cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adrenal cholesterol esters as substrate source for steroidogenesis

Adrenocortical cells obtained from tissues of unstimulated rats and which contained a high concentration of endogenous esterified cholesterol, were labeled in vitro with unesterified [4-14C]cholesterol, or incubated in the presence of [2-14C]acetate or lipoprotein [4-14C]cholesterol oleate (LP-CE). Incubations were conducted in the absence and presence of ACTH, and changes in the specific radioactivity (SA) of the secreted corticosterone were used to assess the primary sources of cholesterol substrate used for steroidogenesis. Incubations of cells containing [4-14C]cholesterol with ACTH resulted in a marked increase in the output of corticosterone mass, but not of labeled corticosterone. Thus, the SA of corticosterone when cells were incubated with ACTH was only 6.5% of that obtained from cells incubated in the absence of ACTH. During incubations with [2-14C]acetate, the ACTH-induced increase in the output of corticosterone mass was not associated with increased isotope output, and the SA of corticosterone was only 15% of that in control incubations. This dilution was not altered in cells isolated from adrenals of rats treated with 4-aminopyrazalopyrimidine (4-APP), in which increased cholesterogenesis was demonstrable. The uptake, and hydrolysis of LP-CE, and formation of labeled corticosterone was lipoprotein concentration dependent, and was not influenced by ACTH. However, in the presence of ACTH, the SA of the secreted corticosterone was only 4-8% of that in unstimulated cells. The consistent dilution of the SA of corticosterone in ACTH-treated cells in all studies suggest that the large stores of cytoplasmic cholesterol esters in these cells may normally serve as a primary source of the immediate precursor sterol used for steroidogenesis.
PAVLOV: a programmable architecture for volume processing

We present a purullel 2D mesh connected architecture with SIML) processing elements. The design allows for real-time volume rendering as well as interactive 30 segmentation and .1D feature extraction. Thas zs possible because the SIMD processing elements are programmable, a feature which also ullows the use of many different rendering algorithms. We present an algorithm which, with the addition of hardware re,sources, provides conflict free access to volume slices along any of the three major axes. The volume access conflict bus been the main reason why previous similar architectures could not perform real-time volume rendering. We present the performance of preliminary algorithms on a software simulator of the architecture design. CR Categories: C.1.2 [Processor Architectures]: Mult,iple Data Stream .4rchitectures (Multiprocessors)-Singleirlst,rllc:tion-streanl, multiple-data-stream processors (SIMD) ; 1.3.1 [Computer Graphics]: Hardware ArchitectureGraphics processors, Parallel processing; 1.4.6 [Image Proc.rssillg And Computer Vision]: Segmentation;
The ability of the stress process model to explain mental health outcomes.

No theory adequately explicates the relationships between stress, social support, and health. The recently developed Stress Process Model incorporates multiple levels of support and stress at the individual, family, and community level, with a focus on predicting mental health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to use an existing database to assess the predictive value of the Stress Process Model in explaining mental health outcomes in community-dwelling subjects with and without panic attacks. This study is a secondary analysis using data obtained in 1990 through 1991 for the Panic Attack Care-Seeking Threshold (PACT) study. Subjects who agreed to participate completed an in-depth interview concerning demographic features, panic characteristics, chronic medical problems, family characteristics, illness attitudes and behaviors, coping strategies, symptom perceptions, psychiatric morbidity, health care utilization, and functional status. The utility of the Stress Process Model is supported by three lines of reasoning. First, most of the relationships predicted by the model were documented in this study. Second, the model accounted for significant amounts of variance in moderating factors, primary and secondary stressors, and mental health outcomes. Finally, two of the three hypotheses were supported by this study. The integration of family and neighborhood variables into the stress process should be attractive to mental health workers in primary care and community settings.
Housestaff performance is improved by participation in a laparoscopic skills curriculum.

Abstract Background After the implementation of a laparoscopic skills curriculum, we studied two questions: (1) can skills curriculum participation improve performance and (2) can we identify housestaff who may benefit from early instruction in laparoscopic technical skills? Methods We administered a six-task laparoscopic skills curriculum to postgraduate year (PGY) 2 and PGY3 surgical housestaff. Six laparoscopic tasks were divided into two groups: generalized skills and task specific skills. All participants were evaluated during a pretest and were placed in the novice group (total score less than 600) or in the intermediate skill (IS) group (total score 600 or more). Each participant had two 1-hour practice/instruction sessions and 2 weeks for independent practice. After these sessions, a posttest was administered. Results Novices and intermediate skill participants demonstrated significant improvement in general skills and task specific skills. However, comparison of novice and IS group learners revealed that IS group learners were significantly more proficient in the performance of general skills, but the performance of task specific skills failed to demonstrate a difference between the two groups. On posttest, there was no significant difference in overall score between novices and IS participants. Conclusions Overall ability and performance of generalized skills by all housestaff are improved with a laparoscopic skills curriculum; however, the performance of novices improved the greatest. Task specific skills did not discriminate novices from more advanced learners. Early testing of housestaff may identify those individuals who could benefit from intervention and instruction prior to performing the laparoscopic skills in the operating room.
Improvements in ultra-thin CdS/CdTe solar cells

