cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pursuing the perfect pacemaker.

Five years ago, the Mayo experience with cardiac pacing was reviewed in the Proceedings? That article traced the evolution of the pacemaker from its beginnings as an apparatus designed to re­ suscitate the asystolic heart to its role as a fully implantable device capable of monitoring intrin­ sic cardiac activity and reliably supplying an electric stimulus when one was needed. Coinci­ dent with the metamorphosis of the pacemaker, a change was noted in those who assumed the responsibility of implantation of pacemakers. With the availability of endocardial pacing, di­ rect vascular access techniques, and smaller yet more complicated generators, the physician be­ gan replacing the surgeon as the implanter. The philosophy of pacing was also changing; electri­ cal stimulation of the heart could no longer be viewed solely as a means of preventing syncope and death from profound ventricular bradyarrhythmia. Interest was being focused on improv­ ing the quality of life, and it became desirable that the artificial pacemaker not only provide a minimal ventricular stimulation rate but also optimize the patient's hemodynamic status at rest and during exercise. Already the technologic advances were pro­ ceeding at a phenomenal rate. Fueled by intense competition, progress was being achieved in every aspect of the pacemaker system as the various manufacturers leapfrogged over each other to gain the ephemeral technical edge that could be used as a marketing advantage. A device was scarcely through the clinical investigative stage before the next generation was being launched. Not surprisingly, the authors of the aforemen­ tioned review predicted that within the next 2 decades a "truly universal" pacemaker would be available. Such a device would mimic the impulse generation and conduction of the normal heart. It would coordinate appropriate atrial and ventric­ ular contraction at a rate commensurate with the instantaneous demands of the body. The pace­ maker would be able to recognize and terminate
Perception of Teacher Sexual Misconduct by Age of Student

ABSTRACT This study explored whether student age influenced perceptions of teacher sexual misconduct. Participants (300 undergraduates) read scenarios depicting teacher sexual misconduct in which the student's age was varied (9, 12, 15), and then answered questions about their perceptions. Data were analyzed with 2 (respondent gender) × 2 (cross-gender dyads) × 3 (student age) MANOVAs. Experiences involving the youngest student were viewed as the most abusive, followed by the 12-year-old, and the 15-year-old. Gender differences were evident, with women viewing the experiences more negatively. Scenarios involving a male teacher/female student were viewed more negatively than a female teacher/male student dyad. These findings illustrate the importance of educating students and school personnel about teacher sexual misconduct.
Curved Finite Element Approximation To Nonlinear Cables

Presents a numerical solutions method for three-dimensional nonlinear cable problems, both static and dynamic, adequate for the proper analysis of cables in which rapid spatial and temperal changes in geometric and material properties occur.
The Quiet Sun in the Extreme Ultraviolet

Observations of the quiet sun with an XUV spectrometer during the Skylab mission are reported for the chromosphere, transition region, and corona. The changing structure of the network is examined over the temperature range from 10,000 to 1.5 million K, and the distribution of intensities in the cell interiors and the network are examined from the standpoint of creating characteristic models. Observations of traces of periodic oscillations at 300 s in the cells for temperatures not exceeding 20,000 K are reported together with the absence of any periodic contributions at higher temperatures or periodic effects at any height in the network elements. Frequent nonperiodic brightenings are observed, and their characteristics discussed. Observations of the increased thickness of the transition region in coronal holes, as well as other properties, are discussed in limited detail. Observations of the center-to-limb behavior of transition-region and coronal lines are used to construct coronal models, and the assumptions of spherical symmetry evaluated from the intensity data. The effects of spicules on the limb and disk data are discussed in relation to the observations.
Biochemical and morphometric study of growth in the stomach and intestine of the echinoid Lytechinus variegatus (Echinodermata)

In June 1990, previously starved Lytechnius variegatus were fed a 5% fish meal-agar diet for 32 d at 20°C and 32‰. Stomach and intestine indices increased by 139 and 66%, respectively, with the most growth occurring by Day 16. The stomach had a faster growth rate than the intestine, as indicated by an increase in the stomach: intestine ratio. Gonadal growth did not begin until Day 16, after substantial gut growth. DNA and morphometric analysis revealed that cellular growth in the stomach and intestine was first hyperplastic and then hypertrophic. DNA concentration and histological examination indicated that the stomach was composed of large voluminous cells, and the intestine of small cells. The stomach of starved individuals contained numerous depressions that significantly decreased in number during growth. The number of depressions significantly increased in the intestine. Lipid concentration and amount were higher in the stomach, and increased during growth by 43 and 258%, respectively, by Day 32; little change in lipid occurred in the intestine. The stomach lipid:DNA ratio increased by 66% by Day 16, with little change in the intestine. The concentration of soluble protein remained constant in the stomach, but had decreased in the intestine by Day 16. The total energy stored in the stomach and the intestine increased by 152 and 66%, respectively, by Day 32. The stomach mucosa increased in thickness and appeared to decrease its surface area. These data suggest that the stomach constitutes the primary storage organ of the gut. The intestinal mucosa also inreased in thickness but remained thinner than the stomich while apparently increasing in surface area, suggesting an enhanced role in residual nutrient absorption and ranslocation, respiration or water ion-transport.
Photophysical behavior of open-shell first-row transition-metal octabutoxynaphthalocyanines: CoNc(OBu)8 and CuNc(OBu)8 as case studies.

