cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a third osmoprotectant transport system, the osmU system, in Salmonella enterica.

The growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium mutants lacking the ProP and ProU osmoprotectant transport systems is stimulated by glycine betaine in high-osmolarity media, suggesting that this organism has an additional osmoprotectant transport system. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the genome of this organism contains a hitherto-unidentified operon, designated osmU, consisting of four genes whose products show high similarity to ABC-type transport systems for osmoprotectants in other bacteria. The osmU operon was inactivated by a site-directed deletion, which abolished the ability of glycine betaine to alleviate the inhibitory effect of high osmolarity and eliminated the accumulation of [14C]glycine betaine and [14C]choline-O-sulfate in high-osmolarity media in a strain lacking the ProP and ProU systems. Although the OsmU system can take up glycine betaine and choline-O-sulfate, these two osmoprotectants are recognized at low affinity by this transporter, suggesting that there might be more efficient substrates that are yet to be discovered. The transcription of osmU is induced 23-fold by osmotic stress (0.3 M NaCl). The osmU operon is present in the genomes of a number of Enterobacteriaceae, and orthologs of the OsmU system can be recognized in a wide variety of Bacteria and Archaea. The structure of the periplasmic binding protein component of this transporter, OsmX, was modeled on the crystallographic structure of the glycine betaine-binding protein ProX of Archaeoglobus fulgidus; the resultant model indicated that the amino acids that constitute substrate-binding site, including an “aromatic cage” made up of four tyrosines, are conserved between these two proteins.
Physical quantum algorithms

I review the differences between classical and quantum systems, emphasizing the connection between no-hidden variable theorems and superior computational power of quantum computers. Using quantum lattice gas automata as examples, I describe possibilities for efficient simulation of quantum and classical systems with a quantum computer. I conclude with a list of research directions.
Specificity in Lusaamia infinitives

Infinitives in Lusaamia (J.34, Kenya and Uganda) appear in two different forms, one having the reflex oxu- of the common Bantu class 15 verb prefix, and one having the prefix oo-. This paper describes and exemplifies the use of these two infinitival forms, proposing that the distinction represents a contrast in specificity and that the innovated oo- form developed via reinterpretation of grammatical distinctions borrowed from Dholuo.
Quantitative phase measurements using optical quadrature microscopy

Imaging of phase or optical path length is becoming more important with the development of better imaging systems, computational algorithms, faster computers, and a greater interest in the imaging of transparent objects. Early phase imaging involved qualitative imaging of phase gradients. New computational algorithms can be used to extract some quantitative phase imaging from these techniques. In contrast, new hardware has enabled full-field quantitative phase imaging on a practical and cost-effective scale. We explore a quantitative comparison between two techniques for imaging phase. In the first technique, phase is recovered from a pair of differential interference contrast images, and in the second technique, phase is measured pixel-by-pixel interferometrically. It is shown, experimentally, that the overall results are similar, but each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages.
p53 mutations associated with breast, colorectal, liver, lung, and ovarian cancers

In this paper we describe a statistical analysis of the European Molecular Library p53 mutation database comparing p53 mutations occurring in breast, colorectal, liver, lung, and ovarian cancers. The analyses show that mutation hot spots vary by cancer and that base pair changes and predicted amino acid changes in the gene product vary by cancer and by codon. The analyses use relative frequencies and epidemiologic measures of effect (prevalence ratios) not applied previously to these data. The five cancers in the database with the largest sample sizes were breast (418), colorectal (398), liver (341), non-small cell lung (313), and ovarian cancers (251), for a total of 1,721 reports of p53 mutations. The five cancers varied considerably in the distribution of mutations over sites, with different hot spots in each cancer. At the six most frequently reported codon sites, we compared base pair and amino acid changes by type of cancer. The comparison of base pair changes indicated a predominance of particular base pair changes at a codon (for example, C-->T and G-->A changes at Codon 248) and their association with specific cancers (C-->T changes with colorectal cancer and G-->A changes with both colorectal and breast cancers at codon 248). Comparing predicted amino acid changes by codon and cancer was also intriguing, as in codons 175 and 273, where arginine to cysteine and arginine to histidine changes were frequent in breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Variations in p53 mutational distributions by cancer may be explained by different exposures to carcinogens or by organ-specific clonal selection. Further research may be stimulated by this analysis.
Variable phase control of wing rock

This paper addresses a variable phase control issue for suppressing wing rock with hysteresis. In free-to-roll tests, as the angle of attack (AOA) is increased, the roll angle versus the rolling moment indicates hysteresis and provides clues about where wing rock motion is being driven and where the motion is being damped. We present the analysis method of wing rock energy to explain the mechanism of wing rock and the formation of hysteresis, and then develop a variable phase control (VPC) scheme to compensate the phase and magnitude distortions. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme are demonstrated by suppressing wing rock phenomenon at various AOA and any initial conditions.
Microbial cell components induced tolerance to flagellin-stimulated inflammation through Toll-like receptor pathways in intestinal epithelial cells