Thinning the CdTe is advantageous, inter alia, to reduce the consumption of Te in solar modules; however the CdTe cell performance typically decreases with CdTe thickness. In comparison with other deposition techniques, sputtering appears to be well suited for ultra-thin device preparation partly due to control over the growth rate, grain size, and film stress. The films were magnetron sputtered on Pilkington TEC15, SnO 2 :F-coated, soda-lime glass substrates with a high resistivity transparent (HRT) interfacial layer. The thickness of CdS was constant at 50–55 nm while the CdTe thicknesses ranged from 0.25μm–2.1 μm. With optimum cell post-deposition processing, we obtained cells with efficiencies of 8.0%, 11.0%, 12.5% for CdTe thicknesses, respectively, of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 μm. We believe that these represent the highest efficiencies yet obtained for CdS/CdTe cells with such submicron absorber-layer thicknesses.
An Architectural Comparison of 32-Bit Microprocessors

The supermicros have arrived. Their 32-bit structure-and their performance-quite justifiably earn them the name "micromainframes."
Residual native structure in a thermally denatured β-hairpin

We investigate the thermal denaturation of trpzip2 between 15 and 82 degrees C using two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) vibrational spectroscopy, dispersed vibrational echo (DVE) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR and DVE spectra of trpzip2 show in the amide I region of the spectrum two resonances, which arise primarily from the interstrand coupling between local amide I oscillators along the peptide backbone. The coupling is seen directly in the 2D IR spectra as the formation of cross-peak ridges. Although small shifts of these frequencies occur on heating the sample, the existence of cross-peak ridges at all temperatures indicates that stable hydrogen bond interactions persist between the two beta-strands. These observations indicate a significant amount of native structure in the thermally denatured state of trpzip2.
Misconceptions regarding case-control studies of bicycle helmets and head injury

A number of published case-control studies have reported that bicycle helmets are associated with a reduced risk of head injury and brain injury among bicyclists who crashed. A paper in this journal offered several criticisms of these studies and of a systematic review of these studies. Many of those criticisms stem from misconceptions about the studies that have been done and about case-control studies in general. In this manuscript we review case-control study design, particularly as it applies to bicycle helmet studies, and review some aspects of the analysis of case-control data.
Unsteady Velocity Field Measurements of Outlet Flow in an Automotive Supercharger

Recently the automotive industry has been using superchargers to boost the power generated by the engine, but the noise generated by these superchargers is of great concern. The noise generated during the working of the supercharger is primarily a fluid mechanics phenomenon. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used to study air flow characteristics of a positive displacement supercharger with an emphasis on gaining insights into strategies for noise reduction. PIV was used to measure the instantaneous and ensemble-averaged velocity fields of the flow at the outlet of the supercharger as a function of blade position, allowing for visualization of the flow as it leave the blades. The preliminary results show that the flow exits the supercharger as a high speed jet at the end closer to the pulley end, and the flow varies with the change in blade position.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Purification of an interleukin-1β converting enzyme-related cysteine protease that cleaves sterol regulatory element-binding proteins between the leucine zipper and transmembrane domains

We describe the characterization and purification of a protease that cleaves sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and SREBP-2 in vitro. Cleavage occurs between the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper and the first transmembrane domain of each SREBP. This is the region in which the SREBPs are cleaved physiologically by a sterol-regulated protease that releases an NH2-terminal fragment that activates transcription of the genes for the low density lipoprotein receptor and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA synthase. The cleavage enzyme, designated SREBP cleavage activity (SCA), belongs to a new class of cysteine proteases of the interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE) family, all of which cleave at aspartic acid residues. Like ICE, SCA was inactive in cytosol, and it was activated in vitro by incubation at 30 degrees C. SCA was resistant to inhibitors of serine, aspartyl, and metalloproteases, but it was sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide. The enzyme cleaved SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 between the Asp and Ser of a conserved sequence (S/DEPDSP). The activity was blocked by a tetrapeptide aldehyde, Ac-Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp-aldehyde (Ac-DEAD-CHO). A purified preparation of SCA from hamster liver contained a prominent 20-kDa polypeptide that could be labeled with [14C]iodoacetic acid. Labeling was blocked by Ac-DEAD-CHO. Partial amino acid sequence of this polypeptide revealed that it was the hamster equivalent of human CPP32, a putative protease whose cDNA was recently identified by virtue of sequence homology to ICE. CPP32 and ICE have been implicated in apoptosis in animal cells. Whether SCA/CPP32 participates in vivo in the sterol-regulated activation of SREBP, or whether it activates SREBPs during apoptosis, remains to be determined.
Intraoperative ultrasonic microbubble contrast in determining the patency of the foramen of monro

