cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The C-terminus of Gi family G-proteins as a determinant of 5-HT1A receptor coupling

Using a universal signaling assay employing G-protein chimeras comprising the C-terminal five amino acids of Gi1/2, Gi3, Go, and Gz fused to Gq, the calcium mobilizing G-protein, we explored the role of the C-terminus of Gi family G-proteins as a determinant for 5-HT(1A) receptor functional coupling. Co-expression of the 5-HT(1A) receptor with each of the Gq/Gi family chimeras resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in calcium upon addition of 5-HT, although the coupling efficiency differed dramatically. Gq/Gi3 resulted in the most efficient coupling based on both potency and relative maximum response to 5-HT. Gq/Go also produced efficient coupling in terms of relative 5-HT efficacy (76% of the Gq/Gi3 maximum response), although 5-HT exhibited 4-fold lower agonist potency, and Gq/Gz and Gq/Gi1/2 conferred poor functional coupling. Agonist potencies and relative efficacies determined for a number of 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists using Gq/Gi3 coupling were significantly weaker than those described previously for coupling through the native G-protein. These results indicate the C-terminus of Gi3 as an important determinant for coupling to the 5-HT(1A) receptor, while the reduced functional agonist activities suggest additional motifs participate in receptor/G-protein coupling.
Wind Forced Internal Waves in the North Pacific and Sargasso Sea

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of the near-inertial frequency internal wave field was measured at two open ocean sites using expendable velocity profilers. Both wave fields appear to be dominantly wind forced although their vertical structure and horizontal scales are quite different. The HYDRO-79 data were taken in the Sargasso Sea in September 1979. The internal wave field is predominantly downward propagating and vertically uniform, when WKB scaled, in the upper 800 m of the ocean. The energy density is roughly equal to Munk's (1981) universal value. The STKEX data were taken during a period of strong storms in the northeastern Pacific Ocean in November 1980. In the upper few hundred meters the wave field is five times larger horizontally and five times more energetic, when WKB scaled, than the HYDRO-79 wave field. Measurements made after the passage of a strong cold front show an even more energetic and larger scale wave field extending to 500 m. Comparison with the simulations of Price (198...
The Service Assessment for Children and Adolescents (SACA): Adult and child reports

ABSTRACT Objective To describe differences in parent-child responses to the Service Assessment for Children and Adolescents (SACA). Method Studies were done at UCLA and Washington University based on service-using and community subjects drawn from community households or public school student lists, respectively. Results are presented for 145 adult-youth pairs in which the youth was 11 or older. Results The SACA adult-youth correspondence for lifetime use of any services, inpatient services, outpatient services, and school services ranged from fair to excellent (κ = 0.43-0.86, with most at 0.61 or greater). Similarly, the SACA showed a good to excellent correspondence for services that had been used in the preceding year (κ = 0.45-0.77, with most greater than 0.50). The parent-youth correspondence for use of specific service settings in the above generic categories ranged from poor to excellent (κ = 0.25-0.83, with half at 0.50 or greater). Conclusions The SACA has better adult-youth correspondence than any service use questionnaire with published data, indicating that both adult and youth reports are not needed for all research on mental health services. This is especially encouraging news for researchers working with high-risk youth populations, in which a parent figure is often not available.
Taylor diffusion in laminar flow in an eccentric annulus

Abstract Taylor diffusion in laminar flow along a straight pipe, the cross-section of which is an eccentric annulus, is studied analytically by an exact method which in principle is valid for all values of time. An expression is obtained for the apparent diffusion coefficient K 2 and is evaluated numerically for a wide range of values of the eccentricity o and radius ratio ρ. The apparent diffusion coefficient is inherently time dependent. However, because of the complexity of the equation that describes laminar convective diffusion in an eccentric annulus, the numerical results are limited to asymptotic values of K 2 , that is, to dimensionless times τ large enough for K 2 to be effectively a constant independent of time. To estimate the value τ m , above which τ is sufficient for this, an approximation which is excellent at large values of ρ, and moderately good for small values of ρ, is employed for small eccentricities. The results of this calculation are correlated by the formula τ m ≈31 K 2 0.93 It is found that eccentricity has an enormous effect on the asymptotic value of K 2 . For example, with ρ = 1.5, the value of K 2 for o = 0.5 is approximately 250 times that for a concentric annulus. This remarkable result suggests that eccentricities in the interstices of packed beds may contribute significantly to the scatter of the experimental values of the apparent diffusion coefficient reported previously.
Comparability of peer-assessment measures: A multitrait-multimethod and selection analytic approach

This research attempted to assess the relationship among the Pupil Evaluation Inventory (PEI), sociometric nominations, and sociometric ratings in terms of (1) a multitrait-multimethod analysis, (2) selection agreement indices of extreme individuals, and (3) stability over an 8-week period. Subjects were members of four second-grade classrooms at a regional school serving a diverse population of children. While stability estimates for measures were adequate and evidence for convergent validity was reasonably good, evidence for divergent validity was weaker. Selection agreement analyses yielded highly variable results, indicating that different samples of children tend to be selected by different instruments despite the similarity in dimensions being tapped. Methodological and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Low-dimensional chaos in high-dimensional phase space: how does it occur?