Ultrafast photodynamics and density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory (DFT/TDDFT) results for complexes of Co and Cu with 5,9,14,18,23,27,32,36-octabutoxynaphthalocyanine [CoNc(OBu)8 and CuNc(OBu)8] are reported. As a basis for this work, details concerning the syntheses of these complexes and the corresponding Zn complex (used as a reference) are given. Transient absorption spectrometry with femtosecond time resolution combined with a detailed DFT/TDDFT analysis has been employed to construct a complete picture of the excited-state dynamics after Q-band excitation of the Co and Cu complexes and to gain an understanding of the relationship between the nature of the metal center and the excited-state lifetime. The Co complex was shown to return to its ground state via two competing channels: a 2T1(π, π*) state that decayed with a lifetime of 1 ps and a low-lying 2(d, d) state that repopulated the ground-state surface with a lifetime of 15 ps. CuNc(OBu)8 showed ground-state repopula...
Group work with juvenile delinquents

Abstract Group work literature on juvenile delinquents proceeds from a variety of assumptions and yields many approaches. Outcome studies, ethics, and treatment issues are discussed.
The Bethe approximation of the pattern maximum likelihood distribution

Among all memoryless source distributions, the pattern maximum likelihood (PML) distribution is the distribution which maximizes the probability that a memoryless source produces a string with a given pattern. Equivalently, the PML distribution maximizes the permanent of a certain non-negative matrix. We reformulate this maximization problem as a double minimization problem of a suitable Gibbs free energy function. Because finding the minimum of this function appears intractable for practically relevant problem sizes, one must look for tractable approximations. One approach is to approximately find a minimum (or at least a local minimum) of the Gibbs free energy function by applying an alternating minimization algorithm where the steps are based on quantities that are obtained by Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling. One can show that this approach is equivalent to an algorithm that was proposed by Orlitsky et al. An alternative approach is to replace the Gibbs free energy function by a tractable approximation like the Bethe free energy function and to apply an alternating minimization algorithm to this function. As it turns out, empirically, this latter approach gives very good approximations to the PML distribution (or at least a locally optimal PML distribution), and, for the same level of accuracy, is two to three orders of magnitude faster than the former approach for practically relevant problem sizes. Moreover, the above free energy framework allows us to simplify some earlier proofs of properties of the PML distribution and to derive some new properties of the PML distribution, along with obtaining similar results for its Bethe approximation.
Development of brainstem auditory pathway in mallard duck embryos and hatchlings.

The development of the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) was studied in mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) embryos and hatchlings from 5–6 days before hatching through two days after hatching in response to tone pips of different frequencies. BAEPs showed a different time of onset and a different rate of development for low, middle, and high frequencies. Although auditory sensitivity in the mid-frequency range (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 kHz) appeared 1–2 days later than in the low-frequency range, development of the BAEPs in the mid-frequency range was almost complete by hatching. In contrast, the development of auditory sensitivity in the low- and high-frequency ranges continued to develop after hatching. Accelerated development of BAEPs to middle frequencies during the embryonic period and to high frequencies after hatching was correlated with the ducklings' exposure to their own mid-frequency and high-frequency vocalizations before and after hatching, respectively.
Phosphorus oxynitride glasses of variable sodium content

Abstract Nitriding phosphate glasses of variable sodium content, x NaO·(1− x ) P 2 O 5 , in anhydrous ammonia gas is described. The thermal expansion coefficient and dissolution rate in water decrease with increasing P 2 O 5 and nitrogen content The dilatometric softening point and glass transition temperature decrease with increasing P 2 O 5 and increase with increasing nitrogen content. The water content of the as-melted glasses increases dramatically with increasing P 2 O 5 content. The N 1s and O 1s spectra were determined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
The Relationship of Personality Traits and Self-Monitoring Behavior to Choice of Business Major

Abstract In this article, the authors examine the relationship of personality traits and self-monitoring behavior to a student's choice of a business major. Using Cattell's 16 Personality Factor (16PF) questionnaire (1970, 1989) and Lennox and Wolfe's (1984) Revised Self-Monitoring Scale, undergraduate business students assessed their own personality traits. The test results among graduating seniors at several universities showed that student personalities and self-monitoring behavior differed according to major and in ways largely upheld by general perception and stereotyping. The suggested profiles serve to direct discussion of business programs, pedagogy, and career success based on student personality and interpersonal behavior.
Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist production in human monocytes is induced by IL-1α, IL-3, IL-4 and GM-CSF

Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) is induced in monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cultured on adherent immunoglobulin G (IgG). We examined the effects of various cytokines on monocyte IL-1ra protein production and compared it to IL-1 beta, which is regulated differently. IL-3 and GM-CSF induced near equivalent amounts of IL-1ra protein as does LPS. IL-1 alpha and IL-4 were weaker inducers. IL-3 and GM-CSF did not affect LPS or IgG induction of IL-1ra or LPS-induced IL-1 beta. However, our data confirmed that IL-4 up-regulated LPS-induced IL-1ra and down-regulated LPS-induced IL-1 beta. The kinetics of IL-1ra production by monocytes varied between stimulation with adherent IgG and cytokines or LPS. Cells cultured on adherent IgG exhibited a higher level of and more prolonged IL-1ra production. Relative IL-1ra mRNA levels after 8 h were in the order: adherent IgG > LPS or GM-CSF > IL-1 alpha, IL-3 or IL-4. The following cytokines failed to induce IL-1ra production: IL-2, IL-6, G-CSF, M-CSF, IFN-gamma, TGF beta 1, TGF beta 2, TNF alpha, acidic and basic FGF, PDGF and EGF. These results suggest that IL-1 alpha, IL-3, IL-4 and GM-CSF may play important roles in regulating monocyte IL-1ra production and that different mechanisms may be involved in induction of IL-1ra by adherent IgG in comparison to LPS or other cytokines.
Discussion on “Two-Stage Procedures for High-Dimensional Data” by Makoto Aoshima and Kazuyoshi Yata

Abstract We provide some comments and empirical results on Aoshima and Yata's comprehensive methodology paper on high-dimensional data. Our discussion focuses on the practicality of selecting the required sample size in the context of a binary classification problem. We applied their method to two microarray data sets and compared the performance with the mean difference method.
Brown syndrome associated with velocardiofacial syndrome

Occurrences of Brown syndrome are rare, hence the difficulty in establishing the exact etiology. We report a patient with Brown syndrome associated with velocardiofacial syndrome (deletion of chromosome 22q11), which may implicate a candidate chromosomal region for some cases of this syndrome.
Rapid Single-Step Induction of Functional Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Available methods for differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) into neurons are often cumbersome, slow, and variable. Alternatively, human fibroblasts can be directly converted into induced neuronal (iN) cells. However, with present techniques conversion is inefficient, synapse formation is limited, and only small amounts of neurons can be generated. Here, we show that human ESCs and iPSCs can be converted into functional iN cells with nearly 100% yield and purity in less than 2 weeks by forced expression of a single transcription factor. The resulting ES-iN or iPS-iN cells exhibit quantitatively reproducible properties independent of the cell line of origin, form mature pre- and postsynaptic specializations, and integrate into existing synaptic networks when transplanted into mouse brain. As illustrated by selected examples, our approach enables large-scale studies of human neurons for questions such as analyses of human diseases, examination of human-specific genes, and drug screening.
Regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐mediated transcription of the immediate early gene Arc by intracellular calcium and calmodulin

The induction of the immediate early gene Arc is strongly implicated in synaptic plasticity. Although the role of ERK has been demonstrated, the regulation of Arc expression is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the major signaling pathways underlying brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated Arc transcription in cultured cortical neurons. The BDNF-stimulated Arc transcription was regulated solely by the Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling through ERK, but not by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and PLC-gamma activities. Although it was demonstrated that BDNF might promote calcium entry through calcium channels and NMDA receptors, chelating extracellular calcium with EGTA failed to block Arc transcription. In contrast, chelating intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) by BAPTA-AM abolished BDNF-mediated Arc up-regulation. Surprisingly, BAPTA-AM did not block ERK activation, indicating that [Ca(2+)](i) and Ras-Raf-MAPK are not coupled, and the activation of ERK alone is not sufficient to up-regulate Arc transcription. Moreover, we found that inhibition of calmodulin (CaM) by W13 blocked both Arc transcription and ERK activation, revealing a Ca(2+)-independent function of CaM. These data suggested novel functions of [Ca(2+)](i) and CaM in BDNF signaling. Comparison of the Arc transcription profiles between Ca(2+)-stimulated and BDNF-stimulated neurons demonstrated that the regulatory mechanisms were distinctively tailored to the complex features of neuronal activity. Specifically, PI3K and CaM-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) activity were required for Ca(2+)-stimulated Arc transcription through regulating ERK signaling. Such cross-talks between PI3K, CaMK, and ERK was absent in BDNF-stimulated neurons.
Usefulness and limitations of various guinea-pig test methods in detecting human skin sensitizers—Validation of guinea-pig tests for skin hypersensitivity