A case is reported in which intraoperative ultrasonic microbubble contrast was used to demonstrate the patency of the foramen of Monro following resection of a colloid cyst.
Nonuniform Luneburg and two-shell lens antennas: radiation characteristics and design optimization

Design optimization of radially nonuniform spherical lens antennas is the focus of this paper. In particular, special attention is given to the optimal design of nonuniform Luneburg (1964) lens antennas. One of the important engineering objectives of designing an optimal Luneburg lens antenna is to use as small number of shells as possible while maintaining an acceptable gain and sidelobe performance. In a typical radially uniform design, by reducing the number of shells, the gain is decreased and the grating lobes are increased. This deficiency in the radiation performance of the uniform lens antenna can be overcome by designing the nonuniform lens antenna. This necessitates the optimum selection of each layer thickness and permittivity. A genetic algorithm (GA) optimizer with adaptive cost function is implemented to obtain the optimal design. In this manner, the GA optimizer simultaneously determines the optimal material and its thickness for each shell by controlling the gain and sidelobes envelope of the radiation pattern. Various lens geometries, including air gaps and feed offset from the lens surface, are analyzed by using the dyadic Green's functions of the multilayered dielectric sphere. Many useful engineering design guidelines have been suggested for the optimum construction of the lens. The results have been satisfactory and demonstrate the utility of the GA/adaptive cost-function algorithm. Additionally, the radiation characteristics of a novel two-shell lens antenna have been studied, and its performance is compared to the Luneburg lens.
Visits to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Providers by Children and Adolescents in the United States

Objective.— Determine the prevalence, patterns, costs, and predictors of visits to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers and subsequent remedy use in a nationally representative pediatric sample. Methods.— The 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey provided data on 7371 subjects ≤21 years of age. The primary outcome variable was CAM provider visits as defined by consulting a CAM provider "for health reasons." Predictors included sociodemographics, family resources, health status, parental CAM use, and perceptions and use of conventional medical care. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression determined independent factors associated with CAM use. Results.— Overall, 2.0% used CAM. Only 12.3% disclosed this use to their usual source of care (USC). The most common providers were chiropractors and clergy or spiritualists. The most common therapies were herbal remedies and spiritual healing. Mean amount spent per person on CAM visits was $73.40 and on remedies was $13.06. Weighted estimates to the national pediatric population of annual expenditures on CAM visits and remedies were $127 million and $22 million, respectively. Significant factors independently associated with CAM visits were female gender, older age, good and very good perceived physical health as compared with excellent health, parental CAM use, and dissatisfaction with the quality of care received from the USC. Conclusions.— Two percent of parents reported that their children consulted a CAM provider and rarely disclosed this use to their USC. While dissatisfaction with the quality of care by the USC and less good perceived physical health predicted CAM visits, parental CAM use was the most predictive.
Rule-based intelligence to support linear programming analysis

Abstract Increased size and complexity of linear programs make it difficult to understand results and manage the model. This difficulty is overcome, at least partially, with new advances in computing environments and techniques from artificial intelligence and operations research. A software system, called ANALYZE, is presented within the larger context of developing an artificially intelligent environment for mathematical programming modeling and analysis. With heuristics governed by rule-based reasoning and with syntax-driven translations into English, the ANALYZE system enables a form of intelligence to support analysis. Particular problems that illustrate this capability are explanations of dual prices, diagnoses of infeasibilities, and reasoning about redundancy.
Interstitial gas and density segregation of vertically vibrated granular media

We report experimental studies of the effect of interstitial gas on mass-density segregation in a vertically vibrated mixture of equal-sized bronze and glass spheres. Sufficiently strong vibration in the presence of interstitial gas induces vertical segregation into sharply separated bronze and glass layers. We find that the segregated steady state (i.e., bronze or glass layer on top) is a sensitive function of gas pressure and viscosity, as well as vibration frequency and amplitude. In particular, we identify distinct regimes of behavior that characterize the change from bronze-on-top to glass-on-top steady state.
Evolution of topological features in finite antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chains