In the intestine, bacterial components activate innate responses that protect the host. We hypothesize that bacterial components reduce Interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in intestinal epithelial cells stimulated by flagellin via the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. Caco-2 cells were pretreated with various doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), or low-dose flagellin (LDFL) for 24h. Cells were then treated with flagellin (FL) 500 ng/ml (HDFL) for another 48 h. IL-8 production was measured in the cell culture medium by ELISA. Eighty-four genes in the TLR pathway were evaluated by RT Profiler PCR Array. Pathway Studio 8.0 software was used for altered pathway analysis. HDFL induced IL-8 production by 19-fold (p<0.01). Pretreatment with LDFL at 20, 10 or 1 ng/ml reduced HDFL-induced IL-8 production by 61%, 52% and 40%, respectively (p<0.05). LPS at 50 μg/ml decreased HDFL-induced IL-8 production by 38% (p<0.05). HDFL up-regulated CXCL10, IL1B, IL-8, IRAK2, NF-κB1 and I-κB (all p<0.05). Pathway Studio analysis showed that HDFL induced cell processes including inflammation, cell death and apoptosis. Pretreatment with LDFL at 10 ng/ml down-regulated FADD, FOS, MAP4K4, MyD88, TLR2, TLR3 and TNFERSF1A compared to HDFL (all p<0.05). These down-regulated genes are integral for numerous cell functions including inflammatory response, cell death, apoptosis and infection. These results demonstrate that LPS and LDFL provoke tolerance to HDFL-induced IL-8 production. This tolerance effect was accompanied by a complex interaction of multiple genes related to inflammatory as well as other responses in the TLR pathway rather than a single gene alteration.
Sexual behavior patterns in the prepubertally castrate rat.

Prepubertally castrate female rats are capable of showing the lordosis response when given replacement therapy with female sex steroids, regardeless of age at which the ovaries are removed post birth, or when replacement therapy is commenced after adulthood. Estrogen alone is reraly a sufficient stimulus for behavioral estrus. Therefore the natural physiological trigger for estrous behavior in the rat is likely estrogen plus progesterone. Prepubertally castrate male or female rats never showed any male or female behavior following androgen implant in the brain. All rats castrated on day three or ealier, and given implants of estrogen plus progesterone in the preoptic hypothalamic area displayed the lordosis response. Thus the female sex response pattern is present in both sexes in the absence of gonadal hormones from birth. Brain development in the male castrate at birth does not appear to be identical to brain development in the female castrate at birth because a number of males showed the complete male sexual response pattern plus the female response pattern following neural implant of estrogen plus progesteron. The genotypic male thus appears to possess the information necessary to produce the neural connections for male and female sexual response patterns. Androgen acting at birth disrupts the development of the feminine response pattern so that the adult male ordinarily displays only the copulatory pattern.
In vivo effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin on sulfobromophthalein clearance in the guinea-pig.

In vivo studies indicated that the primary effects ofE. coli endotoxin on hepatic clearance of sulfobromophthalein were at the excretory level. Newborns were more sensitive to the LPS than older animals.
Monkeys, aggression, and the pathobiology of atherosclerosis

Although it is frequently hypothesized that psychosocial factors influence the development of coronary heart disease and the underlying atherosclerosis, evidence directly supporting this hypothesis or identifying the mediating mechanisms has been sparse at best. The present article reviews research designed to elucidate the role of behavior in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (and thus coronary heart disease). Particular emphasis is placed on experimental evidence linking atherosclerosis to both behavior and sympathoadrenal activation in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). In males of this monkey species, behavioral dominance and aggression interact with social instability to promote the development of diet-induced atherosclerosis. Beta-adrenoreceptor blockade prevents this behavioral exacerbation of atherosclerosis, suggesting a mechanism of sympathetic origin. Furthermore, independently of social rank or environmental perturbation, animals exhibiting a heightened cardiac responsivity to stress are excessively aggressive and also develop the most extensive coronary lesions. Taken together, these experimental data strongly implicate aggressiveness and sympathetic arousal, occurring as a result of either inherent hypersensitivity or environmental stimulation, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Additional data suggest that a specific neurotransmitter complex-the serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine) system-modulates factors associated with the expression of social dominance and exaggerated heart rate reactivity, perhaps thereby explaining a portion of variable susceptibility to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology experience in academic and community OB/GYN residency programs in Michigan.