Several guinea-pig predictive test methods were evaluated by comparison of results with those obtained with human predictive tests, using ten compounds that have been used in cosmetics. The method involves the statistical analysis of the frequency with which guinea-pig tests agree with the findings of tests in humans. In addition, the frequencies of false positive and false negative predictive findings are considered and statistically analysed. The results clearly demonstrate the superiority of adjuvant tests (complete Freund's adjuvant) in determining skin sensitizers and the overall superiority of the guinea-pig maximization test in providing results similar to those obtained by human testing. A procedure is suggested for utilizing adjuvant and non-adjuvant test methods for characterizing compounds as of weak, moderate or strong sensitizing potential.
Homing in the lizard Sceloporus orcutti

Abstract Sceloporus orcutti individuals will come back to their capture areas after displacement; adult males returned from distances up to 215 m. Males returned from greater distances than females, and older animals did better than younger ones. Lizards which returned usually did so swiftly and directly, while non-returnees usually moved within a small area around the release point. The homing response is present throughout the year and may occur in non-returnees displaced again. Visual cues of the capture area seemed to be important in the homing response. Animals which did not return had a higher disappearance rate from the study area than lizards located within their home areas.
Echo Questions in the Minimalist Program

English echo questions present numerous challenges to the analysis of interrogatives, including (a) simple wh-in-situ (You saw who?); (b) apparent Superiority violations (What did who see?); (c) apparent verb movement without wh-movement (Has Mary seen what?); and (d) requisite wide scope only for echo-question-introduced wh-phrases (underlined in these examples—only who in What did who see? is being asked about). Such apparently contrary features may be explained in terms of independently necessary scope assignment mechanisms and a complementizer that subordinates the utterance being echoed and “freezes” its CP structure. No norms of question formation are violated.
Stochastic Frequency Signature for Chemical Sensing via Noninvasive Cell-Electronic Interface (Keynote)

Cell based biosensors offer the capability for quickly detecting chemical and biological agents with high sensitivity in a wide spectrum. Membrane excitability in cells plays a key role in modulating the electrical activity due to chemical agents. However, the complexity of these signals makes the interpretation of the cellular response to a chemical agent rather difficult. It is possible to determine a frequency spectrum also known as the signature pattern vector (SPV) for a given chemical agent through analysis of the power spectrum of the cell signal. I will describe a system for the measurement of extracellular potentials from live cells isolated onto micromachined planar microelectrode arrays. Fast Fourier and wavelet transformation techniques are used to extract information related to the frequency of firing and response times from the extracellular potential. Quantitative dose response curves and response times are obtained using local time domain characterization techniques.© 2005 ASME
Genetic Typing by Capillary Electrophoresis with the Allelic Ladder as an Absolute Standard

We demonstrate a genetic typing method based on capillary electrophoresis/laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF). VNTR polymorphism in the human D1S80 locus was studied. A pooled allelic ladder, which contains the 27 most common human alleles, was used as the absolute standard. Extracted genomic DNA from an individual was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Typing can be accomplished by co-injection of the PCR product and the D1S80 ladder and then running CE. Separation by a polymer solution of poly(ethylene oxide) in uncoated fused-silica capillaries allows high-resolution, repeated runs in the same capillary. Sensitive detection with minimal sample preparation is possible by using ethidium bromide as the intercalating dye. Statistical analysis of the data indicates a high level of confidence in matching the bands despite variations in the injection process or in the CE system. Future adaptation to a multiple-capillary array system should allow high-speed, high-throughput operation.
The role of aerobic exercise in reducing stress in diabetic patients.

In addition to providing direct physical benefits to diabetic patients, aerobic exercise may also provide psychological benefits, including the reduction of stress. Stress reduction in diabetic patients may directly improve their quality of life as well as indirectly alter the course of their disease. This paper reviews a representative sample of studies that examined the effects of aerobic exercise on physiological and subjective responses to stress, and presents relevant clinical issues, including the minimization of potential risks, an exercise prescription, and suggestionsfor enhancing exercise adherence.
Facilitating successful international adoptions: an occupational therapy community practice innovation.

SUMMARYOccupational therapists are encouraged to enter community practice as international adoption consultants. Pre-adoption workshops on risks of institutionalization and family preparation are discussed. Assessment methods for evaluating records and videos are suggested. Post-adoption use of developmental examinations and information on common medical conditions of Russian and Romanian adoptees are discussed.
HLA alleles, IFN-γ responses to HPV-11 E6, and disease severity in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) remains an immunologic enigma. Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 are the predominant HPV viruses that cause papilloma development. However, it is unclear why only a very small fraction of HPV-exposed individuals develop RRP. We performed high-resolution HLA class I and II genotyping on 70 randomly selected patients (56 Caucasians and 14 African-Americans) with RRP. We report, for the first time, an increased frequency of HLA-DRB1*0102 in Caucasian patients with RRP, suggesting that this allele predisposes individuals to RRP. Additionally, HLA-DRB1*0301, DQB1*0201, and DQB1*0202 alleles were selectively enriched in Caucasians with severe disease, suggesting that these alleles may regulate disease severity. In contrast, HLA-DQB1*0602 was more frequent in controls than in Caucasians with severe disease, suggesting a severity-sparing effect of this allele. Furthermore, both DQB1*0201 and DQB1*0202 were enriched, whereas DQB1*0602 was absent, in African-Americans. Interestingly, HLA-DRB1*0301 and DQB1*0201 correlated with reduced interferon-γ expression in patients with RRP. Larger studies are needed to identify other class II major histocompatibility complex alleles that may influence disease predisposition, disease severity, or both, especially in African-American patients, to ultimately illuminate the regulatory effects of these alleles in the predisposition and severity of RRP.
Synthesis and structure of niobium and tantalum compounds containing 2,6-diphenyl-3,5-di-tert-butylphenoxide ligation

