cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
African-American teenage mothers and their mothers: an analysis of supportive and problematic interactions.

The impact of the relationship between African-American teenage mothers and their own mothers on adjustment to parenthood and overall psychological functioning was investigated in 71 adolescents from a large midwestern city. The adolescents ranged from 15-19 years of age (mean 17.7 years); 75% had 1 child 20% had 2 children and 5% had 3 children. 65% were living with their own mother 7% resided with both parents 13% lived with their male partner and 15% were with their grandmother. 51% were enrolled in school. It was hypothesized that positive support from ones mother would be positively associated with adjustment. The types of maternal support adolescents most frequently cited were child care (86%) tangible assistance (73%) and positive feedback (62%). Problems most commonly reported were maternal intrusiveness (41%) disappointment (24%) and conflict (21%). Regression analysis indicated that psychological distress (measured by the Global Severity Index) increased in association with greater frequency of problems with ones mother and the severity of economic strain in the household and decreased with increasing age; the amount of support received from ones mother was not significant. For social adjustment (measured by the Social Adjustment Scale--Self-Report) there was a positive association with increasing age and a negative association with number of problems in the mother-daughter relationship; economic strain and maternal support were unrelated. These findings indicate that the social network should be assessed as a potential source of stress as well as support for teen mothers. Although the hypothesis that maternal support would be a significant predictor of psychological distress and social functioning was not confirmed this may reflect the studys emphasis on the quantity of support received rather than its perceived quality.
Biomarker variance component estimation for exposure surrogate selection and toxicokinetic inference

Biomarkers are useful exposure surrogates given their ability to integrate exposures through all routes and to reflect interindividual differences in toxicokinetic processes. Also, biomarker concentrations tend to vary less than corresponding environmental measurements, making them less-biasing surrogates for exposure. In this article, urinary PAH biomarkers (namely, urinary naphthalene [U-Nap]; urinary phenanthrene [U-Phe]; 1-hydroxypyrene [1-OH-Pyr]; and 1-, (2+3)-, 4-, and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene [1-, (2+3)-, 4-, and 9-OH-Phe]) were evaluated as surrogates for exposure to hot asphalt emissions using data from 20 road-paving workers. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the within- and between-person components of variance for each urinary biomarker. The ratio of within- to between-person variance was then used to estimate the biasing effects of each biomarker on a theoretical exposure-response relationship. Mixed models were also used to estimate the amounts of variation in Phe metabolism to individual OH-Phe isomers that could be attributed to Phe exposure (as represented by U-Phe concentrations) and covariates representing time, hydration level, smoking status, age, and body mass index. Results showed that 1-OH-Phe, (2+3)-OH-Phe, and 1-OH-Pyr were the least-biasing surrogates for exposure to hot asphalt emissions, and that effects of hydration level and sample collection time substantially inflated bias estimates for the urinary biomarkers. Mixed-model results for the individual OH-Phe isomers showed that between 63% and 82% of the observed biomarker variance was collectively explained by Phe exposure, the time and day of sample collection, and the hydration level, smoking status, body mass index, and age of each worker. By difference, the model results also showed that, depending on the OH-Phe isomer, a maximum of 6-23% of the total biomarker variance was attributable to differences in unobserved toxicokinetic processes between the workers. Therefore, toxicokinetic processes are probably less influential on urinary biomarker variance than are exposures and observable covariate effects. The methods described in this analysis should be considered for the selection and interpretation of biomarkers as exposure surrogates in future exposure investigations.
Primary mesenchyme cell migration in the sea urchin embryo: Distribution of directional cues

The directional migration of the primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) of the sea urchin embryo is a critical step in the process of gastrulation. Although interactions between the migrating cells and the blastocoel environment are necessary for guiding the PMCs to their subequatorial target site, the nature of these interactions and the localization of guidance cues involved in directing the cells are not yet known. Previous studies have suggested that PMC migration is the result of random exploration and selective trapping at the target site by a pattern of adhesiveness in the ectoderm or basal lamina. To better characterize the distribution of guidance cues in the blastocoel we used a combination of time-lapse microscopy, microsurgery, and fluorescence photoablation to study the behavior of the migrating cells. By using fluorescence time-lapse microscopy, and a two-dimensional random-walk analysis of cell trajectories, we demonstrated that fluorescently labeled PMCs injected near the animal pole move in a directed fashion over a relatively long distance to reach the target site. This suggests that guidance cues are distributed globally throughout the embryo and are not restricted to the immediate ring area. To further test this hypothesis we investigated the migratory behavior of PMCs that were prevented from interacting directly with the target site. First, we examined the behavior of PMCs injected into animal embryo fragments lacking the target site. We found that PMCs move to the vegetal-most area of such embryo fragments, regardless of their size. Second, we studied the effects of photoablating a stripe of ectoderm between PMCs injected at the animal pole region (APR) and the target site. PMCs were found to accumulate along the ablated stripe and were unable to cross it for up to 6 hr after ablation. We also examined the migratory behavior of endogenous PMCs in embryos treated with lithium, a vegetalizing agent which shifts the position of the PMC ring toward the animal pole. We found that PMCs accumulated along an ablated stripe of ectoderm positioned below the shifted target site, suggesting that endogenous PMCs follow a set of directional cues to the target site which may be similar to those used by PMCs injected into the APR. As a whole, these results suggest that migrating PMCs follow a set of directional cues that are widely distributed throughout the blastocoel and that may be arranged in a gradient.
The 24-7-52 Job: Family Caregiving for Young Adults with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness

Few of the studies focusing on family caregiving have dealt with families caring for a young adult member with a serious and persistent mental illness. This qualitative study expands our understanding of the caregiving processes in these families. The narrative responses of 76 family caregivers from National Alliance for the Mentally Ill chapters across the United States were analyzed using content analysis. Five caregiving processes were identified including monitoring, managing the illness, maintaining the home, supporting/encouraging, and socializing. Family caregivers cited a need for information about the illness and available resources with which to prepare themselves for their caregiving responsibilities. Multiple client outcomes were used by the caregivers to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts. Comparisons are made between these results and the findings of empirical studies in the broader caregiving literature.
Psychopharmacology in the mentally retarded individual: New approaches, new directions

This article reviews the latest findings in the psychopharmacologic treatment of mentally retarded individuals. Recognition of the existence of dual diagnosis in the mentally retarded individual makes it necessary to separate behavioral problems commonly associated with mental retardation from psychiatric problems associated with a second diagnosis. A framework for making this distinction is provided. The drugs (by class) available for the treatment of a second diagnosis are reviewed in detail, including the recent literature on older drugs such as thioridazine, low dose haloperidol, and methylphenidate, and studies of newer drugs such as carbamazepine, beta adrenergic blocking agents, clonidine, fenfluramine, naloxone, naltrexone, and valproic acid. Recent developments in the use of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), as a diagnostic tool for affective disorder in developmentally disabled patients, the management of tardive dyskinesia, and the diagnosis and management of behavioral toxicity of anticonvulsant drugs are also reviewed.
Attenuation of esophageal shortening during peristalsis with hiatus hernia

Abstract Background & Aims: Minimal quantitative information exists on esophageal shortening during peristalsis in the human esophagus. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of hiatus hernia on longitudinal muscle-mediated peristaltic esophageal shortening. Methods: Seven volunteers and 11 patients with hiatal hernia had metal clips endoscopically affixed at the squamocolumnar junction and 3–5 cm proximal to it (n = 11). Location of the lower esophageal sphincter and axial clip movement were assessed using concurrent manometry and videofluoroscopy during barium swallows in a supine and upright posture with and without abdominal compression. Results: Three subject groups were defined by the proximity of the squamocolumnar junction to the diaphragmatic hiatus: group 1, ≤0 cm; group 2, between 0 and 2 cm; and group 3, ≥2 cm. Peristaltic esophageal shortening was progressively diminished, re-elongation progressively prolonged, and the degree of contraction observed in the distal esophageal segment reduced with progressive degree of hiatus hernia. There was minimal mobility of the squamocolumnar junction relative to the hiatus with posture or abdominal compression. Conclusions: Longitudinal muscle contraction during peristalsis normally causes transient elevation of the squamocolumnar junction above the diaphragm. Esophageal shortening during primary peristalsis is reduced with increasing degree of hiatus hernia, suggesting that there is diminished opposition of longitudinal muscle contraction from the phrenoesophageal attachments.
Highstand fans in the California borderland: COMMENT and REPLY COMMENT

[Covault et al. (2007)][1] is a timely article that provides an important bridge between coastal processes, basin deposition, and the essential role that sea-level stillstands have on the depositional budgets of basin sediments. Their study is also in agreement with the findings from the
Performance of DMFC with SS 316 bipolar/end plates

This work mainly emphasizes the development of new materials and design for a bipolar/end plate in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). According to the DOE requirements, preliminary studies show that SS 316 (Stainless Steel 316) is a suitable candidate. Several flow field designs were studied and a modified serpentine design was proposed. SS 316 end plates were fabricated with an intricate modified serpentine flow field design on it. The performance of a single stack DMFC with SS 316 end plates were studied with different operational parameters. A long-term test was carried out for 100 h with recycling the methanol and the contaminants in the MEA were characterized. The stack efficiency is found to be 51% and polarization losses are discussed. SS 316 with low permeability resulted in an increased pressure drop across the flow field, which increased the fuel cell performance. The use of SS 316 as bipolar plate material will reduce the machining cost as well as volume of the fuel cell stack.
Role of Smoking in the Recurrence of Atrial Arrhythmias After Cardioversion