Abstract A fundamental observation in nonlinear dynamics is that the asymptotic chaotic invariant sets in many high-dimensional systems are low-dimensional. We argue that such a behavior is typically associated with chaos synchronism. Numerical support using coupled chaotic systems including a class derived from a nonlinear partial differential equation is provided.
Acute effects of alcohol on photic evoked potentials of Albino rats: Visual cortex and superior colliculus

Photic evoked potentials were recorded from the primary visual cortex (VC) and superior colliculus (SC) of chronically implanted rats. Animals were given intraperitoneal injections of saline, 1.5 and 2.5 g ethyl alcohol/kg body weight on separate days. Evoked potentials were recorded at 5, 20, 40 and 60 min following injection. The amplitudes of all of the VC components except P2 (latency of 52 msec) were depressed to some extent by both doses of alcohol. In contrast, the amplitude of component P2 was increased by both alcohol doses. In the SC, the peak amplitudes of two individual components of the early positive complex were diminished by both doses of alcohol, as was a later negative component. A series of late oscillatory potentials recorded from the SC were minimally depressed by the 1.5 g/kg dose of alcohol, but showed a more prolonged depressant effect at the higher dose. Both doses of alcohol produced reliable increases in peak latency for the primary components in the VC and SC.
Perceptions of insanity based on occupation of defendant and seriousness of crime.

The purpose was to estimate the relationship between a defendant's stated intelligence on perceptions of his sanity and responsibility. This analog study was a 2 (occupation of defendant) × 2 (seriousness of outcome) between-subjects design. A scenario involving an insanity defense was read by 190 college students who then answered a 12-item questionnaire. The hypothesis that participants would attribute less responsibility to less intelligent defendants than to more intelligent ones was partially supported. Belief in a Just World moderated these evaluations. Seriousness of outcome influenced men's perceptions of the defendant's insanity, responsibility, and sentence, but not women's. Participants seemed to be more willing to accept the possibility that the defendant was insane if the outcome of his crime was not serious.
The behavior of a self-excited system acted upon by a sequence of random impulses

Abstract A class of self-excited equations possessing a single, stable, circular limit cycle is defined. The solutions of these equations are chosen so that they behave similarly to the solutions of a more general class of equations. A study is made of the responses of these equations to an infinite sequence of random impulses. It is shown that under certain circumstances there is a kind of equilibrium established between the attraction of the limit cycle and the disruption of the impulses. It is also shown that the response of such equations to a very general class of impulses is always bounded.
Myo-inositol hexasulfate is a potent inhibitor of Aspergillus ficuum phytase.

Abstract Myo-inositol hexasulfate (MIHS), a structural analog of the substrate myo-inositol hexaphosphate, is a potent competitive inhibitor of both phyA and phyB enzymes. The K i of inhibition for the phyA and phyB proteins were estimated to be 4.6 and 0.2 μM, respectively. Thus, the phyB protein is 23-fold more sensitive to MIHS inhibition than the phyA protein. The active-site geometry of phyB protein is presumed to be very different from the phyA protein as deduced by chemical probing of the enzymes by Arg-specific modifiers, i.e., 1,2-cyclohexanedione and phenylglyoxal. Probing the catalytic site of the same proteins by this newly developed specific inhibitor also gives a similar conclusion.
Factors affecting autolysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

SummaryGlucose-limited cultures of N. gonorrhoeae were susceptible to autolysis. The onset of autolysis was not due to a decrease in pH but rather from depletion of the energy source. Cultures limited by nitrogen or by the addition of chloramphenicol or rifampicin were not susceptible to autolysis. The prevalence of autolytic strains appears to be wide spread.
The effect of 5-alkyl modification on the biological activity of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine containing classical and nonclassical antifolates as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase and as antitumor and/or antiopportunistic infection agents.

Novel classical antifolates (3 and 4) and 17 nonclassical antifolates (11-27) were synthesized as antitumor and/or antiopportunistic infection agents. Intermediates for the synthesis of 3, 4, and 11-27 were 2,4-diamino-5-alkylsubstituted-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines, 31 and 38, prepared by a ring transformation/ring annulation sequence of 2-amino-3-cyano-4-alkyl furans to which various aryl thiols were attached at the 6-position via an oxidative addition reaction using I2. The condensation of alpha-hydroxy ketones with malonodinitrile afforded the furans. For the classical analogues 3 and 4, the ester precursors were deprotected, coupled with diethyl-L-glutamate, and saponified. Compounds 3 (IC50 = 60 nM) and 4 (IC50 = 90 nM) were potent inhibitors of human DHFR. Compound 3 inhibited tumor cells in culture with GI50 500-fold selectivity over human DHFR. Analogue 17 was 50-fold more potent than trimethoprim and about twice as selective against T. gondii DHFR.
Probabilities for temperature differences in Rayleigh-Bénard convection.