Abstract We examine the behavior of nonlocal topological order in finite antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chains using the density matrix renormalization group techniques. We find that chains with even and odd site parity show very different behavior in the topological string order parameter, reflecting interesting interplay of the intrinsic magnetic correlation and the topological term in the chains. Analysis of the calculated string order parameter as a function of the chain length and the topological angle indicates that S =1/2 and S =1 chains show special behavior while all S >1 chains have similar topological structure. This result supports an earlier conjecture on the classification of quantum spin chains based on an analysis of their phase diagrams. Implications of the topological behavior in finite quantum spin chains are discussed.
Enabling emergency communication through a cognitive radio vehicular network

Unexpected disasters, both naturally occurring and those caused through human actions, result in severe damage to communication infrastructure. Additionally, such events are accompanied by sharp spikes in the usage of commercially licensed spectrum, when affected victims of the tragedy attempt to transmit information about themselves and capture high bandwidth data in the form of pictures and videos. We envisage cognitive radio as a candidate solution in such situations, where the devices can identify alternate frequency bands, and opportunistically use them. In this article, we describe a network architecture called EC-CRVN composed of CR enabled vehicles that provide critical wireless connectivity to both the general public and emergency responders. We discuss the application scenarios and salient features of the EC-CRVN. We describe the existing state of the art, the research challenges involved in realizing them, and a new approach of spectrum sensing using moving vehicles that reduces errors without adding to communication overhead.
Advances in the diagnosis of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

Purpose of reviewManagement of pancreatic cystic neoplasms is challenging due to limitations of current diagnostic tests. There is considerable interest in developing an accurate and cost-effective diagnostic test (or panel of tests) to differentiate cyst types and to identify those which would bene
Multilayer soft x-ray optics

Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) is able to produce high purity, epitaxial multilayer films with well defined interfaces. This precise deposition control along with a number of in situ characterization instruments allows a high degree of control over the formation of multilayers. We have three MBE systems, each with characteristics suitable for a subset of possible materials, that we have used to produce a large variety of x-ray multilayers. Together these MBE systems contain Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED), Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS), and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). Here I provide an overview of the techniques the students, postdocs, visiting scientists, and collaborators have used to select the materials pairs we have grown and analyzed for our x-ray multilayers.
Caustic Forecasting: Unbiased Estimation of Caustic Lighting for Global Illumination

Author(s): Budge, Brian C.; Anderson, John C.; Joy, Ken | Abstract: We present an unbiased method for generating caustic lighting using importance sampled Path Tracing with {\em Caustic Forecasting}. Our technique is part of a straightforward rendering scheme which extends the \emph{Illumination by Weak Singularities} method to allow for fully unbiased global illumination with rapid convergence. A photon shooting preprocess, similar to that used in Photon Mapping, generates photons that interact with specular geometry. These photons are then clustered, effectively dividing the scene into regions which will contribute similar amounts of caustic lighting to the image. Finally, the photons are stored into spatial data structures associated with each cluster, and the clusters themselves are organized into a spatial data structure for fast searching. During rendering we use clusters to decide the caustic energy importance of a region, and use the local photons to aid in importance sampling, effectively reducing the number of samples required to capture caustic lighting.
Kinetics of a Diels-Alder Reaction of Maleic Anhydride and Isoprene in Supercritical CO2

The kinetics of the reaction of maleic anhydride and isoprene in supercritical carbon dioxide was studied over an extended concentration range, from 5 10 -5 to 1.3 10 -2 mole fractions of both maleic anhydride and isoprene at 60 °C and pressure 100 atm. The apparent rate constant of the reaction was found to be concentration dependent, in contradiction with the literature data. The results are interpreted in terms of limited solubility of maleic anhydride in supercritical CO 2. The solubility of maleic anhydride in supercritical carbon dioxide was directly measured by sampling and analyzing the supercritical phase. The observed sharp increase in the apparent rate constant of the reaction between maleic anhydride and isoprene correlates with the solubility of maleic anhydride in supercritical carbon dioxide. The interpretation was confirmed using visual observations of the phase behavior. The rate constant of the reaction measured under the true supercritical, single phase, conditions is kx ) (17.0 ( 1.3) hr -1 (mole fraction units, 60 °C, pressure 100 atm).
The Denny‐brown collection: A research and teaching resource