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess training in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) at the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) resident level. Setting: Two large Michigan programs were studied: a university-based, inner-city program, and a suburban, community-based program. Seventy-one questionnaires were distributed to the residents, and descriptive and inferential analysis of answers to demographic, training, attitude, and knowledge-based questions regarding PAG was performed. Results: Sixty-one questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 86%. The majority of respondents reported no PAG rotations or clinics and recalled limited didactic sessions with only 0–2 lectures. Ninety-eight percent of university residents and 94% of community residents requested more PAG training. Comfort levels about PAG issues were assessed on a 5 point scale (1 = low, 5 = high comfort); university residents scored 3.7 with pediatric patients and 4.4 with adolescents, and community residents scored 4.0 with the pediatric age group and 4.3 with adolescents. However, both groups responded with familiarity to knowledge based questions only 61% of the time. Conclusions: OB/GYN residents in both academic and community programs report little experience and scant training in PAG but express interest in obtaining the skills and information needed. It is concerning that residents lack the basic knowledge that is required for the routine daily care of this patient population. More emphasis needs to be placed on these issues in OB/GYN residency training programs.
Steady state dislocation motion via molecular dynamics

Abstract Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics is applied to the generation and steady propagation of edge dislocations. “Normal” propagation at about one-third the longitudinal sound speed, transonic propagation at nine-tenths that speed, climb, and multiplication are all observed.
Mechanistic studies into the Raman enhancement of enediol-semiconducting nanoparticle conjugates and their use in biological applications

Raman scattering enhancement was observed in systems where different metal oxide semiconductors (TiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 and CeO 2 ) were modified with enediol ligands. The intensity of Raman scattering was dependent on laser frequency and correlated with the extinction coefficient of the charge-transfer complex of the enediol ligands and nanoparticles. The intensity and frequency of the Raman bands was found to depend on the chemical composition of the enediol ligand and the chemical composition (and crystallinity) of the nanoparticles. The intensity of the Raman signal depends on the number of surface binding sites, electron density of the ligands and their dipole moment. We also found that Raman scattering is observed for the bioconjugated system, where a peptide is linked to the surface of the particle through a catechol linker. These studies are important since these bioconjugates can be used to form the basis of Raman-based, in vitro and importantly in vivo biodetection, cell labeling and imaging, and nanotherapeutic strategies.
Comments on “Full-sphere simulations of circulation-dominated solar dynamo: Exploring the parity issue”

We respond to Dikpati et al.'s criticism of our recent solar dynamo model. A different treatment of the magnetic buoyancy is the most probable reason for their different results.
Tunable diode lasers and their application in cold molecular beam spectroscopy

Supersonic molecular expansions provide a unique environment in which to acquire the infrared spectra of many molecular systems. Tunable diode lasers offer high spectral brightness, low noise, rapid tuning, and contiguous spectral coverage in the infrared, from 3000 to 500 cm -1 . Molecular beams combined with tunable diode lasers represents a powerful tool for reducing or removing spectral congestion arising from both pressure broadening and rotational excitation. Depending on expansion conditions, rotational temperatures on the order of 10K can be routinely obtained. With the appropriate pulsed slit nozzle, Doppler broadening is reduced six-fold or more over that of room temperature, static cells. In addition, by employing modified White cell optics, effective optical path lengths of 3 meters can be realized. A description of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's beam-diode laser spectrometer will be given along with recent results for studies involving the fully rotationally resolved spectra of several molecules of atmospheric interest including chlorine nitrate and carbon tetrachloride.
Financing decisions and bidder gains

This paper analyzes the relation between bidder gains and the source of financing funds available. We document that after controlling for the form of payment, financing decisions during the year before a takeover play an important role in explaining the cross section of bidder gains. Bidder announcement period abnormal returns are positively and significantly related to the amount of ex ante equity financing. This relation is particularly strong for high q firms. We further report a negative and significant relation between bidder gains and free cash flow. This relation is particularly strong for firms classified as having poor investment opportunities. The amount of debt financing before a takeover announcement is not significantly related to bidder gains. Together, we take these findings as supportive of the pecking-order theory of financing and the free cash flow hypothesis.
Contact inhibition and high cell density deactivate the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, thus suppressing the senescence program

During cell cycle arrest caused by contact inhibition (CI), cells do not undergo senescence, thus resuming proliferation after replating. The mechanism of senescence avoidance during CI is unknown. Recently, it was demonstrated that the senescence program, namely conversion from cell cycle arrest to senescence (i.e., geroconversion), requires mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Geroconversion can be suppressed by serum starvation, rapamycin, and hypoxia, which all inhibit mTOR. Here we demonstrate that CI, as evidenced by p27 induction in normal cells, was associated with inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, CI antagonized senescence caused by CDK inhibitors. Stimulation of mTOR in contact-inhibited cells favored senescence. In cancer cells lacking p27 induction and CI, mTOR was still inhibited in confluent culture as a result of conditioning of the medium. This inhibition of mTOR suppressed p21-induced senescence. Also, trapping of malignant cells among contact-inhibited normal cells antagonized p21-induced senescence. Thus, we identified two nonmutually exclusive mechanisms of mTOR inhibition in high cell density: (i) CI associated with p27 induction in normal cells and (ii) conditioning of the medium, especially in cancer cells. Both mechanisms can coincide in various proportions in various cells. Our work explains why CI is reversible and, most importantly, why cells avoid senescence in vivo, given that cells are contact-inhibited in the organism.
Effects of joining techniques on impact perforation resistance of assembled composite plates