This paper reports the behavior of the probability density functions (PDF's) of temperature differences, between different times, but measured at the same point, which is at the center of a helium-gas cell. One objective of this work is to study how these PDF's evolve as the separation time increases. Data from seven Rayleigh numbers (Ra), which range from ${10}^{9}$ to ${10}^{15}$ and are above what is called the soft-to-hard turbulence transition, are studied. These PDF's are symmetric and non-Gaussian, and are fitted approximately by a stretched-exponential form ${\mathit{e}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{c}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}\mathit{x}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}$. As the separation time \ensuremath{\tau} increases, the parameter \ensuremath{\beta} starts from 0.51\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 (for the smallest separation), remains approximately constant for \ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\le}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{1}$, then increases, and finally at \ensuremath{\tau}=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{2}$, it saturates to 1.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 (1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 for the two largest Ra studied). For Ra7.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$, \ensuremath{\beta} increases as ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{0.27\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03}$, while for Ra\ensuremath{\ge}7.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$, the increase has to be described by two powers: for lower \ensuremath{\tau}, \ensuremath{\beta} first increases slower as ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{0.15\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03}$, then for \ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\ge}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathit{b}}$, it increases as ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{0.27\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02}$. Attempts are made to understand the origin of these time scales and to relate them to time scales previously identified in the problem.
Pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii cells: stereospecificity of hydrogen transfer.

Abstract The stereospecificities of hydrogen transfer in the NADH-NAD + , NADPHNADP + , NADPH-NAD + , and NADH-NADP + transhydrogenase reactions catalyzed by the enzyme from Azotobacter vinelandii have been determined. In all the reactions studied the hydrogen transferred occupies only the 4S-position of the reduced coenzymes. No exchange of this hydrogen with the reaction medium occurs.
The operation of visual imagery as a mediator of advertising effects

Abstract Advertising strategists should be interested in visual imagery because it may represent a useful way to shape consumers' impressions. A framework is tested which casts visual imagery as a mediating factor and individual differences, such as style of processing, as potential moderators of certain advertising strategies which elicit attitude and intentions differences in consumers. Results indicate that the vividness of visual imagery does operate as a latent cognitive construct when concrete wording is used in advertising copy. Instructions to imagine, however, are not found to induce visual imagery. It is concluded that visual imagery vividness has the potential to trace consumers' mental reactions to certain advertising strategies and to explain attitudinal and intentions consequences. Finally, suggestions for future research are discussed.
Normal ultrasonic appearance of the ligamentum teres and falciform ligament.

Ultrasound study of the normal liver in the majority of patients demonstrates an area of increased echogenicity measuring as large as 2 cms in greatest diameter at approximately the junction of the right and left lobes of the liver. This area of intense echoes has a similar appearance to a metastatic lesion or primary tumor involving the liver. This area of increased echogenicity has not been previous explained.
Artritis aguda secundaria a bacilo de Calmette-Guérin intravesical en el cáncer de vejiga

Resumen Introduccion Tratamos de identificar la prevalencia, presentacion, tratamiento y pronostico de la artritis aguda secundaria al tratamiento de los bacilos de Calmette-Guerin (BCG) intravesicales en el cancer de vejiga. Metodos Se realizo una revision estructurada y sistematica de la literatura en lengua inglesa relacionada con BCG y artritis reactiva en pacientes con cancer de vejiga. Se extrajeron los datos relativos a la prevalencia, presentacion, manejo y pronostico. Resultados Se obtuvieron 23 informes de casos individuales y 4 articulos de revision. Treinta y nueve pacientes —31 (80%) eran hombres y 8 (20%) mujeres—fueron descritos en estas publicaciones; tambien identificamos un paciente de nuestra institucion. Aunque las estimaciones de prevalencia de la artritis reactiva oscilan entre el 0,5 y 1,0% de todos los pacientes con cancer de vejiga que recibieron BCG, la verdadera prevalencia sigue siendo poco clara. La poliartritis (68%) y la fiebre (58%) fueron los sintomas mas comunes. Entre los pacientes que presentaban dolor en las articulaciones, las rodillas (41%), los tobillos (26%) y las munecas (19%) fueron las mas afectadas. El tiempo de presentacion mas frecuente fue inmediatamente despues de la cuarta instilacion de un curso de induccion de 6 semanas (25%). La terapia inicial en el 100% de los pacientes fue la interrupcion del BCG. Otros tratamientos incluyeron farmacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) (25%), esteroides (8%), medicamentos antituberculosos (8%) y una combinacion de AINE, esteroides y medicamentos antituberculosos (20%). Conclusiones La artritis reactiva es una complicacion poco frecuente, pero potencialmente grave, del tratamiento con BCG intravesical en el cancer de vejiga, que se presenta tipicamente con poliartritis y fiebre durante la induccion. Los tratamientos mas comunes incluyen la suspension inmediata de BCG y la terapia antiinflamatoria sistemica. Se necesitan mas estudios para determinar la prevalencia, la fisiopatologia y el pronostico a largo plazo.
A Comparison of Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate and Oral Oxycodone for Pediatric Outpatient Wound Care