A large collection of potentially valuable materials compiled by the late Dr Derek Denny-Brown is described. This consists of 2,200 films of monkeys with central nervous system lesions, associated behavior and neuropathological descriptions, and histological slides. There are also 500 films of patients with a wide assortment of diseases, including some not currently seen, like postencephalitic parkinsonism. This description will enable contemporary researchers to utilize this collection in their research and teaching programs.
Infective Endocarditis in the Pediatric Patient: A 60-Year Single-Institution Review

Objective To determine the epidemiology of infective endocarditis (IE) presenting in pediatric patients during a 60-year period at our institution.
The incorporation of photonic transmitter-mixer with Si/Ge based electrical comb line generator for W-band ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless data transmission

By combing Si/Ge avalanche photodiodes based electrical comb-line generators with photonic-transmitter-mixers, millimeter-wave short-pulse generations for photonic ultra-wideband linking at W-band with wireless transmission distance up to 12 meter and error-free 1.5Gbps data rate are demonstrated.
The place of video in new styles of teaching and learning statistics

Abstract Strong movements in both education research and education reform are emphasizing that teaching should encourage student activity rather than simply aim knowledge in the general direction of a student audience. Yet video, at least in its traditional technological forms, is passive. How can teachers make effective use of an apparently ineffective medium? What role can video best play in new multimedia instructional systems? This article reviews research on learning through television in order to make practical suggestions. Specific examples use two widely distributed series, Against All Odds: Inside Statistics and Statistics: Decisions Through Data.
Motor control exercise for persistent nonspecific neck pain

Abstract Background: Neck pain is common and results in considerable economic burden. Deficits in motor control of the deep neck muscles are well documented in those with neck pain. The efficacy of strengthening exercises for individuals with neck pain has been established; however, it is unclear if motor control exercises offer a similar benefit. Objectives: The purpose of this manuscript is to systematically review the literature for randomized controlled trials that evaluate the outcomes for motor control exercise interventions in those with persistent neck pain. Methods: A computerized electronic search was performed to locate articles. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that were randomized controlled trials, appeared in a peer reviewed journal, published in the English language, identified neck pain as the primary treatment focus, identified motor control exercise of the neck as the primary treatment in at least one group and included subjects who had had neck pain for 6 weeks. Two reviewers in...
Erythrocyte cation metabolism in preeclampsia

To determine if there are abnormalities in cellular cation regulation in pregnancy-induced hypertension, erythrocyte intracellular levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium and circulating parathyroid hormone and "endoxin" were examined in 13 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and 34 control subjects matched for gestational age (greater than or equal to 35 weeks). Both endoxin and parathyroid hormone levels were higher in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension than in control subjects (endoxin, 294 +/- 34 vs. 210 +/- 19 pg/ml, p less than 0.05; parathyroid hormone, 0.65 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.03 ng/ml); the increase was significant only for endoxin. Intracellular calcium was higher in the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (0.033 +/- 0.010 vs. 0.015 +/- 0.001 mEq/L, p less than 0.05, in the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and control patients, respectively) but intracellular sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels were not different. This intracellular calcium elevation may be caused directly by the increase in parathyroid hormone or indirectly by the observed elevation in endoxin. Our data indicate that the observed effect is specific because no changes in intracellular sodium, potassium, or magnesium levels were found.
Piezo1 Mutations Identified in Xerocytosis alter the Inactivation Rate

Piezo1 is a cation selective channel in eukaryotes, and Xerocytosis is a disease of red cells that has been mapped to mutations in the gene encoding Piezo1. We introduced these mutations into a cloned human Pieoz1 and measured their effects on the channel kinetics. Substituting arginine for methionine at position 2225 (M2225R), or a hisitidine for arginine at position 2455 (R2455H) slowed inactivation. This behavior is true in whole cell recordings and cell-attached and outside-out current patches. At position 2455, introduction of lysine, a conservative amino acid change for arginine, we were unable to restore inactivation, indicating that a charge movement at that location in the membrane field is not involved in voltage-dependent inactivation. Cotransfection of cells with Piezo1 and MscL allowed us to estimate the relative stress sensitivity, equivalent to the mean area change, of both channels in a single patch. Surprisingly, the slope sensitivities of both channels were similar, indicating that the dimensional changes for opening Piezo1 is close to that of MscL at 6.5 nm2. We also demonstrate that the inhibitor of mechanical channels, GsMTx4, also blocks currents from mutant channels. The biophysics of Piezo dysfunction shows that the channel stays open longer than in the wild type and likely affects red cell volume regulation by allowing an excess influx of calcium.Supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense
Description of the oöcysts of Eimeria septemvittata n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from queen snakes, Regina septemvittata (Serpentes: Colubridae), in Arkansas