We aimed to determine whether smoking status affects the recurrence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in patients after cardioversion. The clinical data of patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial flutter from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2005 were prospectively collected. Arrhythmia recurrences were detected by retrospective review of comprehensive medical records and were determined using electrocardiography. The smoking history was prospectively collected through a standardized clinical form and subsequently categorized as lifetime nonsmoker, exsmoker, or current smoker. Univariate and multivariate associations with end points for clinical and lifestyle variables were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models. Women who were current smokers at cardioversion had a greater risk of atrial arrhythmia recurrence than did nonsmokers (hazard ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.10 to 2.67, p = 0.02). The increased risk of arrhythmia recurrence in female smokers was not seen in male smokers. Compared to lifetime nonsmokers, the mortality hazard ratio among men was 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.88 to 1.58; p = 0.28) in exsmokers and 1.93 (95% confidence interval 1.20 to 3.11; p = 0.007) in current smokers. The risk of death after cardioversion was not increased in women. In conclusion, smoking is an independent predictor of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after cardioversion in women; however, an increased mortality risk, but not arrhythmia recurrence risk, was seen in men.
Cephalhematoma associated with fractureof the skull

Summary In a series of 2,774 newborn infants observed over a period of fifteen months, sixty-nine, or 2.49 per cent, of them had a cephalhematoma. Of the sixty-four infants who were examined roentgenographically, sixteen, or 25 per cent, had a fracture of the parietal bone underlying the cephalhematoma In only one instance were symptoms other than the tumefaction observed; these were the result of an associated intracranial hemorrhage. This infant, with a cephalhematoma sufficiently large to produce an anemia, required transfusions of blood. The incidence of cephalhematomas would seem to be greater over the right parietal bone than over the left one and more common in male than in female infants. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that cephalhematomas, with orwithout a fracture of the skull, occurred more often in infants born of primiparous women, with the incidence being higher in infants delivered with forceps than in those delivered spontaneously.
A novel phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C of Trypanosoma cruzi that is lipid modified and activated during trypomastigote to amastigote differentiation

The phosphoinositide (PI)-specific phospholipase C gene (TcPI-PLC) of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi was cloned, sequenced, expressed in Escherichia coli, and the protein product (TcPI-PLC) was shown to have enzymatic characteristics similar to those of mammalian delta-type PI-PLCs. The TcPI-PLC gene is expressed at high levels in the epimastigote and amastigote stages of the parasite, and its expression is induced during the differentiation of trypomastigotes into amastigotes, where TcPI-PLC associates with the plasma membrane and increases its catalytic activity. In contrast to other PI-PLCs described so far, the deduced amino acid sequence of TcPI-PLC revealed some unique features such as an N-myristoylation consensus sequence at its amino-terminal end, lack of an apparent pleckstrin homology domain and a highly charged linker region between the catalytic X and Y domains. TcPI-PLC is lipid modified in vivo, as demonstrated by metabolic labeling with [(3)H]myristate and [(3)H]palmitate and fatty acid analysis of the immunoprecipitated protein, and may constitute the first example of a new group of PI-PLCs.
mig-38, a novel gene that regulates distal tip cell turning during gonadogenesis in C. elegans hermaphrodites

In Caenorhabditis elegans gonad morphogenesis, the final U-shapes of the two hermaphrodite gonad arms are determined by migration of the distal tip cells (DTCs). These somatic cells migrate in opposite directions on the ventral basement membrane until specific extracellular cues induce turning from ventral to dorsal and then centripetally toward the midbody region on the dorsal basement membrane. To dissect the mechanism of DTC turning, we examined the role of a novel gene, F40F11.2/mig-38, whose depletion by RNAi results in failure of DTC turning so that DTCs continue their migration away from the midbody region. mig-38 is expressed in the gonad primordium, and expression continues throughout DTC migration where it acts cell-autonomously to control DTC turning. RNAi depletion of both mig-38 and ina-1, which encodes an integrin adhesion receptor, enhanced the loss of turning phenotype indicating a genetic interaction between these genes. Furthermore, the integrin-associated protein MIG-15/Nck-interacting kinase (NIK) works with MIG-38 to direct DTC turning as shown by mig-38 RNAi with the mig-15(rh80) hypomorph. These results indicate that MIG-38 enhances the role of MIG-15 in integrin-dependent DTC turning. Knockdown of talin, a protein that is important for integrin activation, causes the DTCs to stop migration prematurely. When both talin and MIG-38 were depleted by RNAi treatment, the premature stop phenotype was suppressed. This suppression effect was reversed upon additional depletion of MIG-15 or its binding partner NCK-1. These results suggest that both talin and the MIG-15/NCK-1 complex promote DTC motility and that MIG-38 may act as a negative regulator of the complex. We propose a model to explain the dual role of MIG-38 in motility and turning.
Accelerated hot electron effects in DRAMs

Abstract A number of 64K and 256K DRAMs were subjected to a voltage and temperature stress designed to accelerate hot electron effects. The access time and maximum retention time were examined for a variety of stress conditions. It was found that both hot electron trapping and interface state generation were probable causes of observed shifts in parameters. The change in maximum retention time was a more sensitive parameter than access time.
In-plane vortex-lattice depinning in a layered superconductor.