A previous study on impact response of composite laminates concluded that impact perforation was the most important damage stage in composite laminates subjected to impact loading, since impact characteristics (peak force, contact duration and absorbed energy) and mechanical properties degradation of composite laminates reached critical points once perforation took place. It was also found that thickness had a greater influence on impact perforation resistance than did in-plane dimensions. However, as the composite laminates became very thick, the manufacturing cost for obtaining high-quality composite laminates increased. In an effort to meet design requirements and reduce manufacturing costs, assembled composite plates, which were organized by assembling multiple thin composite laminates, were considered as alternatives for thick single-laminate composite plates. Various joining techniques including mechanical riveting, adhesive bonding and stitch joining, and their combinations, were used in assembling two- and three-laminate plates. Experimental results revealed that adhesive bonding outperformed other joining techniques. Although good bonding resulted in higher joining (bending) stiffness and subsequently higher perforation thresholds, increasing the laminate thickness or the number of laminates was found to be more efficient in raising perforation threshold than in improving the joining stiffness. The assembled three-laminate plates were found to have higher perforation thresholds than their thick single-laminate counterpart.
Phonology and phonetics of English stress and vowel reduction

Abstract The reduced energy level of unstressed vowels compromises perceptibility of vowel distinctions, leading to the ‘neutralization’ of some of the distinctions. The difference between the collapse of most vowels into [∂] in English, and more restricted effects in other languages is shown to be managed by constraint ranking within OT. The same factors that compromise perceptibility of V-quality are shown to also compromise perceptibility of C-place in a following coda, however, and this is argued to underlie certain failed vowel reductions, as in the final syllable of Adirond a ck. Coronals differ in not comparably blocking reduction, as in Connectic [∂] t, a property that is attributed to the notoriously ‘unmarked’ character of coronals: since neutralizations are quite generally to ‘unmarked’ values, coronals are – as it were – ‘pre-neutralized’ for place, and are thus insensitive to whether or not a preceding vowel provides good place cues, thus permitting vowel reduction. The account of vowel reduction based on this kind of V-to-C interaction is proved superior to traditional ones based solely on lack of stress, which would not only face serious difficulties in providing just the ‘right’ stresses, but would also miss important links between the distribution of vowel reduction and the structure of word-final clusters, which are correctly captured here.
THE EFFECTS OF UNILATERAL OVARIECTOMY ON FOLLICULAR MATURATION IN THE GUINEA PIG.

A control group of guinea pigs ovulated 3.43 ± 0.41 ova or 1.72 ova per ovary. Unilateral ovariectomy (semispaying) on day 1 resulted in the ovulation of 3.71 ± 0.37 ova from the remaining ovary, whereas after semispaying on days 5 and 10, 2.80 ± 0.12 eggs were ovaluated. Unilateral ovariectomy during days 12, 14 and just prior to ovulation resulted in the same number of ova being ovulated from the remaining ovary as from the initial ovary removed. Semispaying at any day during the cycle did not alter cycle length. At day 1, all follicles from the previous cycle were atretic. At day 5 the current population of follicles were well developed with no atresia present. Ovaries removed on days 5, 10, and 12 had approximately the same distribution of large follicles with atresia appearing in all size ranges. At day 14, the number of large follicles was markedly decreased. However, after semispaying at day 5, the remaining ovary at day 14 had twice the number of Graafian follicles and twice the amount of atresia in these size ranges as the normal day 14 ovary. It is therefore likely that the compensatory response after unilateral ovariectomy in the guinea pig is due to an increase in the rate of proliferation of smaller sized follicles into larger ones. Day 12 seems to be the critical period of the guinea pig cycle. At this time, regression of the corpora lutea occurs, and perhaps of significance, the ability of the animal to compensate for unilateral ovariectomy is also lost.
Pharmacodynamics of Cefazolin in the Presence of Normal and Impaired Renal Function

The excretion of cefazolin, a new cephalosporin antibiotic, was studied in subjects with normal and impaired renal function. Twelve subjects with creatinine clearances ranging from 0 to 144 ml per min per 1.73 m(2) were given a single 500-mg intramuscular dose of cefazolin. Serum and urine levels were determined at intervals by agar diffusion. Peak serum levels in normals ranged from 44 to 70 mug/ml and occurred 30 to 60 min after injection. The mean serum half-life in normals was 1.6 h, and this was prolonged from 20 to 40% by simultaneous administration of probenecid. The total elimination constant varied linearly with the creatinine clearance in patients with renal impairment. The serum half-life in anephric patients was about 42 h. The fractional clearance of the drug varied directly with the serum level. Peak urine levels ranged from 60 to over 2,000 mug/ml, and more than 90% of the dose was recovered in the urine of normals during the first 24 h. The data suggest that cefazolin is cleared primarily by the glomerulus, with tubular and biliary secretion playing a secondary role.
The study of Schwann cells using antigenic markers