Coccidian oocysts recovered from the feces of queen snakes, Regina septemvittata, from Arkansas, USA, were found to represent a previously unreported eimerian. Oocysts of Eimeria septemvittata n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 14.6×14.0 (12–16×12–15) μm, with a thin, bi-layered wall; the shape-index (length/width) is 1.04 (1.00–1.17). The micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent but a large polar granule is present. The sporocysts are ovoidal, 11.3×5.6 (9.5–13.5×5–6) μm and possess a Stieda body; the shape-index is 2.02 (1.81–2.50). Each sporozoite contains a large, centrally located refractile body and a generally smaller, posterior refractile body.
An imputed forest composition map for New England screened by species range boundaries

Initializing forest landscape models (FLMs) to simulate changes in tree species composition requires accurate fine-scale forest attribute information mapped continuously over large areas. Nearest-neighbor imputation maps, maps developed from multivariate imputation of field plots, have high potential for use as the initial condition within FLMs, but the tendency for field plots to be imputed over large geographical distances can result in species being mapped outside of their home ranges, which is problematic. We developed an approach for evaluating and imputing field plots based on their similarity across multiple spatial environmental variates, their species composition, and their geographical distance between source and imputation to produce a map that is appropriate for initializing an FLM. We used this approach to map 13 million ha of forest throughout the six New England states (Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine). Using both independent state forest and, more extensive, ecoregion validation data sets, we compared the imputation map to field inventory data, based on the dissimilarity of tree community composition and the rank order correlation of tree species abundance. Average Bray-Curtis dissimilarity between the imputation map and field plots was 0.32 and 0.12, for the state forest and ecoregion validation data sets, respectfully. Average Spearman rank order correlation was 0.81 and 0.93 for the state forest and ecoregion validation data sets, respectfully. Our analyses suggest that this approach to imputation can realistically capture regional variation in forest composition. We expect the imputation map will be valuable for several regional forest studies and that the approach could be successfully used in other regions.
The DCP2 protein is required for mRNA decapping in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and contains a functional MutT motif.

The major pathway of mRNA degradation in yeast occurs through deadenylation, decapping and subsequent 5′ to 3′ exonucleolytic decay of the transcript body. To identify proteins that control the activity of the decapping enzyme, which is encoded by the DCP1 gene, we isolated a high‐copy suppressor of the temperature‐sensitive dcp1‐2 allele, termed DCP2. Overexpression of Dcp2p partially suppressed the dcp1‐2 decapping defect. Moreover, the Dcp2 protein was required for the decapping of both normal mRNAs and aberrant transcripts that are degraded by the mRNA surveillance pathway. The Dcp2 protein contains a MutT motif, which is found in a class of pyrophosphatases. Mutational analyses indicated that the region of Dcp2p containing the MutT motif is necessary and sufficient for Dcp2p9s function in mRNA decapping. The Dcp2p also coimmunoprecipitates with the DCP1 decapping enzyme and is required for the production of enzymatically active decapping enzyme. These results suggest that direct or indirect interaction of Dcp1p with Dcp2p is required for the production of active decapping enzyme, perhaps in a process requiring the hydrolysis of a pyrophosphate bond.
Spline approximations for nonlinear hereditary control systems

A spline-based approximation scheme is discussed for optimal control problems governed by nonlinear nonautonomous delay differential equations. The approximating framework reduces the original control problem to a sequence of optimization problems governed by ordinary differential equations. Convergence proofs, which appeal directly to dissipative-type estimates for the underlying nonlinear operator, are given and numerical findings are summarized.
RACE, DRUGS, AND POLICING: UNDERSTANDING DISPARITIES IN DRUG DELIVERY ARRESTS*

This article draws on several unique data sources to assess and explain racial disparity in Seattle's drug delivery arrests. Evidence regarding the racial and ethnic composition of those who deliver any of five serious drugs in that city is compared with the racial and ethnic composition of those arrested for this offense. Our findings indicate that blacks are significantly overrepresented among Seattle's drug delivery arrestees. Several organizational practices explain racial disparity in these arrests: law enforcement's focus on crack offenders, the priority placed on outdoor drug venues, and the geographic concentration of police resources in racially heterogeneous areas. The available evidence further indicates that these practices are not determined by race-neutral factors such as crime rates or community complaints. Our findings thus indicate that race shapes perceptions of who and what constitutes Seattle's drug problem, as well as the organizational response to that problem.
Teaching and Assessment of Ethics and Professionalism: A Survey of Pediatric Program Directors