The out-of-plane ({ital c}-axis) dissipation of the layered superconductor Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8} has been probed in the mixed state by current-voltage ({ital I}-{ital V}) measurements. Distinctly different behavior is observed for magnetic field {bold H} oriented parallel ( ) and ({perpendicular}) to {ital c}, suggestive of two different out-of-plane dissipation mechanisms. We interpret our results for {bold H}{perpendicular}{ital c} as arising from Josephson vortex dynamics.
Cell population kinetics in the chicken lens primordium during and shortly after its contact with the optic cup

Cell population kinetics were studied in the lens rudiment of the chicken embryo during the period of contact with the optic cup and the start of crystallin synthesis. Data were compared with those for uninduced head ectoderm. Labeling with thymidine-3H or Colcemid treatment were used. The 1-hour labeling index of lens at 36 or 50 hours of incubation and of ectoderm at 36 hours was about 0.6. All 3 tissues had the same cell cycle, i.e., a total generation time of about 8.5–9 hours, a S-phase of about 5 and a G2 of 3.5 hours. Mitosis took 20 minutes and G1 was very short, perhaps of the order of 10 minutes or less. The potential population doubling times determined from the mitotic index and duration and from the Colcemid index were about equal to the total generation time found in the labeling experiments. Together with the high 1 hour labeling index this led us to believe that few, if any, cells had dropped out of the cell cycle in lens or ectoderm during the period studied. Calculation of the growth fraction which had a value of about 1 confirmed this view. We showed that loss of cells from the rudiment did not occur. In fact, a small fraction may have been added to the population; this, however, can not have influenced the results. We conclude that neither induction nor the onset of crystallin synthesis are reflected in drastic changes in cellular replication.
TOXICITY OF BISULFITE TO PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION1

Inhabition of photosynthesis in Chloroccoum sp by bisulfileion was the reciprocal of the light intensity curve. Respiration was least affected of the bisulfite after endogenous substrate was reduced by incubation in darkness. Maximum areduction in growth occurred with bisulfile treatment at or above optimal growth temperatures. Maximum phytotoxicity correlated with conditions resulting in maximum metabolic activity. The order of toxicity was –H2SO3HSO3−SO3.
Breadth-also: a rationale and implementation

In the fall of 2002 our institution will begin teaching a new computer science curriculum based on the guidelines set forth in Computing Curricula 2001. Of particular interest in this new curriculum is our "breadth-also" approach to a lower-level core. In general, a breadth-also model incorporates topics from across the discipline of computer science into an expanded, programming-first introductory sequence. In this paper we present our specific implementation of this model, and argue its potential to significantly improve learning.
Pre-Biopsy Psychological Factors Predict Patient Biopsy Experience

Background Excisional/surgical breast biopsy has been related to anticipatory emotional distress, and anticipatory distress has been associated with worse biopsy-related outcomes (e.g., pain, physical discomfort).
Actin in polygonal arrays of microfilaments and sequestered actin bundles (SABs) in lens epithelial cells of rabbits and mice

The pattern of localization of actin filaments was compared in whole mounts of lens epithelium of rabbit and mouse using the fluorescently-labeled actin-specific probe, rhodamine-phalloidin. In the adult rabbit lens, fluorescent polygonal arrays consisting of central vertices and interconnecting filaments were present in the apical end of each epithelial cell. Electron microscopy confirmed that these arrays lined the cytoplasmic side of the apical membrane. In the mature adult mouse, polygonal arrays were not seen either with fluorescence or electron microscopy. Instead, the actin was packaged in a single, elongated, often curved bundle near the epithelial cell apex, referred to as a “sequestered actin bundle” or SAB. The SAB often appeared attached to the plasma membrane and to approach the perinuclear basket of microfilaments. The significance of the differences in these two patterns of actin is discussed in terms of differences in the accommodative ability and static lens shape in these two animals.
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate for major depressive disorder.