Analgesia for pediatric burn wound care in the outpatient clinic is constrained by time, personnel, and/or monitoring capabilities, yet may improve patient satisfaction and comfort, clinic efficiency, and patient throughput. The ideal analgesic in this increasingly common setting should be palatable, provide potent, rapid, and brief analgesia, and require minimal appropriate monitoring. Using a placebo-controlled, double-blind design we compared oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC, approximately 10 microg/kg) and oral oxycodone (0.2 mg/kg) in 22 pediatric outpatient wound care procedures (ages 5-14 years). Pulse oximetry, vital signs, side effects, patient pain scores, and observer scores for cooperation, anxiety, and sedation were recorded. OTFC and oral oxycodone resulted in similar outcome measures and vital signs, and no significant side effects. The taste of OTFC was preferred. We conclude that OTFC and oral oxycodone are safe and effective analgesics in the setting of monitored outpatient wound care in children, and that OTFC offers the advantage of improved palatability.
Backbenchers and select committees in the British House of Commons: Can Parliament offer useful roles for the frustrated?

. The success of the departmentally-related Select Committees established in 1979 depended upon active backbenchers willing to monitor and if necessary criticize party leaders and policies. Such a notion, however, is generally held to be inconsistent with party government dynamics associated with the Westminster Model. This article suggests that MPs, particularly backbenchers, are frustrated with their jobs and seek meaningful roles to play in the House. An increasingly important avenue for them is through select committee service, which offers them a variety of rewards and opportunities. The data is drawn from over one hundred interviews with MPs, clerks and staff during 1986-87 while a Fulbright Scholar at Nuffield College, Oxford. This article is part of a larger work on changing legislative attitudes and a comparative project on parliamentary reform.
Flow in a terminal alveolar sac model with expanding walls using computational fluid dynamics

Particles depositing on alveolar walls is of concern due to their potential to migrate through the blood-gas barrier. Whole-lung dosimetry models do not account for the flow field inside the alveoli and therefore may not accurately describe alveolar deposition. Studies that quantify the flow patterns in realistic geometries are limited and results inconsistent. This study aims to better understand the fluid characteristics in the terminal air sacs; specifically, alveolar mouth to depth flow rate ratio, penetration depth of residual air, and diffusive versus convective particle motion. A terminating alveolar sac with expanding alveolar walls was constructed using 13 truncated sphere-shaped alveoli, with dimensions consistent with published morphometry data. The flow field was governed by a measured in vivo breathing curve for normal volumes over periods of 2 and 4 seconds, analyzed numerically and compared to previous literature. Recirculation was not present, consistent with prior studies. Flow rate ratios (0.18-0.36) were within the range (0.057-1) previously reported. Penetration depths were less than 33% into the air sac during inhalation, decreasing in length for air inside the sac to zero near the wall. Peclet numbers indicated diffusion dominated flow for all submicron-sized particles. However, convection was significant at the duct entrance for particles >0.5 micron and inside the sac for particles >1 micron. Wall motion induced convection may not always be negligible, and if neglected could affect the accuracy of deposition predictions for certain particle sizes and flow conditions.
Estimation of Ambiguity in Ensemble Forecasts

AbstractAmbiguity is uncertainty in the prediction of forecast uncertainty, or in the forecast probability of a specific event, associated with random error in an ensemble forecast probability density function. In ensemble forecasting ambiguity arises from finite sampling and deficient simulation of the various sources of forecast uncertainty. This study introduces two practical methods of estimating ambiguity and demonstrates them on 5-day, 2-m temperature forecasts from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Ensemble Prediction System. The first method uses the error characteristics of the calibrated ensemble as well as the ensemble spread to predict likely errors in forecast probability. The second method applies bootstrap resampling on the ensemble members to produce multiple likely values of forecast probability. Both methods include forecast calibration since ambiguity results from random and not systematic errors, which must be removed to reveal the ambiguity. Additionally, use of a more robust calibrat...
Are DCD Donors Dead