Abstract Objective The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residency programs to provide instruction in and evaluation of competency in ethics and professionalism. We examined current practices and policies in ethics and professionalism in pediatric training programs, utilization of newly available resources on these topics, and recent concerns about professional behavior raised by social media. Methods From May to August 2012, members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors identified as categorical program directors in the APPD database were surveyed regarding ethics and professionalism practices in their programs, including structure of their curricula, methods of trainee assessment, use of nationally available resources, and policies regarding social media. Results The response rate was 61% (122 of 200). Most pediatric programs continue to teach ethics and professionalism in an unstructured manner. Many pediatric program directors are unaware of available ethics and professionalism resources. Although most programs lack rigorous evaluation of trainee competency in ethics and professionalism, 30% (35 of 116) of program directors stated they had not allowed a trainee to graduate or sit for an examination because of unethical or unprofessional conduct. Most programs do not have formal policies regarding social media use by trainees, and expectations vary widely. Conclusions Pediatric training programs are slowly adopting the educational mandates for ethics and professionalism instruction. Resources now exist that can facilitate curriculum development in both traditional content areas such as informed consent and privacy as well as newer content areas such as social media use.
Evaluating the Usefulness for School Principals of Feedback Reports From a School-Based Adolescent Health Survey

Researchers doing school surveys of adolescent health behavior frequently provide feedback reports to the schools summarizing the survey results, but it is not generally known how useful this infor...
Evolution of a campus sustainability network: a case study in organizational change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of a sustainability network at a large California public university, as an example of organizational change.Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines participant observation and case study techniques over a three‐year period. From 2007 to 2010, the author helped found the university's Institute for Sustainability and sat on both the Institute's first Advisory Board and the university's first Core Green Team. The author also interviewed 19 key informants to the sustainability network, including upper administrators, physical plant management (PPM) staff, faculty, and students.Findings – This campus sustainability initiative evolved over three decades in three phases. Phase I evolved from the 1980s in facilities management and student recycling because of changing environmental demands, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and strong leadership who believed in developing human resources. In Phase II, faculty and Academic Affairs established t...
Color purity in polymer electrochromic window devices on indium-tin oxide and single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes.

Dual polymer absorptive/transmissive electrochromic (EC) window devices have been assembled using the solution-processable and high-EC-contrast polymer PProDOT-(CH2OEtHx)2 as the EC material, along with a non-color-changing electroactive polymer, poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA), as the counter electrode material. Indium−tin oxide (ITO) and highly transmissive single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) film coated glass electrodes are used as electrode substrates. The use of the EC/non-color-changing polymer combination allowed us to construct window devices that rapidly switch between magenta and highly transmissive (>95% T for ITO and ∼79% T for SWNT) states with large optical modulation (>71% ΔT for ITO and 66% ΔT for SWNT). The devices showed effective coloration and bleaching: the lightness parameter (L*) changing from 67 to 95 for ITO (∼50−92 for SWNT), essentially reaching a diffuse white upon oxidation. The color modulates from highly pure magenta with a* = 28 (red hue) a...
Uncovering the Potential: The Role of Technologies on Science Learning of Middle School Students

There is, no doubt, untapped potential in using technological tools to enhance the understanding of science concepts. This study examines the potential by observing 7th and 8th grade middle school students’ (n = 23) use of portable data collection devices in a nine-week elective class, Exploring Technologies. Students’ use of the data collection devices and subsequent interactions were traced through audiocassette and videocassette recordings, field notes, and student artifacts. The culminating activity for the course was a scientific investigation that required students to use the technologies to answer student-selected research questions. To illustrate the use of technology as a mediatory tool, an inquiry investigation of three student groups is described. In examining the three groups of middle school students the researchers encountered specific evidence of technology maximizing students’ science learning. The students were able to use the portable data collection devices in their investigations as they discussed scientific ideas related to temperature and heat. The study’s findings indicated that the three student groups were able to use the tools to conduct scientific inquiry and engage in scientific discourse. Further research on instructional approaches that allow students to develop expertise by using technology as tools to construct knowledge about complex phenomena is encouraged.
An examination of resilience cross-culturally in child and adolescent survivors of the 2008 China earthquake using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).