Objective We examined the efficacy and tolerability of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate (EPA-E) monotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) in a double-blind, randomized controlled pilot study.
Ophthalmic diagnostics using optical coherence tomography

We present a new technique for coherent optical imaging of ocular structure based on optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT is a noncontact, noninvasive, tomographic imaging technique with superior spatial resolution to ultrasound (< 20 micrometers ) and high sensitivity (100 dB dynamic range). We have used OCT to perform direct imaging of ocular structure in the anterior and posterior segments of human eyes in vitro and in vivo. In the anterior segment, we have measured corneal thickness and profile, anterior chamber depth and angle, and iris thickness and profile. These and other possible measurements have potential applications in diagnosis of pathologies of the cornea, angle, and iris, as well as in noncontact biometry for applications in cataract and corneal refractive surgeries. In the posterior segment, we have obtained high-resolution images of retinal structure in human subjects in vivo. These images demonstrate higher resolution than available with any other existing technique, and include characterization of optic disk morphology and topology. These measurements have potential applications in early diagnosis and assessment of glaucoma and other retinal diseases.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Light-controlled electro-optic power limiter with a Bi 12 SiO 20 crystal

An optical power limiter is a self-actuating nonlinear optical device that transmits low-intensity light and blocks high-intensity light. A light-controlled electro-optic power limiter that uses a Bi(12)SiO(20) crystal has been demonstrated. The threshold light intensity is determined by the control light and can be set to any desired level. The response time of the light-controlled electro-optic power limiter is of the order of 1 ms.
Habitat-related variation in seedling recruitment of Gentiana pannonica

Abstract Differences in seedling recruitment of Gentiana pannonica were investigated between the primary (relict) and the secondary (semi-natural) forest-free habitats of the Bohemian Forest (870–1200 m a.s.l.) and of the Alps (1045–1935 m a.s.l.) to understand the factors promoting the seedling recruitment of G. pannonica and their importance for species distribution, population structure, and conservation. In the communities with adult plants of G. pannonica, we recorded environmental variables (the slope, the altitude, and the covers of bare ground, litter, and rocks), estimated parameters of the vegetation (the covers of herbs, bryophytes, and dwarf shrubs), and counted the seedlings of G. pannonica. In a field experiment, we investigated seedling survival under different soil moisture regimes. We also observed seasonal dynamics of seedling recruitment in permanent plots over the course of three years. In the primary habitats of both regions, G. pannonica grew in a relatively wide range of communities, and its seedlings occurred in each area. In the secondary habitats of the Bohemian Forest, a very low frequency of the seedlings was recorded. The number of seedlings increased with the covers of the moss layer and of bare soil and decreased with the cover of the herb layer, especially of graminoids. The seedling mortality was significantly lower in the plots with higher soil moistures, and the emergence of new-born seedlings was concentrated in the spring season, when the soil received a high water supply due to melting of snow. For the successful generative reproduction of G. pannonica, our findings highlight the critical importance of the microsites with low levels of competition and of sufficient soil moisture G. pannonica. It seems that because of the long-term lack of grazing disturbances, the structures of the secondary habitats of G. pannonica in the Bohemian Forest have become unfavourable for seedling establishment and generative reproduction of this threatened species.
eSaz: a non-Western instrument in the context of a live electronic performance system

eSaz is a performance system for live electronic music centred around a classical Turkish lute fitted with electronic sensors and linked to a software interface designed in Max/MSP. Placement of sensors and the design of its digital signal processing build upon the physical characteristics, and expand upon the acoustical features, of this traditional instrument. Its design facilitates the integration of real-time recorded, as well as pre-recorded sounds, into an unfolding montage of sound. The system is discussed from both a technical point of view and from the perspective of a Western electronic musician addressing a non-Western acoustical instrument. Relevant questions about cross-cultural borrowing and the impact of electronics on the sounds and performance technique of a traditional instrument are discussed. The author addresses the role played by his Jewish identification, as a member of an ethno-religious group with a historical connection to Ottomon musical traditions, on the choices involved. Technical and aesthetic issues are detailed within the context of a description of the instrument and the author's interest in the development of gestural controllers.
The Antiviral Dynamin Family Member, MxA, Tubulates Lipids and Localizes to the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Mx proteins are induced by type I interferon and inhibit a broad range of viruses by undefined mechanisms. They are included within the dynamin family of large GTPases, which are involved in vesicle trafficking and share common biophysical features. These properties include the propensity to self-assemble, an affinity for lipids, and the ability to tubulate membranes. In this report we establish that human MxA, despite sharing only 30% homology with conventional dynamin, possesses many of these properties. We demonstrate for the first time that MxA self-assembles into rings that tubulate lipids in vitro, and associates with a specific membrane compartment in cells, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
When Equal Masses Don't Balance.