Donation after cardiac death protocols are subject to two constraints. The first is that organ removal must occur as soon as possible after cardiac arrest. The second is that it must not occur so soon that the donor is not yet dead. Can both constraints be satisfied at once? DCD protocols are widely accepted, so arguments for them have apparently been persuasive. But this does not mean they are sound.
Interventional MRI at high‐field (1.5 T): Needle artifacts

parameters in MRI is beneficial for its application in interventional MRI. As an extension of previous researchers’ contributions, we investigate the specific characteristics of MR image artifacts associated with the tip of a biopsy needle when it is approximately parallel to the main magnetic field. The origin of the needle tip artifact, which exhibits as a blooming ball, was studied using MRI techniques and numerical simulation using the finite element method (FEM). Satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment has been achieved. Results showed that the image artifacts associated with biopsy needle are present and dependent on imaging parameters, but the artifacts can be reduced if optimal imaging parameters were used. Images of actual human brain tumor biopsies performed using the same needle under MRI guidance and monitoring demonstrated this artifact.
Unification of Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Advection and Diffusion

The Recovery-based Discontinuous Galerkin discretization for diusion terms is shown to combine well with the upwind Discontinuous Galerkin discretization for advection terms. The dierence in treatment between the two kinds of terms is reduced to a switch from the discontinuous basis to a smooth basis of that is indistinguishable in the weak sense; the two bases are orthonormal to each other. We address some implementation issues, in particular, how to avoid bad conditioning of the recovery equations. There now are two versions of RDG, based on dieren t formulations of the DG weak formulation. Integrating by parts twice lewads to RDG-2x, the original version; integrating by parts only once leads to RDG-1x. In numerical experiments on regular and irregular triangular grids both methods appear to be of the order of accuracy p + 1, where p is the order of the elemental polynomial basis. There is some evidence that RDG-1x has a slightly lower truncation error than RDG-2x; this possible benet is oset by the disadvantage of RDG-1x having a lower stability limit than RDG-2x.
Regulation of vocal fold transepithelial water fluxes

Vocal fold hydration is critical to phonation. We hypothesized that the vocal fold generates bidirectional water fluxes, which are regulated by activity of the Na+-K+- ATPase. Western blots and imm...
A Qualitative Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment With Education

Abstract Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely accepted psychosocial treatment for chronic pain. However, the efficacy of CBT has not been investigated within a rural setting. Furthermore, few studies have utilized first-person accounts to qualitatively investigate the key treatment elements and processes of change underlying the well-documented quantitative improvements associated with CBT. To address these gaps, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the efficacy of group CBT compared to an active education condition (EDU) within a rural, low-literacy population. Posttreatment semistructured interviews of 28 CBT and 24 EDU treatment completers were qualitatively analyzed. Emerging themes were collated to depict a set of finalized thematic maps to visually represent the patterns inherent in the data. Patterns were separated into procedural elements and presumed change processes of treatment. Key themes, subthemes, and example extracts for CBT and EDU are presented; unique and shared aspects pertaining to the thematic maps are discussed. Results indicate that while both groups benefited from the program, the CBT group described more breadth and depth of change as compared to the EDU group. Importantly, this study identified key treatment elements and explored possible processes of change from the patients’ perspective. Perspective This qualitative article describes patient-identified key procedural elements and change process factors associated with psychosocial approaches for chronic pain management. Results may guide further adaptations to existing treatment protocols for use within unique, underserved chronic pain populations. Continued development of patient-centered approaches may help reduce health, treatment, and ethnicity disparities.
How Sensitive Is Safe? Risk-Based Targets for Ambient Monitoring of Pathogens

Biological agents present hazards at concentrations far below those of concern for most chemical agents. Detecting such low concentrations poses a great challenge to environmental monitoring systems. This study proposed a framework to address the questions of: 1) what level of risk would trigger the use of countermeasures and 2) what environmental sampling rates would be needed to detect the target risk level. In the first part, a decision model is developed to assess the costs and benefits of prophylactic antibiotic treatment for Yersinia pestis as a function of the risk of illness. A sensitivity analysis is then conducted to identify a threshold level of risk at which medical treatment of exposed individuals is justified. Risk levels of 1.5 × 10- 4 are estimated to be sufficient to justify treatment. A dose-response function is developed to map these risk levels to delivered doses to individuals. Estimates are that an average dose of 1.8 organisms is sufficient to trigger medical treatment for an exposed population. A range of human breathing rates are used to estimate the environmental sampling rates required to detect air-phase concentrations corresponding to this dose over an 8-h exposure period. The environmental sampling rates for Lassa virus are two orders of magnitude greater than for Yersinia pestis, while those for Bacillus anthracis are an order of magnitude lower. These sampling rates represent idealized goals for the sensitivity of detector systems. By linking environmental sampling rates to risk-based goals for detection, this paper provides a framework for optimizing sensing systems.
Means vs. Ends: Implications of Process and Outcome Focus for Team Adaptation and Performance

Knowledge work frequently involves both the redefinition of desired outcomes and the specification of task processes. The relative emphasis that teams place on these issues early in work can lead members to become “outcome focused” or “process focused,” with consequences for performance. This paper develops and explores a theory of how outcome focus and process focus develop in teams and the implications of each for team adaptation and performance. Outcome and process focus were both observed and experimentally manipulated in 90 teams working on an open-ended task. Measures of the teams' performance as well as level of action identification and ability to adapt work processes point to an advantage for outcome-focused teams in dynamic environments. Implications for the design and management of knowledge work teams are discussed.
Big Government and Affirmative Action: The Scandalous History of the Small Business Administration . By Jonathan L. Bean. Lexington: University of Kentucky Press, 2001. Pp. xii, 224. $29.95.