Abstract A series of mononuclear derivatives of niobium(V) and tantalum(V) containing the new ligand 2,6-diphenyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenoxide (OC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5) have been isolated. The addition of the parent phenol (2 equiv. per Nb) to a benzene solution of [Nb2Cl10] leads to formation of the trichloride [Nb(OC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5)2Cl3] (1), while treatment of the tetra-chlorides [Cp*TaCl4] and [CpNbCl4] with [LiOC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5] leads to the mixed cyclopentadienyl, aryloxides [Cp*Ta(OC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5)Cl3] (2) and [CpNb(OC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5)Cl3] (3), respectively. Structural studies show a square pyramidal geometry for trichlorides 1–3 with a basal aryloxide in each case. An axial aryloxide, Cp* and Cp ligand are present for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The addition of HOC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5 to the precursor [Ta(NMe2)5] results in formation of the mono-aryloxide [Ta(OC6HPh2-2,6-tBu2-3,5)(NMe2)4] (4), which is also square pyramidal with a basal aryloxide ligand. Activation of a solution of 1 in benzene with 3 equiv. of nBuLi, followed by treatment with H2 (1200 psi, 100°C) results in intramolecular hydrogenation of ortho-phenyl rings. Hydrolysis of the reaction mixture leads to isolation of 2,6-dicyclohexyl-3,5-di-tert-butylphenol (5), which has been structurally characterized.
Turfgrass evapotranspiration: Responses to shade preconditioning

Sixteen minilysimeters were used in a study to determine the effect of preconditioning to shade on evapotranspiration (ET) by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. var ‘Merion’). Grass that had been preconditioned to 100, 71, 51, and 27% of possible photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was subjected to full sun (100% PAR) or full shade (2% PAR) for one day periods. Canopy temperature and ET were measured and compared for grass from differing preconditioning treatments. Live biomass was later clipped, dried and weighed. Dry weight increased by a factor of nearly 3 as pretreatment PAR increased from 27 to 100%. In spite of this difference in the 20 mm high canopy densities, ET and canopy temperature were equal for grasses from all preconditioning treatments when placed in full sun or full shade. It was concluded that ET is not influenced by preconditioning to shade as long as complete ground cover is maintained.
Changes in RNA during metamorphosis of the central nervous tissue of Galleria

Abstract During metamorphosis a marked change in RNA occurs in the wax moth, Galleria . The results of experiments using [ 14 C] uridine suggest that more RNA is synthesized in the nervous tissue during metamorphosis to the pupal stage than in earlier larval tissue. Marked changes in nucleotide composition of RNA occur and involve an increase in the ratio ( (G+C) (A+U) during development. Analysis of this nucleic acid shows differences in high-molecular-weight RNA at various developmental stages and these may be related to differentiation. A twofold increase in RNA occurs in the pharate pupal nerve cord over a 24 hr period. The data from 32 P pulse experiments followed by separation of the RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis show the formation of a rapidly labelled species having a molecular size similar to mRNA from different species.
Methane separation by a continuous membrane column

Abstract A continuous membrane column was employed to separate methane from gas mixtures of CO2CH4, CH4N2 and CO2CH4 N2 at room temperature. Shell-side composition profiles along the column were taken experimentally and compared with the calculated results. The agreements were excellent, indicating that the model calculation is adequate for a ternary system. Combination of two columns was developed to separate the ternary mixture.
Estimating wind‐turbine‐caused bird and bat fatality when zero carcasses are observed

Many wind-power facilities in the United States have established effective monitoring programs to determine turbine-caused fatality rates of birds and bats, but estimating the number of fatalities of rare species poses special difficulties. The loss of even small numbers of individuals may adversely affect fragile populations, but typically, few (if any) carcasses are observed during monitoring. If monitoring design results in only a small proportion of carcasses detected, then finding zero carcasses may give little assurance that the number of actual fatalities is small. Fatality monitoring at wind-power facilities commonly involves conducting experiments to estimate the probability (g) an individual will be observed, accounting for the possibilities that it falls in an unsearched area, is scavenged prior to detection, or remains undetected even when present. When g -0.45. Further, we develop extensions for temporal replication that can inform prior distributions of M and methods for combining information across several areas or time periods. We apply the method to data collected at a wind-power facility where scheduled searches yielded X = 0 raptor carcasses.
Innovative steel bridge girders with tubular flanges