We treat a modified Atwood's machine in which equal masses do not balance because of being in an accelerated frame of reference. Analysis of the problem illuminates the meaning of inertial forces, d'Alembert's principle, the use of free-body diagrams and the selection of appropriate systems for the diagrams. In spite of the range of these applications the analysis does not require calculus, so the ideas are accessible even to first-year students.
Topographic Coupling of the Atlantic Overturning and Gyre Circulations

AbstractThe vorticity dynamics associated with the mean and time-varying gyre and overturning circulations of the Atlantic Ocean are examined in a realistic ocean model hindcast simulation of the late twentieth century. Abyssal flow interaction with sloping bottom bathymetry gives rise to the bottom pressure torque (BPT) term of the vertically integrated vorticity equation. The dominance of this term in the closure of the barotropic gyre circulation noted in previous studies is corroborated here for both non-eddy-resolving and eddy-resolving versions of the Parallel Ocean Program (POP) model. This study shows that BPT is also a dominant term in the vorticity balance of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and therefore represents a key dynamical link between the overturning and gyre streamfunctions. The interannual variability of the Atlantic circulation over the last several decades, viewed in terms of time-varying integral vorticity balances, demonstrates the fundamental role played by...
Storage virtualization using a block-device file system

The design and organization of modern file systems has been traditionally driven by practical considerations related to the physical properties of computer disks Storage virtualization makes such considerations largely irrelevant, and file-system designs based on them perform sub-optimally in a virtual storage environment. One important example of this phenomenon is the relationship between disk seek times and the placement and organization of file system meta-data. In this paper we show that traditional approaches to organizing meta-data in file systems are closely related to assumptions about the physical properties of disks and that for this reason traditional file systems fail to materialize the full benefits of storage virtualization. We go on to propose a different file system organization of data and meta-data designed to exploit the power of virtualized storage.
Performance Analysis of a Rankine Cycle Integrated With the Goswami Combined Power and Cooling Cycle

Improving the efficiency of thermodynamic cycles plays a fundamental role in reducing the cost of solar power plants. These plants work normally with Rankine cycles which present some disadvantages due to the thermodynamic behavior of steam at low pressures. These disadvantages can be reduced by introducing alternatives such as combined cycles which combine the best features of each cycle. In this paper, a combined Rankine–Goswami cycle (RGC) is proposed and a thermodynamic analysis is conducted. The Goswami cycle, used as a bottoming cycle, uses ammonia–water mixture as the working fluid and produces power and refrigeration while power is the primary goal. This bottoming cycle, reduces the energy losses in the traditional condenser and eliminates the high specific volume and poor vapor quality presented in the last stages of the lower pressure turbine in the Rankine cycle. In addition, the use of absorption condensation in the Goswami cycle, for regeneration of the strong solution, allows operating the low pressure side of the cycle above atmospheric pressure which eliminates the need for maintaining a vacuum pressure in the condenser. The performance of the proposed combined Rankine–Goswami cycle, under full load, was investigated for applications in parabolic trough solar thermal plants for a range from 40 to 50 MW sizes. A sensitivity analysis to study the effect of the ammonia concentration, condenser pressure, and rectifier concentration on the cycle efficiency, network, and cooling was performed. The results indicate that the proposed RGC provide a difference in net power output between 15.7% and 42.3% for condenser pressures between 1 and 9 bars. The maximum effective first law and exergy efficiencies for an ammonia mass fraction of 0.5 are calculated as 36.7% and 24.7%, respectively, for the base case (no superheater or rectifier process).
Selection of fidelity mutual funds

This study investigates the possibility of identifying those mutual funds in the Fidelity Family which might outperform the S&P 500 by using Jensen's alphas. An average of Jensen's alphas for a three-year period covering 1991–93 was computed and 1994 was used as a test case. A total of 152 Fidelity mutual funds were included in the study. Data were obtained fromAlexander Steele's Mutual Fund Expert Data Base [Steele Systems, Inc.] andHuntington Financial Optima Data Base [Huntington Associates Financial, Inc.]. It was found that it was possible to identify high performance funds. These funds had an alpha over 0.80. There were 21 funds in this group which produced an average total return of 4.44 percent, while S&P 500 had a total return of 1.32 percent in 1994.
Strategies to make protein serine/threonine (PP1, calcineurin) and tyrosine phosphatases (PTP1B) druggable: Achieving specificity by targeting substrate and regulatory protein interaction sites

The established dogma is that protein serine/threonine (PSPs) and tyrosine (PTPs) phosphatases are unattainable drug targets. This is because natural product inhibitors of PSP active sites are lethal, while the active sites of PTPs are exceptionally conserved and charged, making it nearly impossible to develop PTP inhibitors that are selective. However, due to a series of recent structural and functional studies, this view of phosphatases is about to undergo a radical change. Rather than target active sites, these studies have demonstrated that targeting PSP/PTP protein (substrate/regulatory) interaction sites, which are distal from the active sites, are highly viable and suitable drugs targets. This is especially true for calcineurin (CN), in which the blockbuster immunosuppressant drugs FK506 and cyclosporin A were recently demonstrated to bind and block one of the key CN substrate interaction sites, the LxVP site. Additional studies show that this approach-targeting substrate and/or regulatory protein interaction sites-also holds incredible promise for protein phosphatase 1 (PP1)-related diseases. Finally, domains outside PTP catalytic domains have also recently been demonstrated to directly alter PTP activity. Collectively, these novel insights offer new, transformative perspectives for the therapeutic targeting of PSPs by interfering with the binding of PIPs or substrates and PTPs by targeting allosteric sites outside their catalytic domains.
Porous Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Membranes for Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase

Particle loaded porous poly(vinyl alcohol) composite membranes were selected for immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) for their hydrophilicity and unique interactions with amino functional groups. GOx was immobilized on the membranes by adsorption at pH values between 3.5 and 7.1. The highest adsorption loading was observed at pH 7.1 and the highest catalytic activity was observed at pH 5.1. Infrared studies showed that the highest ratio of amide I to amide II at pH 5.1 is obtained for GOx immobilized on membranes loaded with amine-functionalized micro-particles, suggesting that the conformational changes of GOx on these membranes yield to higher catalytic activity than in other supports.
A differentially pumped particle inlet for sampling of atmospheric aerosols into a time-of-flight mass spectrometer : Optical characterization of the particle beam

Two methods of characterizing the particle beam generated with a differentially pumped particle inlet are presented. Both methods are based on optical scattering of a laser beam by the particle beam. The first method images a time integrated scatter signal from the entire particle beam onto a charge coupled device (CCD), and an Abel inversion is performed on the image data to arrive at the radial particle density distribution in the beam. The second method, based on counting individual (particle) scatter pulses, yields the radial particle density directly. Initial results of the performance of the particle inlet are reported for particles with diameters between 40 and 800 nm. Under optimal working conditions, particle beams were generated with a full angle divergence on the order of 1-2 mrad. The width, measured 285 mm downstream from the exit of the particle inlet, was 250mu m, half width at half maximum (HWHM).
U.S. Regional Health Information Organizations: Progress And Challenges

We surveyed regional health information organizations (RHIOs) to assess the state of electronic health information exchange in the United States. We found fifty-five operational RHIOs, and most were focused on exchanging test results. Forty-one percent of operational RHIOs reported receiving sufficient revenue from participating entities to cover operating costs. Of the remainder, only 28 percent expected to ever do so. RHIOs in the planning stage were far more optimistic. Operational RHIOs from our 2007 survey had made little progress in expanding the breadth of their activities. Although the number of operational RHIOs is growing, their scope remains limited and their viability uncertain.
An algorithm for the computation of the Hutchinson distance

Abstract A simple linear-time algorithm for the computation of the Hutchinson metric in the case of finite one-dimensional sequences is presented. The algorithm is derived by way of a proof demonstrating that in this case, the Hutchinson metric can be expressed as the sum of the absolute values of the partial sums of the pointwise difference of the input measures.
The accuracy of computer-aided surgery in neurotologic approaches to the temporal bone: A cadaver study

Objective To assess the accuracy of computer-aided surgery for common neurotologic approaches to the temporal bone. Study design and setting Cadaveric heads were dissected by using standard neurotologic approaches to the temporal bone including translabyrinthine, middle fossa, and retrosigmoid. Dissected anatomic landmarks from each approach were compared with CT images that were obtained before dissection on the VectorVision 2 system (BrainLAB Corp, Munich, Germany) and the variability measured from digital images. Each approach was performed 5 times, with each anatomic landmark measured 3 times from each approach. Results The accuracy of the computer-aided surgery system was less than 1 mm for all anatomic points measured. Forty-two of the 49 measured points were accurate to less than 0.5 mm. Conclusions Computer-aided surgery of the temporal bone using common neurotologic approaches can be performed accurately and reliably in cadaver specimens. Significance The utility and limitations of computer-aided surgery in the temporal bone are discussed. EBM rating: B-2.
Adrenal cortico-medullary junction necrosis: a morphologic marker for hypotension☆

Abstract There have been many ideas on the pathogenesis of adrenal necrosis to explain forms of adrenal insufficency and hemorrhage. The physical separation of the cortex from medulla of the adrenal gland at autopsy and its association with shock, has led us to the hypothesis that transient hypoperfusion results in necrosis at the cortico-medullary junction (CMJ). In a review of 100 consecutive autopsies, cortico-medullary junction necrosis was correlated with acute tubular necrosis of the kidney and centrilobular necrosis of the liver, lesions compatible with hypoperfusion. Clinical evidence of hypotension and acute renal failure were documented from the clinical summaries of the autopsies and were compared with the occurrence of the three lesions. Adrenal CMJ necrosis was found to occur in 44 per cent of the cases. In 83 per cent of the cases with hypotension or acute renal failure, CMJ necrosis was present, whereas acute tubular necrosis was present in only 76 per cent of those cases. Adrenal cortico-medullary junction necrosis may thus be construed as morphologic evidence of hypotension.
Evaluation of anther-derived Streptocarpus X hybridus and their progeny

Regeneration of plants by caulogenesis of anther derived callus of Streptocarpus X hybridus ‘Concorde’ was obtained on MS basal medium with 2.0 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l BAP. All regenerated plants were diploid and of somatic cell origin as determined by chromosome counts, flower color and morphological similarity to the anther donor plant, and flower color segregation among progeny of anther-derived plants. Variation expressed as deformed and dwarfed transient morphology was observed in 2 anther-derived plants. Variation was also observed among progenies of 5 anther-derived plants from the same anther donor plant for days to flowering, flowers per peduncle, peduncle length, and leaf area. Additional morphological variation including transient leaf variegation among seedlings and twisted or inverted leaves on mature plants was also observed among progeny of anther-derived plants.
“With firmness in the right”;: The creation of moral hegemony in Lincoln's second inaugural

With malice toward none; with charity to all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.
Determinants for the Diet of Captive Agoutis (Dasyprocta spp.)