Jonathan Bean's book chronicles the growth and development of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from its inception in 1953 through the present. In addition to placing the SBA's actions in the context of changing political environments, the book focuses on three separate issues, though it is not organized this way. The first two are different types of affirmative action: preferences and subsidies for â€œsmallâ€ firms, and preferences for people who have been â€œeconomically disadvantaged.â€ Finally, it chronicles the history of scandal and corruption that has plagued the SBA.
The Disproportionate Discipline of African American Learners: Reducing School Suspensions and Expulsions

School disciplinary practices for students with disabilities and their peers without disabilities have long been questioned. Moreover, the school discipline of both dominant culture and ethnic minority children and youth has raised concerns. In that regard school discipline has in general become a hotbed for litigation and debate. While suspect discipline practices have been used with students across ethnic backgrounds, they are disproportionately meted out to African American students, particularly males (Harry & Anderson, 1995). This article examines exclusionary discipline practices and their impact on African American students. Culturally responsive instructional and management strategies are identified that can mitigate school suspensions and expulsions of African American children and youth.
The State of Transgender Health Care: Policy, Law, and Medical Frameworks

I review the current status of transgender people’s access to health care in the United States and analyze federal policies regarding health care services for transgender people and the limitations thereof. I suggest a preliminary outline to enhance health care services and recommend the formulation of explicit federal policies regarding the provision of health care services to transgender people in accordance with recently issued medical care guidelines, allocation of research funding, education of health care workers, and implementation of existing nondiscrimination policies. Current policies denying medical coverage for sex reassignment surgery contradict standards of medical care and must be amended.
All's Fair in Love

Author's Summary— Language examinations, to be fair, must test more than a knowledge of grammar and verb forms. Students should be given chance to show their acquired skills in situations similar to those in which they are likely to need their foreign languages in everyday life.
Minimally invasive lateral approach to the thoracolumbar junction for corpectomy

Diseases that affect the thoracolumbar junction present a unique challenge to the spine surgeon. Various techniques have been described to treat this clinical entity from the anterior, lateral, or posterior direction. These can be associated with significant morbidity due to extensive tissue dissection, blood loss, and postoperative pain leading to a lengthy recovery. The use of a tubular retractor allows the surgeon to minimize tissue dissection and potentially reduce approach-related morbidity while obviating the need for an approach surgeon for exposure. The surgical technique of a minimally invasive lateral approach to the thoracolumbar junction for corpectomy is described in detail and two illustrative patients are presented.
Statistical analysis of the soft constrained initialization of recursive least squares algorithms

An examination is made of the statistical behavior of RLS (recursive least squares) algorithms incorporating soft constrained initialization during the initialization period. In particular, it is shown that the mean and variance of the elements of the weight vector produced by this method are defined, and expressions are given for these quantities. Simulation results for various cases are presented to support the accuracy of these theoretical results. >
A Two-Stage Propensity Score Matching Strategy for Treatment Effect Estimation in a Multisite Observational Study:

When nonrandom treatments occur across sites, within-site matching (WM) is often desirable. This approach, however, can significantly reduce treatment group sample size and exclude substantively im...
Effects of metallization thickness on the characteristics of the coplanar strips

Effects of the finite metallization thickness on the characteristics of the coplanar strips (CPS) are investigated for the first time using a full-wave mode-matching technique. Numerical results indicate that the CPS' strip thickness must be included for accurate design of microwave circuits. Calculated results of CPS with zero metallization thickness agree well with those published previously.
Brain tuberculoma in a non-endemic area

Brain tuberculoma has previously accounted for up to a third of new intracranial lesions in areas endemic with tuberculosis, but is unexpected in the United States and other Western countries with improved disease control. Here we show the importance of considering this diagnosis in at-risk patients, even with no definitive pulmonary involvement. We describe a young man who presented with partial seizures and underwent craniotomy for resection of a frontoparietal tuberculoma. He subsequently completed six months of antituberculosis therapy and was doing well without neurological sequelae or evidence of recurrence five months after completion of therapy. With resurgence of tuberculosis cases in the United States and other Western countries, intracerebral tuberculoma should remain a diagnostic consideration in at-risk patients with new space occupying lesions. Mass lesions causing neurological sequelae can be safely addressed surgically and followed with antituberculosis therapy.
Positive Feedback Between Tree Establishment and Patterns of Subalpine Forest Advancement, Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.A.