I-shaped steel girders with tubular flanges have been studied for application in highway bridges because of their large torsional stiffness compared to conventional I-shaped steel plate girders (I-girders). For straight girder bridges, the large torsional stiffness of a tubular flange girder (TFG) results in significantly greater lateral–torsional buckling strength compared to a corresponding I-girder. For horizontally curved girder bridges, the large torsional stiffness of a TFG results in much less normal stress, vertical displacement and cross-sectional rotation compared to a corresponding I-girder. The paper presents experimental and finite element analysis results for straight and horizontally curved TFG bridges. The results show the advantages of TFGs in comparison to conventional I-girders. A TFG demonstration bridge constructed in the USA is described.
Systematics of bound excitons and bound multiexciton complexes for shallow donors in silicon

Abstract We report luminescence measurements of transitions involving bound multiple exciton complexes in Si:Sb and Si:As. The systematics of the donor systems Si:P, Si:As and Si:Sb are examined. We find that the splittings between the two observed series of lines are independent of complex number and donor type.
Determining the structures of large proteins and protein complexes by NMR.

Recent advances in multidimensional NMR methodology to obtain 1 H, 15 N and 13 C resonance assignments, interproton-distance and torsion-angle restraints, and restraints that characterize long-range order have, coupled with new methods of structure refinement, permitted solution structures of proteins in excess of 250 residues to be solved. These developments may permit the determination by NMR of the structures of macromolecules up to 50–60 kDa, thereby bringing into reach numerous systems of considerable biological interest, including a large variety of protein-protein and protein-nucleic-acid complexes.
Assay of Pteridines with Crithidia fasciculata

SYNOPSIS. Detailed directions are given for the preparation of a simplified assay medium and of natural materials for assay of pteridines with Crithidia fasciculata. Unconjugated pteridines in natural materials which also contain conjugated pteridines (folic and folinic acids) can be assayed by destroying the conjugated pteridines with acid hydrolysis, which does not appreciably alter Crithidia-active unconjugated pteridines. The widespread occurrence of unconjugated pteridines and their significance in such processes as photoreception are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Series of Compounds Ru2(O2CMe)x(admp)4-xCl (Hadmp = 2-Amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine, x = 3, 2, 1, 0)

The reaction between Ru2(O2CMe)4Cl and Hadmp (Hadmp = 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine) under different conditions has been investigated. By conducting the reaction in a methanol solution at room temperature the product obtained was Ru2(admp)(O2CMe)3Cl (1). In a melt reaction at 65 °C the product isolated is Ru2(admp)2(O2CMe)2Cl (2); at 100 °C it is Ru2(admp)3(O2CMe)Cl (3); and at 140 °C it is Ru2(admp)4Cl (4). The generality of these reactions was confirmed by the deliberate preparation of Ru2(chp)3(O2CMe)Cl (5) and [Ru2(DPhTA)3(O2CMe)(NCMe)2][BF4] (6). The structures of 1, 2, and 3 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structure of 1 was determined from crystals of 1·3CH2Cl2 (C16H24Cl7N2O6Ru2), triclinic, P1 (No. 2), with a = 11.578(3) A, b = 12.5607(13) A, c = 20.903(3) A, α = 99.927(14)°, β = 100.222(9)°, γ = 102.07(2)°, Z = 4; that of 2, from crystals of 2·2.5CH2Cl2 (C21H30Cl7N4O4Ru2), monoclinic, P21/n (No. 14), with a = 13.091(3) A, b = 19.098(4) A, c = 13.720(3) A, β = 105.51(3)°; that of 3, ...
Ontogenetic Changes in the Response Properties of the Peripheral Electrosensory System in the Atlantic Stingray (Dasyatis sabina)

Adult stingrays use their ampullary electroreceptors to detect prey and locate mates, but the response properties and function of their electrosensory system in the pre-adult stages are unknown. We examined the response properties of Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina) electrosensory primary afferent neurons through ontogeny to determine whether encoding of electrosensory information changes with age, and how it relates to the ontogenetic encoding of biologically relevant electric stimuli. We show that during development electrosensory primary afferents increase resting discharge regularity, show an upward shift in best frequency (BF), an increase in neural sensitivity, and a decrease in bandpass. These ontogenetic changes in the response properties of the stingray electrosense are consistent with sensory adaptations to enhance the avoidance of large predators as young, and increase the location of prey and mates as adults.
The inhibition of flagellar regeneration in Chlamydomonas reinhardii by inhalational anesthetic halothane.