Following on from Rhona Mirsky's recent article on cell-type-specific antigenic markers Kay Fields provides here a more detailed account of their application in the study of Schwann cell differentiation and function.
Rare plants at the extremes of distribution: broadly and narrowly distributed rare species

The flora of North America north of Mexico was used to study rare species at the two extremes of geographic distribution: endemic species, those with large local populations but small geographic ranges, and suffusively rare species, those with small local populations but large geographic ranges. The taxonomic distribution, geographic distribution, and life history characteristics of the two groups were compared. Only 2% of North American species are suffusively rare, while 22.6% of species are endemic to one state or province. Suffusively rare species are significantly more likely to be seedless vascular plants and monocots than expected, and are less likely to be eudicots. Conversely, endemic species are more likely to be eudicots, and less likely to be monocots. Suffusively rare species are most abundant in Canada and the northeastern United States, whereas there are few endemic species in those areas. The highest proportions of endemic species are found in California, Florida, and Texas. Wetland habitats support many suffusively rare species, but few endemic species. Neither are common in alpine habitats. Suffusively rare and endemic species also differ in the dominant growth form. Suffusively rare species are most likely to be herbaceous eudicots, and less likely to be shrubs or shrub-herbs. Endemic species are also likely to be herbaceous, but are also frequently shrubs. A high proportion of endemic species exhibit plasticity in growth form, whereas few suffusively rare species have plastic growth forms. While both groups contain rare species, they differ considerably in geographic distribution and life history traits.
Geothermal reservoir temperatures estimated from the oxygen isotope compositions of dissolved sulfate and water from hot springs and shallow drillholes.

Abstract The oxygen isotope compositions of dissolved sulfate and water from hot springs and shallow drillholes have been tested as a geothermometer in three areas of the western United States. Limited analyses of spring and borehole fluids and existing experimental rate studies suggest that dissolved sulfate and water are probably in isotopic equilibrium in all reservoirs of significant size with temperatures above ca. 140°C and that little re-equilibration occurs during ascent to the surface. The geothermometer is, however, affected by changes in δ 18 O of water due to subsurface boiling and dilution and by addition of sulfate of nearsurface origin. Methods are described to calculate the effects of boiling and dilution. The geothermometer, is applied to thermal systems of Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, Long Valley, California, and Raft River, Idaho to estimate deep reservoir temperatures of 360, 240, and 142°C, respectively.
Simultaneous determination of a novel thrombin inhibitor and its two metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

I, 3-(2-phenethylamino)-6-methyl-1-(2-amino-6-methyl-5-methylene-c arboxamidomethylpyridinyl)-pyrazinone dihydrochloride monohydrate, is a potent, orally active thrombin inhibitor. The compound also has two metabolites which have been shown to have thrombin inhibitory activity: benzylic alcohol M3 metabolite (II) and hydroxymethylpyrazinone M7 metabolite (III). A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of I and its two metabolites in human plasma has successfully been developed. The method consists of treating 0.5 ml plasma with 2 N NaOH and extracting I, II, III and internal standard (IV) with ethyl acetate:methyl-t-butyl ether (1:3, v/v). The analytes were then back-extracted into 2% formic acid. The analytes were chromatographed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and detected by MS/MS. Positive ionization was used on a heated nebulizer probe monitoring precursor --> product ion combinations in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The linear range is 0.5-1000 nM for I and III and 0.75-1000 nM for II. Recoveries were 88, 74, 78 and 102.1% for I, II and III and the internal standard, respectively in human plasma. Intraday variation using this method was < or = 7.9% for I, < or = 9.0%, for II and < or = 9.5% for III across the standard curve range. This method exhibits good linearity and reproducibility for the three analytes.
Rambo doesn't work here anymore

The guerrilla management tactics of the 1980s may already have given way to the kinder and gentler method of quality. G lobal markets of the 1980s were not user-friendly to American business. The Pacific Rim decimated domestic and international markets. "Merge> mania," having infected corporate America like measles racing through the first grade, made its rounds through the rest of the world. Rambo, employing equally disruptive tactics, plundered and pillaged his way through three box-office hits. As technology has grown more complex, the efficacy of our educational system has waned, wedging corporate America into a difficult position. Threats of spiraling global competition, predictions of market-share loss, and realities of a deteriorating work force compound the problems facing American business. Organizations have begun to attack these problems by seeking advice from management gurus who extol the virtues of empowerment. They now encourage us to swim up new streams to spawn innovative ideas. However, rapid-fire, cutthroat firms that still employ management techniques from the 1980s continue to devitalize their employees. In short, the tumultuous management style of the 1980s has become outmoded. Rambo doesn't work here anymore.
A Study of Three Movements in Classical Ballet