Abstract The development and maintenance of several types of visually striking vegetation patterns are controlled by positive feedback between pattern and process. These patterns are particularly common at ecotones, where the influence of positive feedback may affect the position and dynamics of the boundary between the adjacent biotic communities. In this study, I use dendrochronology to examine the role of feedback between existing trees and the establishment and survival of seedlings in the advancement of linear, finger-like strips of subalpine forest in Glacier National Park, Montana. A general upslope, windward to leeward pattern of older trees followed by progressively younger trees was evident in all sample transects, although in some cases this pattern repeated several times along the length of a transect, with each repetition originating leeward of boulders. Overall advancement rates varied from 0.28 to 0.62 m yr−1. The oldest trees established in the early to mid-1700s, but establishment and adv...
Biochemical Mechanisms of Intein-Mediated Protein Splicing

This chapter discusses the mechanism of the self-catalyzed process by which inteins promote both their own excision from a host protein and the direct linkage of the flanking host protein segments, the N- and C-exteins, by a peptide bond. The majority of inteins have a nucleophilic amino acid at their N-terminus and asparagine at their C-terminus and are linked to a C-extein with an N-terminal nucleophilic amino acid. These canonical inteins promote protein splicing by a four-step mechanism of sequential acyl rearrangements. Non-canonical inteins, which lack either the N-terminal nucleophile or the C-terminal asparagine, promote protein splicing by a variant of this mechanism or promote protein cleavage rather than splicing. A remarkable feature of the protein splicing process is that it involves multiple steps that are chemically autonomous yet proceed in a highly coordinated manner without side reactions unless perturbed by mutation, unnatural exteins, or non-physiological conditions. The factors that may serve to integrate protein splicing into a system that ordinarily operates efficiently without side reactions are discussed.
Effect of Caloric Restriction or Aerobic Exercise Training on Peak Oxygen Consumption and Quality of Life in Obese Older Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance More than 80% of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), the most common form of heart failure among older persons, are overweight or obese. Exercise intolerance is the primary symptom of chronic HFPEF and a major determinant of reduced quality of life (QOL). Objective To determine whether caloric restriction (diet) or aerobic exercise training (exercise) improves exercise capacity and QOL in obese older patients with HFPEF. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, attention-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial conducted from February 2009 through November 2014 in an urban academic medical center. Of 577 initially screened participants, 100 older obese participants (mean [SD]: age, 67 years [5]; body mass index, 39.3 [5.6]) with chronic, stable HFPEF were enrolled (366 excluded by inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 for other reasons, and 80 declined participation). Interventions Twenty weeks of diet, exercise, or both; attention control consisted of telephone calls every 2 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures Exercise capacity measured as peak oxygen consumption (Vo 2 , mL/kg/min; co–primary outcome) and QOL measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) Questionnaire (score range: 0–105, higher scores indicate worse heart failure–related QOL; co–primary outcome). Results Of the 100 enrolled participants, 26 participants were randomized to exercise; 24 to diet; 25 to exercise + diet; 25 to control. Of these, 92 participants completed the trial. Exercise attendance was 84% (SD, 14%) and diet adherence was 99% (SD, 1%). By main effects analysis, peak Vo 2 was increased significantly by both interventions: exercise, 1.2 mL/kg body mass/min (95% CI, 0.7 to 1.7), P P 2 (joint effect, 2.5 mL/kg/min). There was no statistically significant change in MLHF total score with exercise and with diet (main effect: exercise, −1 unit [95% CI, −8 to 5], P = .70; diet, −6 units [95% CI, −12 to 1], P = .08). The change in peak Vo 2 was positively correlated with the change in percent lean body mass ( r = 0.32; P = .003) and the change in thigh muscle:intermuscular fat ratio ( r = 0.27; P = .02). There were no study-related serious adverse events. Body weight decreased by 7% (7 kg [SD, 1]) in the diet group, 3% (4 kg [SD, 1]) in the exercise group, 10% (11 kg [SD, 1] in the exercise + diet group, and 1% (1 kg [SD, 1]) in the control group. Conclusions and Relevance Among obese older patients with clinically stable HFPEF, caloric restriction or aerobic exercise training increased peak Vo 2 , and the effects may be additive. Neither intervention had a significant effect on quality of life as measured by the MLHF Questionnaire. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00959660
Molecular mechanisms governing differential robustness of development and environmental responses in plants

© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.Background Robustness to genetic and environmental perturbation is a salient feature of multicellular organisms. Loss of developmental robustness can lead to severe phenotypic defects and fitness loss. However, perfect robustness, i.e. no variation at all, is evolutionarily unfit as organisms must be able to change phenotype to properly respond to changing environments and biotic challenges. Plasticity is the ability to adjust phenotypes predictably in response to specific environmental stimuli, which can be considered a transient shift allowing an organism to move from one robust phenotypic state to another. Plants, as sessile organisms that undergo continuous development, are particularly dependent on an exquisite fine-tuning of the processes that balance robustness and plasticity to maximize fitness. Scope and Conclusions This paper reviews recently identified mechanisms, both systems-level and molecular, that modulate robustness, and discusses their implications for the optimization of plant fitness. Robustness in living systems arises from the structure of genetic networks, the specific molecular functions of the underlying genes, and their interactions. This very same network responsible for the robustness of specific developmental states also has to be built such that it enables plastic yet robust shifts in response to environmental changes. In plants, the interactions and functions of signal transduction pathways activated by phytohormones and the tendency for plants to tolerate whole-genome duplications, tandem gene duplication and hybridization are emerging as major regulators of robustness in development. Despite their obvious implications for plant evolution and plant breeding, the mechanistic underpinnings by which plants modulate precise levels of robustness, plasticity and evolvability in networks controlling different phenotypes are under-studied.
101 Online: History of the American Minitel Network and Lessons from Its Failure