Abstract The volatile anesthetic halothane was shown to be an effective and fully reversible inhibitor of flagellar regeneration in Chlamydomonas reinhardii . The concentration at which halothane inhibited regeneration (2 mM), flagellar length and motility was normal. At 10 mM halothane, the flagella of control cultures shortened considerably and most cells ceased swimming; most cells did not recover from exposure to 10 mM halothane. Lastly, data is presented which shows that flagella increase in length when cells are placed in H 2 O but not when left in growth medium.
Hamstring flexibility increases the same with 3 or 9 repetitions of stretching held for a total time of 90 s.

Abstract Objective To determine if stretching for a constant total time with differing repetition durations and number of repetitions over a 6-week period produced different changes in hamstring flexibility measured by knee extension range of motion (ROM). Design Randomized Control Trial. Setting University laboratory. Subjects 34 volunteers, 18–25 years old with tight hamstrings as determined by a greater than 30° loss of knee extension with hip flexed to 90° participated in the study. Main outcome measures Change in knee extension ROM was assessed in participants who were randomly assigned to a control, or to a stretching group of either 10 s for 9 repetitions or 30 s for 3 repetitions, for a total stretch time of 90 s. Each group stretched 6 days a week for 6 weeks. Results Pre to post stretch comparison indicated both stretching groups were successful in increasing joint ROM (11.6 ± 5.25°–13.4 ± 5.36°) over the control ( F = 19.77, p p = 0.9). Conclusion Stretching for 6 weeks for total of 90 s showed increased joint ROM regardless of the number of repetitions or the duration of each individual stretch.
Evaluation of cognitively accessible software to increase independent access to cellphone technology for people with intellectual disability.

Background There are over two billion telephones in use worldwide. Yet, for millions of Americans with intellectual disabilities (ID), access to the benefits of cellphone technology is limited because of deficits in literacy, numerical comprehension, the proliferation of features and shrinking size of cellphone hardware and user interfaces. Developments in smart phone technology and PDA-based cellphones provide an opportunity to make the social and safety benefits of cellphones more independently accessible to this population. Method This project involved employment of universal design and other specialised software development methods to create a multimedia cellphone interface prototype which was compared with a typical mainstream cellphone in a usability evaluation for individuals with ID. Participants completed a structured set of incoming/outgoing phone tasks using both the experimental and control conditions. Usability measurements included the amount of assistance needed and errors made in completing the cellphone use sequence. Results A total of 22 individuals with ID participated in the research by engaging in a series of incoming and outgoing cellphone calls using both the multimedia cellphone prototype system and a mainstream Nokia 6360 cellphone. Test subjects required significantly less help (P = 0.001) and made significantly fewer errors (P < 0.001) when completing eight calls using the specialised multimedia phone system as compared with the mainstream phone. Conclusions The statistical evidence of both usability results provide promising evidence of the feasibility of implementing universal design and other specialised software development methodologies for increasing independent access to the benefits of cellphone technologies for students and adults with ID. Issues related to designing cognitively accessible interfaces, study limitations and future directions are discussed.
Location of the 〈111〉 conduction band minima in the Ga x In 1-x Sb alloy system

Pressure dependence of the resistivity and optical absorption by conduction band electrons are usetod determine the position of the 〈111〉 (L1) conduction band minima in the Gax,In1-x, Sb alloy system. These experimental data permit a more precise estimate of the position of the L1 minima than had been possible using Gunn effect data alone.
An economic approach to understanding the international transfer of bycatch from unilateral bycatch reduction policies

Abstract This paper contributes to an interdisciplinary discussion on the role of unilaterally imposed bycatch reduction policies vis-a-vis multilateral bycatch reduction agreements in an open economy. Through international trade, unilaterally imposed bycatch reduction policies can lead to a transfer of bycatch related environmental damage to foreign countries. The magnitude of this transfer or spillover effect depends on many economic factors. The paper includes an analytical discussion of those supply and demand side factors, which can be used to explain the differences in empirical findings of the transfer effect in various contexts. From a policy perspective, the discussion serves to define the extent of government intervention needed to mitigate the spillover effect in any given context. It also helps to identify the scope of regional multilateral bycatch reduction agreements as a way of coordinating efforts among countries that participate in bycatch related fish trade.
Polyetherimides via nitro-displacement polymerization: Monomer synthesis and 13C-NMR analysis of monomers and polymers

The synthetic route to polyetherimides by displacement of nitro-groups from disubstituted bis-imides by the dianion of bisphenols are described. The prepration of bis-imides and bisphenol dianions, their polymerization, and some of the properties of the polymers are presented in detail. The 13C-NMR spectra of intermediates and products were used to establish compositions and determine molecular weights.
Do Experiences Consistent With a Medical-Home Model Improve Diabetes Care Measures Reported by Adult Medicaid Patients?

