm for CSCs to thrive by the enhanced expression of scavenger receptors, providing survival and metabolic advantages. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Preclinical Experimental Therapeutics.
A new transducer and its application to power measurement by hook-on transformers

The measurement of power by a-c to d-c transducers requires that the operations of multiplication and integration be performed. A new transducer has been worked out in which multiplication is obtained by sum and difference squaring and integration plus averaging by use of capacitors and d-c instruments. This transducer is especially adapted to the measurement of power on circuits up to 13.2 kv line-to-line by use of hook-on current transformers.
Inducible immune proteins in the dampwood termite Zootermopsis angusticollis

Dampwood termites, Zootermopsis angusticollis (Isoptera: Termopsidae), mount an immune response to resist microbial infection. Here we report on results of a novel analysis that allowed us to electrophoretically assess changes in hemolymph proteins in the same individual before and after exposure to a pathogen. We demonstrate that contact with a sublethal concentration of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycotina:Hypomycetes) induces the production of protective proteins in nymphs, pseudergates (false workers), and soldiers. Termites exposed to an immunizing dosage of fungal conidia consistently showed an enhancement of constitutive proteins (62–85 kDa) in the hemolymph as well as an induction of novel proteins (28–48 kDa) relative to preimmunization levels. No significant differences in protein banding patterns relative to baseline levels in control and naive termites were observed. Incubating excised and eluted induced proteins produced by immunized pseudergates or immunized soldiers with conidia significantly reduced the germination of the fungus. The fungistatic effect of eluted proteins differed significantly among five colonies examined. Our results show that the upregulation of protective proteins in the hemolymph underscores the in vivo immune response we previously recorded in Z. angusticollis.
A nonparametric approach to comparing the areas under correlated LROC curves

In contrast to the ROC assessment paradigm, localization ROC (LROC) analysis provides a means to jointly assess the accuracy of visual search and detection in an observer study. In a typical multireader, multicase (MRMC) evaluation, the data sets are paired so that correlations arise in observer performance both between observers and between image reconstruction methods (or modalities). Therefore,MRMC evaluations motivate the need for a statistical methodology to compare correlated LROC curves. In this work, we suggest a nonparametric strategy for this purpose. Specifically, we find that seminal work of Sen on U-statistics can be applied to estimate the covariance matrix for a vector of LROC area estimates. The resulting covariance estimator is the LROC analog of the covariance estimator given by DeLong et al. for ROC analysis. Once the covariance matrix is estimated, it can be used to construct confidence intervals and/or confidence regions for purposes of comparing observer performance across reconstruction methods. The utility of our covariance estimator is illustrated with a human-observer LROC evaluation of three reconstruction strategies for fan-beam CT.
DIPOLE MATRIX ELEMENTS FOR HELIUM IN THE FIRST-ORDER SHIELDING APPROXIMATION

Dipole matrix elements for helium in first order shielding approximation as function of screening parameter
Teaching, nurturing, and gender across three generations of rural early childhood teachers

This study explores nurturance as a gender-based quality in early childhood educators by comparing three generations of teachers. Using a semistructured interview, it asks 27 retired, practicing, and aspiring teachers their views of the cultural expectation that teachers of young children possess and display a maternal quality (specifically, nurturance) in their professional work. Despite a shared commitment to caring for young children as the core of their profession, each generation's experiences of nurturing varied due to two factors: (1) distinctive life and career histories, and (2) institutional changes in the nature of teaching.
Implicit Statistical Learning in Language Processing: Word Predictability is the Key

Fundamental learning abilities related to the implicit encoding of sequential structure have been postulated to underlie language acquisition and processing. However, there is very little direct evidence to date supporting such a link between implicit statistical learning and language. In three experiments using novel methods of assessing implicit learning and language abilities, we show that sensitivity to sequential structure -- as measured by improvements to immediate memory span for structurally-consistent input sequences -- is significantly correlated with the ability to use knowledge of word predictability to aid speech perception under degraded listening conditions. Importantly, the association remained even after controlling for participant performance on other cognitive tasks, including short-term and working memory, intelligence, attention and inhibition, and vocabulary knowledge. Thus, the evidence suggests that implicit learning abilities are essential for acquiring long-term knowledge of the sequential structure of language -- i.e., knowledge of word predictability – and that individual differences on such abilities impact speech perception in everyday situations. These findings provide a new theoretical rationale linking basic learning phenomena to specific aspects of spoken language processing in adults, and may furthermore indicate new fruitful directions for investigating both typical and atypical language development.
Putting the self into self-conscious emotions: A theoretical model

Self-conscious emotions (e.g., shame, pride) are fundamentally important to a wide range of psychological processes, yet they have received relatively little attention compared to other, more "basic" emotions (e.g., sadness, joy). This article outlines the unique features that distinguish self-conscious from basic emotions and then explains why generally accepted models of basic emotions do not adequately capture the self-conscious emotion process. The authors present a new model of self-conscious emotions, specify a set of predictions derived from the model, and apply the model to narcissistic self-esteem regulation. Finally, the authors discuss the model's broader implications for future research on self and emotion.
Empowerment, Motivation, and Performance: Examining the Impact of Feedback and Incentives on Nonmanagement Employees

Motivated employees play a key role in organization success, and past research indicates a positive association between perceptions of empowerment and motivation. A prominent model put forth by Spr...
Efficient Marketing Communication: Helping the Customer Learn:

The author proposes that firms should treat customers as partners when they make decisions about marketing communication. The proposal is defended by a claim that for many firms this would help max...
Morphology and environment of Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Scaphites

Abstract We investigated the relationship between shell morphology and environment among congeneric species within three genera of Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) scaphites from the Fox Hills Formation and part of the underlying Pierre Shale of North America. These species are distributed between two environments: a sandy nearshore environmental and a silty offshore environment below wave base. In two of the genera, Hoploscaphites and an unnamed genus, the species in the sandier environments are relatively more compressed, less umbilicate, and more nodose than those in the silty environments. In the third genus, Discoscaphites, individuals within the same species are also more nodose in sandier environments. These morphological features probably reflect the presumably nektobenthic mode of life of these animals in the shallower, lighter, and more turbulent waters of the nearshore environment. The correlations between shell morphology and environment among these species are similar to those observed at higher taxonomic levels.