(1984). A Study of Three Movements in Classical Ballet. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 55, No. 2, pp. 175-179.
Policy Goals, Public Rhetoric, and Political Attitudes

Political communicators can frame the debate over controversial public issues by emphasizing which policy goals deserve highest priority. This research examines how such rhetoric affects political attitudes by influencing the importance individuals attribute to competing values. I examine three specific rhetorical strategies: goal ranking, issue categorization, and institutional role assignment. Support for this approach comes from experimental studies in laboratory and survey settings. Frames affected not only opinions on the issues, but also the participants’ judgments of the relative importance of competing policy goals. These findings should deepen our understanding of how political persuaders can shape public opinion through the framing of policy choices.
Aspergillosis of prostate

We report a rare case of primary prostatic aspergillosis in a well-controlled diabetic man who presented to our clinic in acute urinary retention. His management and the literature are reviewed.
The adolescent's experience when a parent has advanced cancer: A qualitative inquiry.

Background:Parental cancer is a stressful experience for young people, constituting a potential threat to physical and mental health and normative development. Currently, there is insufficient information describing the sources and nature of this distress during advanced parental cancer, especially concerning families with adolescent children.Aim:To address the significant gap in the literature by providing the adolescent’s perspective on the impact of their parent’s advanced cancer on their lives.Design:This qualitative study involved single-occasion, semi-structured elicitation interviews with adolescents whose parents were diagnosed with advanced stage cancer.Setting/participants:The study sample consisted of seven adolescents from six families, five females and two males ranging in age from 11 to 15 years (mean = 13.6 years, standard deviation = 1.4 years). The ill parents consisted of four females and two males diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.Results:The core construct that organized study results was...
Bulge Elimination in Convolution Surfaces

The relationship between surface bulge and several implicit blend techniques, particularly those based on convolution of a skeleton, is discussed. An examination of branching skeletons reveals that for two and three-dimensional skeletons, the surface will be bulge-free if skeletal elements are sufficiently large with respect to the convolution kernel.
TRANSPORT MECHANISM IN SOIL†: METABOLISM AND MOVEMENT OF INSECTICIDES FROM SOILS INTO WATER AND CROP PLANTS

ABSTRACT The persistence, movement and metabolism of insecticides in soils are affected by various environmental conditions. Field data are presented, showing that phorate—after granular band application—moved in both horizontal and vertical directions. Phorate sulphone was the major metabolite recovered. The metabolism and persistence of this insecticide was also affected by its mode of application. Utilizing a soil-plant-water ecosystem, it was demonstrated that the percolation of water through this system did not affect the movement of [14C]-phorate through loam soils, but did so with soils of lesser or no sorptive capacity. Water percolated through agricultural soils contained phorate metabolites (phorate sulphoxide and phorate sulphone), while corn greens grown in this system contained in addition phoratoxon sulphoxide and phoratoxon sulphone. With [14C]-Dyfonate it was shown that the insecticide did not move to an appreciable extent through an agricultural loam soil and its transport with water through soils was, to a large extent, a function of the soil type. Detergents, having increased the persistence of parathion in soil, indirectly increased the amount of parathion within the percolated water. The presence of salts prevented the appearance of aldrin residues in percolated water and reduced the amount of parathion residues. Movement of insecticides from soils into plants was shown to be dependent on energy supply systems of root cells, soil nutrients and soil insecticide concentrations.
Assessment of rat sciatic nerve function following acute implantation of high density utah slanted electrode array (25 electrodes/mm2) based on neural recordings and evoked muscle activity

Introduction: High density Utah slanted electrode arrays (HD-USEAs) have been developed recently for intrafascicular access to submillimeter neural structures. Insertion of such high electrode density devices may cause nerve crush injury, counteracting the intended improved selective nerve fiber access. Methods: HD-USEAs were implanted into sciatic nerves of anesthetized rats. Nerve function was assessed before and after HD-USEA implantation by measuring changes in evoked muscle and nerve compound action potentials and single unit neuronal recordings. Results: Neural activity was recorded with over half of all implanted electrodes. Average decreases of 38%, 36%, and 13% in nerve, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior compound action potential amplitudes, respectively, were observed following array implantation. Only 1 of 8 implantations resulted in loss of all signals. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that HD-USEAs provide a useful neural interface without causing a nerve crush injury that would otherwise negate their use in acute preparations (<12 h). Muscle Nerve 50: 417–424, 2014
Defining Interactivity A Qualitative Identification of Key Dimensions