Abstract Background The 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China destroyed towns and village, displaced over a million people and caused thousands of deaths. There is a need to understand how children and adolescents are able to bounce back after this distressing event. This study conducts a psychometric assessment of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the measure's validity among children and adolescent survivors in order to identify the factors associated with resilience in this socio-cultural setting. Methods Translated and culturally verified versions of the CD-RISC, UCLA-PTSD Index and Birleson Self-rating Depression Scale were used to collect data from 2132 children and adolescents located in post-disaster areas 1 year after the event. Results Through exploratory factor analysis, a 2-factor model was found and defined by Chinese scholars as Rational Thinking and Self-Awareness. Internal consistency of total CD-RISC was 0.86, 0.91 for Rational Thinking and 0.74 for Self-Awareness. Convergent validity between items ranged from 0.17–0.69 and 0.12–0.20 to the total score. Items related to post-traumatic stress disorder loaded separately than CD-RISC items, demonstrating discriminant validity. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that resilience may be understood and manifested dissimilarly in different socio-cultural settings. This study confirms the applicability of the CD-RISC scale to Chinese children and adolescent earthquake survivors, and adds to the richness of resilience research cross-culturally.
Proposed reaction mechanisms for selenium UV photolysis vapor generation by computational methods

The production of volatile analyte species by UV photolysis in the presence of low-molecular-weight organic acids as an alternative to chemical vapor generation has been of recent interest. The mechanism of this process is not well understood. Proposed mechanisms often involve photolytic cleavage of the organic acid as the initial step. Evidence suggests that this may not be the dominant route for UV photolysis vapor generation. In this work computational methods were applied to determine a possible alternative mechanism in the absence of free-radical production. The proposed mechanism specifically focused on selenium vapor generation. An energetically favored mechanism was found for UV photolysis of inorganic selenium in the presence of formic and acetic acids which is consistent with previously reported experimental results.
A Drosophila Melanogaster Model of Diastolic Dysfunction and Cardiomyopathy Based on Impaired Troponin-T Function

Rationale:Regulation of striated muscle contraction is achieved by Ca2+-dependent steric modulation of myosin cross-bridge cycling on actin by the thin filament troponin–tropomyosin complex. Alterations in the complex can induce contractile dysregulation and disease. For example, mutations between or near residues 112 to 136 of cardiac troponin-T, the crucial TnT1 (N-terminal domain of troponin-T)–tropomyosin-binding region, cause cardiomyopathy. The Drosophila upheld101 Glu/Lys amino acid substitution lies C-terminally adjacent to this phylogenetically conserved sequence. Objective:Using a highly integrative approach, we sought to determine the molecular trigger of upheld101 myofibrillar degeneration, to evaluate contractile performance in the mutant cardiomyocytes, and to examine the effects of the mutation on the entire Drosophila heart to elucidate regulatory roles for conserved TnT1 regions and provide possible mechanistic insight into cardiac dysfunction. Methods and Results:Live video imaging of Dr...
Intracranial Metastasis via Transplacental (Vertical) Transmission of Maternal Small Cell Lung Cancer to Fetus: CT and MRI Findings

We present the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of brain metastases in an unusual case of a premature, 33-week gestational age neonate who was emergently delivered from a mother suspected of having lung cancer according to imaging performed during the third trimester of pregnancy. Owing to the presence of placental metastases noted after delivery, the fetus had initial screening with brain MRI and chest/abdomen CT as well as serial screening imaging studies during the first 5 months of life, all of which were apparently normal. However, serial examinations eventually revealed a cerebellar lesion that significantly improved after chemotherapy but recurred and enlarged within a few months. This lesion was later confirmed to be metastasis by subsequent biopsy and resection. More metastatic lesions were identified in the frontal and temporal lobes on follow-up MRI. In the setting of aggressive maternal malignancy (without known fetal primary malignancy) an intracranial mass can, on the exceedingly rare occasion, result from maternal high-grade malignancy and the neuroradiologist should be alerted to this phenomenon.
Simplified correction of outflow obstruction after mitral valve replacement

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement may occur when a retained native anterior leaflet prolapses between prosthetic struts. Existing reports of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by this mechanism lack emphasis on its surgical treatment. We obtained definitive relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by transaortic exposure, division, and partial excision of the obstructing leaflet. This approach minimizes the complexity and potential morbidity of the correction.
Violence and the ear and temporal bone.

Violence in our society frequently is directed toward our ability to hear as well as other functions related to the temporal bone. Important sensory and motor nerves as well as vascular structures traverse the temporal bone. Trauma to the temporal bone may impair the person's ability to perform everyday functions, also limiting the ability to communicate. The result of temporal bone trauma may have a significant effect on the victim's socioeconomic status. Violence is defined by Webster's Third New International Dictionary as "exertion of any physical force so as to injure or abuse." 1 The purpose of this commentary will be to apply this definition of violence to the ear and temporal bone. The physical forces that affect the ear and temporal bone may be separated into two categories. The first category is direct trauma to the ear or temporal bone, and the second category is acoustic trauma to the