In 1981, France launched Minitel, a videotext ecosystem that quickly became the world's first successful mass market digital information network. By 1991, all of France was online. That year, in San Francisco, France Telecom launched 101 Online, the American version of Minitel. 101 Online was as massive a failure as Minitel had been a success. Why? Building on interviews with key 101 Online and France Telecom decision-makers, this article reveals the as yet undocumented history of the 101 Online ecosystem, suggests reasons why it failed where Minitel had succeeded, and draws lessons for the current policy debate on what information-network architecture and implementation best fosters digital innovation.
Piezoelectric transformers for low-voltage generation of gas discharges and ionic winds in atmospheric air

To generate a gas discharge (plasma) in atmospheric air requires an electric field that exceeds the breakdown threshold of ∼30 kV/cm. Because of safety, size, or cost constraints, the large applied voltages required to generate such fields are often prohibitive for portable applications. In this work, piezoelectric transformers are used to amplify a low input applied voltage (<30 V) to generate breakdown in air without the need for conventional high-voltage electrical equipment. Piezoelectric transformers (PTs) use their inherent electromechanical resonance to produce a voltage amplification, such that the surface of the piezoelectric exhibits a large surface voltage that can generate corona-like discharges on its corners or on adjacent electrodes. In the proper configuration, these discharges can be used to generate a bulk air flow called an ionic wind. In this work, PT-driven discharges are characterized by measuring the discharge current and the velocity of the induced ionic wind with ionic winds gener...
Thermodynamics of the Zr-O system from first-principles calculations

We investigate the electronic and thermodynamic properties of Zr and its oxides from first principles to elucidate phase stability in the Zr-O system. Hexagonally close-packed Zr is unusual in its ability to dissolve very high concentrations of oxygen over its interstitial octahedral sites, forming a variety of ordered suboxides that undergo both first-order and second-order phase transitions upon heating. We perform a first-principles, statistical-mechanical analysis of finite temperature phase stability of ZrO${}_{x}$ using a cluster expansion Hamiltonian and Monte Carlo calculations. This analysis predicts the existence of 0-K ground-state oxygen orderings at composition ZrO${}_{1/6}$, ZrO${}_{2/9}$, ZrO${}_{1/3}$, ZrO${}_{4/9}$, and ZrO${}_{1/2}$ along with evidence of an infinite sequence of ground-state suboxide orderings at intermediate oxygen concentrations consisting of different stackings of empty, $\frac{1}{3}$-filled and $\frac{2}{3}$-filled two-dimensional oxygen layers. We also predict the stability of a previously uncharacterized Zr-monoxide phase, which we label ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-ZrO due to its crystallographic relation to $\ensuremath{\delta}$-TiO. The ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-ZrO structure is equivalent to the high-pressure $\ensuremath{\omega}$-Zr phase but has interstitial oxygen ordering. Finally, as part of the technical implementation of our statistical mechanical study, we introduce a new algorithm to parametrize the coefficients of a cluster expansion Hamiltonian and apply a $k$-space analysis to rigorously track order-disorder phenomena at finite temperature.
Piezoresistivity of Polycrystalline Diamond Films

Polycrystalline diamond film (PDF) is known for its high power, high temperature, and radiation hard potential. The interest in piezoresistivity of PDF is that it is a candidate for high temperature sensing (e.g., pressure sensor). Piezoresistivity measurements were taken of boron-doped PDF grown by microwave-plasma chemical vapor deposition(CVD). Three substrates, silicon, aluminum nitride and tungsten were used. Films were detached from these substrates, then attached to a ceramic substrate. The piezoresistivity varies, dependent on the original host substrate. For example, at room temperature, the PDF film from tungsten has a greater gauge factor, around 75. The carrier activation energy of this film, determined from log R(1/T), was nominally 0.25eV. Combining thick film technology and CVD processes, patterned B-doped PDF has been achieved monolithically on AIN substrates. The characteristics of this configuration is being investigated and will be presented.
Analysis of optimal pre-emphasis in ultra-long-haul transmission systems

By simple calculations, we show that, in presence of nonlinearities, the optimum pre-emphasis techniques correspond to either same OSNR or same nonlinear phase-shift for all channels, yielding flat spectrum near the middle of the link.