The literature on interactivity includes many assumptions and some definitions but few tools for operationalizing the concept of interactivity in computer-mediated environments. This article takes an early step in filling that gap. In-depth interviews with 10 individuals who work and teach in the field of interactive communication led to a conceptual definition of interactivity based on six dimensions: direction of communication, time flexibility, sense of place, level of control, responsiveness, and perceived purpose of communication. Suggestions are made for applying these dimensions to multiple forms of computer-mediated communication. Future research should empirically test the existence and application of these dimensions.
Experimental and Numerical Performance Characterization of a Transonic Compressor Rotor Operating Behind an Inlet-Guide Vane With Variable Flap Angles

The performance of a modern, forward-swept, transonic compressor rotor has been characterized operating behind an inlet-guide (IGV) vane section that has variable flaps. Testing was performed at both transonic and subsonic rotor tip speeds in an attempt to determine the off-design performance of the rotor at various flap angle settings of the IGV’s. Measurements at moderate flap angles (+20° and −10°) have been determined up to 90% speed (27,000 rpm) of the drive turbine maximum capability. Extremely high flap angles, in excess of +55°, were tested down into the low speed range. For this study the negative flap angles produced counterswirl and the positive flap angles produced swirl in the same direction as the rotation of the rotor.A rigorous definition of the mass-averaged efficiency is presented. Performance predictions were carried out using ANSYS-CFX on a single passage model consisting of both the IGV and the rotor. Reasonable comparisons with a medium mesh resolution were obatined when compared to experiment.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Invasive intestinal spirochetosis: A report of three cases

SummaryWe here report on three patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in whom spirochetes were found in colonic biopsies. The patients, heterosexual adults, were not immunocompromised. Electron microscopy was performed on colonic biopsies from each of the three patients. Apart from the basophilic band consisting of spirochetes, the mucosa was normal in two patients on light microscopy and showed mild inflammation in the other one. However on electron microscopy there was invasion of the colonic epithelial cells, macrophages, goblet cells and Schwann cells by spirochetes, and stunting of the microvilli. The spirochetes conformed to the morphology of Brachyspira aalborgi, and no other infective etiology or pathology could be identified in these patients to account for their symptoms. Since the clinical significance of intestinal spirochetosis is uncertain, antibiotics were not administered to any of the three patients and all three improved symptomatically with non-specific treatment. Intestinal spirocheto...
A Comparison of two methods for calculating expected mortality

A number of statistics based on person-years of survival have use in mortality studies. However calculation of an expected number of deaths based on person-years of survival and standard death rates cannot be justified. [The authors] derive a new method to estimate expected mortality based on a model which assumes that each individual contributes to expected mortality from the time he enters the study until the study ends regardless of whether he dies during the study. This model shows that what is referred to as expected mortality in the person-years method is a biased estimate of expected mortality. The variance of observed mortality under this new model is substantially less than the variance commonly used with the person-years method. (EXCERPT)
Host mortality and variability in epizootics of Schistocephalus solidus infecting the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus.

SUMMARY An analysis of the metrics of Schistocephalus solidus infection of the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, in Walby Lake, Alaska, showed that an epizootic ended between 1996 and 1998 and another occurred between 1998 and 2003. The end of the first epizootic was associated with a crash in population size of the stickleback, which serves as the second intermediate host. The likely cause of the end of that epizootic is mass mortality of host fish over winter in 1996–1997. The deleterious impact of the parasite on host reproduction and increased host predation associated with parasitic manipulation of host behaviour and morphology to facilitate transmission might also have played a role, along with unknown environmental factors acting on heavily infected fish or fish in poor condition. The second epizootic was linked to relatively high levels of prevalence and mean intensity of infection, but parasite :host mass ratios were quite low at the peak and there were no apparent mass deaths of the host. A number of abiotic and biotic factors are likely to interact to contribute to the occurrence of epizootics in S. solidus, which appear to be unstable and variable. Epizootics appear to depend on particular and, at times, rare sets of circumstances.
MAC-Layer Capture: A Problem in Wireless Mesh Networks using Beamforming Antennas

Beamforming antennas have been shown to improve spatial reuse in wireless networks. Protocols that aim to exploit beamforming antennas have leveraged benefits from directional transmission as well as directional reception. We argue that exploiting antenna characteristics for transmission and reception alone, is not sufficient Controlling the antenna during the idle state of a node is necessary to attain further improvements. A node that does not control its antenna during the idle state will waste time in receiving packets not intended for it. These packets will eventually be dropped at the MAC layer, reducing channel utilization. With suitable beamforming, a node might be able to utilize this time for concurrent communication. We call this the problem of MAC-layer Capture in view of a node getting engaged in receiving unproductive packets. We present MAC and routing protocols to address MAC-layer capture. Simulation results show that improvements from avoiding MAC-layer capture can be substantial in static mesh networks.
National Trends and Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening among Commercially Insured Women, 2001–2010