OBJECTIVE The patient-centered medical home has gained much traction. Little is known about the relationship between the model and specific health care processes for chronic diseases such as diabetes. This study assesses the impact of features of a medical home on diabetes care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 540 patients with Medicaid (Medi-Cal) health insurance and type 2 diabetes in Los Angeles County was performed. The Primary Care Assessment Tools was used to measure seven features of medical-home performance. RESULTS The response rate of the patient survey was 68.9%. Patient-reported medical-home performance averaged a score of 2.85 ± 0.29 (on a 1–4 scale, with 4 equaling the best care). Patients who received more timely and thorough diabetes care reported higher medical-home performance in every feature except for the comprehensiveness-services available. For example, the first-contact access feature score was higher among patients who had an HbA 1c test in the past 6 months versus those who did not (2.38 vs. 2.25; P 1c test in the past 6 months and 1.88 higher odds of an eye exam in the past year. CONCLUSIONS Features consistent with higher medical-home performance are associated with improvements in patient-reported diabetes care process measures, even in this low socioeconomic status setting. The patient-centered medical-home model may help in caring for people with type 2 diabetes.
Substitution of Aluminum and Gallium in Single‐Crystal Yttrium Iron Garnets

Single crystals of yttrium iron garnet with substitutions of aluminum and gallium were grown from lead oxide-fluoride, lead borate, and barium borate fluxes. Crystals were grown both by slow cooling and by the gradient technique. The aluminum and gallium contents of these crystals were measured; the amount of substitution and its distribution in one crystal and in the mass of crystals in a run were determined. Crystals grown by slow cooling were badly segregated with respect to aluminum and gallium content whereas gradient-grown crystals were very uniform.
Within but without: human rights and access to HIV prevention and treatment for internal migrants

Worldwide, far more people migrate within than across borders, and although internal migrants do not risk a loss of citizenship, they frequently confront significant social, financial and health consequences, as well as a loss of rights. The recent global financial crisis has exacerbated the vulnerability internal migrants face in realizing their rights to health care generally and to antiretroviral therapy in particular. For example, in countries such as China and Russia, internal migrants who lack official residence status are often ineligible to receive public health services and may be increasingly unable to afford private care. In India, internal migrants face substantial logistical, cultural and linguistic barriers to HIV prevention and care, and have difficulty accessing treatment when returning to poorly served rural areas. Resulting interruptions in HIV services may lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including: individual vulnerability to infection and risk of death; an undermining of state efforts to curb the HIV epidemic and provide universal access to treatment; and the emergence of drug-resistant disease strains. International human rights law guarantees individuals lawfully within a territory the right to free movement within the borders of that state. This guarantee, combined with the right to the highest attainable standard of health set out in international human rights treaties, and the fundamental principle of non-discrimination, creates a duty on states to provide a core minimum of health care services to internal migrants on a non-discriminatory basis. Targeted HIV prevention programs and the elimination of restrictive residence-based eligibility criteria for access to health services are necessary to ensure that internal migrants are able to realize their equal rights to HIV prevention and treatment.
The Storage, Retrieval, and Visualization of Biological Pathway Data

Biological pathways are key to the existence of all life forms. They illustrate how organisms can take one or more molecules and utilize them in such a way that yields products which can be crucial to it sustaining life. It is rare that these are one or two step procedures or very linear mechanisms. Typically, pathways are multi-stepped occurrences with many key intermediates. This complexity can make them difficult to read and properly understand. We present a system in which we store and utilize pathway data to programmatically create user-friendly and informative visualizations.
User-cooperative transmission with channel feedback in slow fading environment

User-cooperative transmission exploits spatial diversity created by antenna sharing in a wireless network. The paper investigates the performance of narrowband, slowly fading and delay-limited cooperation systems where perfect channel state information (CSI) is available at cooperative transmitters. Power control algorithms which attempt to minimize the outage probability under short-term and long-term power constraints are developed. We show that significant improvement of outage probability is achieved through exploiting the CSI of forward channels.
Use of Psoralen Monoadducts to Compare The Structure of 16S rRNA in Active and Inactive 30S Ribosomal Subunits

E. coli 30S ribosomes in the inactive conformation were irradiated at 390 nm in the presence of 4'-aminomethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (AMT). This produces monoadducts in which AMT is attached to only one strand of an RNA duplex region. After unbound AMT was removed, some ribosomes were activated and then subjected to 360 nm irradiation; others were reirradiated without activation. Electron microscopic examination of 16S rRNA extracted from these two samples showed covalent rRNA loops indicative of rRNA crosslinks. The general pattern of loops closely matched that seen previously after direct psoralen crosslinking of 30S particles. However, the frequency of occurrence of one major class of loops formed by crosslinks between residues near position 500 and the 3' end was substantially lower for the activated samples, implying that the structure of the 16S rRNA in active and inactive 30S particles is different.
Well Played: Interpreting Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

This article engages in an in-depth close reading of the game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time to parse out various meanings to be found in the experience of playing the game. The experience is ...