A critical factor affecting the dietary requirements of captive Dasyprocta species is their previous classification as a frugivore when there is evidence that supports classification as an omnivore. Other factors relevant to feeding captive Dasyprocta include the gastrointestinal tract anatomy, endogenous ascorbic acid, scatter-hoarding behavior, metabolic rate, apparent dietary requirements, life stage nutrition, diabetes, and dental caries and pathology. This article presents information currently available in the literature relevant to the dietary needs of captive Dasyprocta species.
Taphonomy of turtles in the Middle Eocene Bridger Formation, SW Wyoming

Abstract This study seeks to document and account for the distribution, abundance, and taphonomic condition of fossil turtles in a fossiliferous section of the Bridger Formation, Unit B (Early Middle Eocene of Wyoming). The following patterns were documented: (1) Fossils were non-randomly distributed stratigraphically and sedimentologically with most specimens concentrated in mudstones within a few meters above two of three widespread limestone beds. These concentrations were not artifacts of accumulations of eroded fossils on low angle slopes. (2) Fossil concentrations above limestones were widespread in the study area—tens of kilometers in at least one case. The well-exposed Black Mountain turtle layer shows a gradient in fossil density, highest to the south and lowest to the north. (3) Most specimens from fossil accumulations exhibited a similar taphonomic condition, with many shells mostly intact and unweathered, and with no skulls and few limb elements. Few elements bore predator tooth marks. Some bones in channel deposits were abraded, but most bones in fine-grained sediment were not. The largest concentrations of turtles were associated with specific layers of fine-grained sediment. These features suggest mass mortalities of turtles, and burial before many shells disarticulated.A model is presented to account for these data. In this model, a limestone forms in a shallow, basin-wide lacustrine environment. Then, a series of fluvial/lacustrine sedimentary units resulting from a large-scale episode of volcanism accumulated in the lake and buried the turtles. The volcanic event may have been the cause of death, from breathing ash-choked air, for large turtle populations in the lake/marsh environment, which were then buried early in the volcanic episode. Turtle populations evidently did not recover significantly until another shallow lake filled the basin.
Forecasting market prices in a supply chain game

Future market conditions can be a pivotal factor in making business decisions. We present and evaluate methods used by our agent, Deep Maize, to forecast market prices in the Trading Agent Competition Supply Chain Management Game. As a guiding principle we seek to exploit as many sources of available information as possible to inform predictions. Since information comes in several different forms, we integrate well-known methods in a novel way to make predictions. The core of our predictor is a nearest-neighbors machine learning algorithm that identifies historical instances with similar economic indicators. We augment this with an online learning procedure that transforms the predictions by optimizing a scoring rule. This allows us to select more relevant historical contexts using additional information available during individual games. We also explore the advantages of two different representations for predicting price distributions. One uses absolute prices, and the other uses statistics of price time series to exploit local stability. We evaluate these methods using both data from the 2005 tournament final round and additional simulations. We compare several variations of our predictor to one another and a baseline predictor similar to those used by many other tournament agents. We show substantial improvements over the baseline predictor, and demonstrate that each element of our predictor contributes to improved performance.
Ultrastructure of the zoospores of the coenocytic algae Ascochloris and Urnella (Chlorophyceae), with emphasis on the flagellar apparatus

Ultrastructural features of the flagellar apparatus of the zoospores of Asochloris multinucleata and Urnella terrestris are similar to those of Chlamydomonas-like motile cells. including: distal and proximal fibers, cruciate rootlets and basal bodies offset in a clockwise absolute orientation. Unusual characteristics include a plate-like structure between proximal ends of the basal bodies and modified microtubular rootlets with the following features: (1) two microtubules constitute the X-membered rootlet in A. multinucleata and one microtubule in U. terrestris; (2) the very short extension of the rootlets from the basal bodies into the cytoplasm; and (3) absence of the striated microtubule-associated component on the two-membered rootlets. The zoospores of both algae are walled. Basal bodies appear to be anchored by a rhizoplast and/or rootlets that extend to a mitochondrion or chloroplast. Rootlets do not appear to be involved with phototaxis or in positioning of the stigma. Phylogenetically Urnella is ...