Background: Previous surveys reported declining cervical cancer screening rates from 2000 to 2010, but trends by key demographic and age groups are less clear. Methods: We examined 3-year Papanicolaou (Pap) test rates among 4.2 million women enrolled in a large national health plan during 2001 to 2010. We calculated and plotted adjusted 3-year rates stratified by age and key neighborhood-level socioeconomic characteristics including poverty level and race/ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, and mixed ethnicity neighborhood). We fitted trends in 2001–2010 screening rates and socioeconomic disparities as annual percentage changes (APC) using joinpoint analysis. Results: Women ages 21 to 29 years had estimated 3-year Pap testing rates of 81.3% to 81.4% over the decade. Estimated disparities by low–high poverty level were 3.1% and 2.0% in 2001–2003 and 2008–2010, respectively, a nonsignificant decline. Initial white–black disparities were 4.0% and declined significantly from 2005–2007 to 2008–2010 to 2.8% at an APC of −0.65% ( P = 0.021). White–Hispanic disparities declined from 4.3% to 0.8% over the decade, a −0.50% APC ( P = 0.024). Among women ages 30 to 64 years, estimated 3-year Pap testing rates trended down from 76.1% to 71.8% over the decade [−0.94% APC ( P < 0.001) until 2005–2007]. This pattern was similar among women from most categories of poverty and race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Among commercially insured women ages 21 to 29 years, 3-year Pap testing rates remained stable at 81% over the decade; disparities were small and improved for Hispanic women to a greater degree than for black women. Among women ages 30 to 64 years, 3-year Pap testing rates declined from 2001 to 2010. Impact: Cervical cancer screening should be promoted to achieve Healthy People 2020 goals. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2366–73. ©2014 AACR .
Electrode materials for ferroelectric capacitors: Properties of reactive DC sputtered IrO2 thin films

Due to its low resistivity and excellent thermal stability, IrO 2 has attracted attention as an alternative for electrode material in ferroelectric integrated circuit applications. In this work, IrO 2 films deposited using reactive DC magnetron sputtering were studied. Film properties such as resistivity, crystallinity and morphology were examined as a function of deposition condition. Optimum process parameters to obtain high quality IrO 2 thin films are suggested.
Closed-loop balanced realizations in the analysis of suboptimally and stability of decentralized systems

A new suboptimality index is defined. The suboptimality introduced by a reduced order compensator, designed by the closed-loop balancing approach [2] is calculated and shown to be directly related to the so-called "closed-loop characteristic values". Stability conditions in terms of closed-loop characteristic values, for decentralized order control with local models are presented and their suboptimality are analyzed.
Increase in tension-dependent ATP consumption induced by cardiac troponin T mutation

How different mutations in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) lead to distinct secondary downstream cellular remodeling in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) remains elusive. To explore the molecula...
Impulsive Feedback Control of Nonsingular Elements in the Geostationary Regime

An N-impulse feedback control strategy is developed to mitigate specified errors in a set of nonsingular orbit element differences between a chief and deputy craft. While suitable for general orbits, this strategy is motivated by relative control in the geosynchronous regime. The linear mapping between these nonsingular element differences and the Hill frame state of the deputy is derived, and the Gaussian variational equations for the nonsingular set are developed as a basis for the fuel-optimal control strategy. Three examples demonstrate that this method is proficient in “detecting” v-optimal burn locations for general orbit corrections.
Pore-Scale Transport Resolved Model Incorporating Cathode Microstructure and Peroxide Growth in Lithium-Air Batteries

The electrode microstructure plays an integral role in the performance of the non-aqueous Li-air battery. Computational modeling has proven to be an indispensible tool in the analysis of battery systems, but previous macroscale, volume-averaged models that consider the porous electrode as a homogenous medium of uniform geometric properties are insufficient to probe the effect of precise electrode microstructures. Utilizing a pore-scale transport-resolved model of the Li-air battery, the complex electrode and Li2O2 morphologies can be directly incorporated and their effects on the system-level performance can be evaluated. A thickness-dependent electrical conductivity of Li2O2 is considered in the model based on inputs from the density functional theory. Model validation is presented along with a sensitivity study of the applied current density and the reaction rate coefficient. The effect of electrode geometry (e.g., nanostructure spacing and height) on cell performance, including its influence on pore blocking compared against electrical insulation, is investigated. Pore blocking is observed for cathodes with nanostructure spacing less than twice a critical insulating thickness of Li2O2, suggesting the loss of active surface area as the mechanism for decreased cell performance. While for cathodes with larger nanostructure spacing, the discharge capacity is dictated by the electrical insulation of Li2O2.
Concussion-Management Practice Patterns of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III Athletic Trainers: How the Other Half Lives

Context: The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has published concussion-management practice guidelines consistent with recent position and consensus statements. Whereas NCAA Division ...