cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of respiratory tract ammonia in the rabbit and implications to sulfuric acid inhalation studies

Abstract Ammonia (NH 3 ) in the respiratory tract has the potential to neutralize inhaled acid vapors and aerosols. Levels of exhaled (nasal) NH 3 were measured in rabbits at different times on the same day, on different days, and in rabbits in a normal fed state, or in a fasted or fed state in which the teeth were brushed and the mouth cleansed. The variability of NH 3 levels within any individual rabbit was found to be of the same order as the variability found between different animals. In addition, rabbits which were fasted and had their teeth brushed exhaled significantly less NH 3 than did fed animals. Levels in the former group ranged from 4 to 236 μg/m 3 , while those in the latter group ranged from 10 to 758 μg/m 3 . Although brushing the teeth of fed animals compressed the observable range of NH 3 levels (22–404 μg/m 3 ), this was not a significant reduction compared to fed, unbrushed animals. Thus, fasting likely minimized foodstuff in the mouth; the latter may contribute to NH 3 formation through bacterial degradation,which appears to be a significant source of NH 3 exhaled through the nose. The NH 3 concentrations observed may produce variable degrees of neutralization of inhaled H 2 SO 4 droplers before they deposit in the lungs.
Exotic meson spectroscopy from the clover action at β = 5.85 and 6.15

Abstract We repeat our original simulations of the hybrid meson spectrum using the clover action, as a check on lattice artifacts. Our results for the 1−+ masses do not substantially change. We present preliminary results for the wave function of the 1−+ state in Coulomb gauge.
Template-free directional growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes on a- and r-plane sapphire

We report high-throughput growth of highly aligned single-walled carbon nanotube arrays on a-plane and r-plane sapphire substrates. This is achieved using chemical vapor deposition with ferritin as the catalyst. The nanotubes are aligned normal to the [0001] direction for growth on the a-plane sapphire. They are typically tens of micrometers long, with a narrow diameter distribution of 1.34 ± 0.30 nm. In contrast, no orientation was achieved for growth on the c-plane and m-plane sapphire, or when Fe films, instead of ferritin, were used as the catalyst. Such orientation control is likely related to the interaction between carbon nanotubes and the sapphire substrate, which is supported by the observation that when a second layer of nanotubes was grown, they followed the gas flow direction. These aligned nanotube arrays may enable the construction of integrable and scalable nanotube devices and systems.
Influenza A Viral Replication Is Blocked by Inhibition of the Inositol-requiring Enzyme 1 (IRE1) Stress Pathway

Known therapies for influenza A virus infection are complicated by the frequent emergence of resistance. A therapeutic strategy that may escape viral resistance is targeting host cellular mechanisms involved in viral replication and pathogenesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, also known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), is a primitive, evolutionary conserved molecular signaling cascade that has been implicated in multiple biological phenomena including innate immunity and the pathogenesis of certain viral infections. We investigated the effect of influenza A viral infection on ER stress pathways in lung epithelial cells. Influenza A virus induced ER stress in a pathway-specific manner. We showed that the virus activates the IRE1 pathway with little or no concomitant activation of the PERK and the ATF6 pathways. When we examined the effects of modulating the ER stress response on the virus, we found that the molecular chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) significantly inhibits influenza A viral replication. In addition, a specific inhibitor of the IRE1 pathway also blocked viral replication. Our findings constitute the first evidence that ER stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of influenza A viral infection. Decreasing viral replication by modulating the host ER stress response is a novel strategy that has important therapeutic implications.
Inhibition of complement by a substance isolated from human erythrocytes. II. Studies on the site and mechanism of action.

Abstract Extracts from human E stromata were found to be capable of causing inhibition of the complement mediated lysis of antibody sensitized sheep red cells. The partially purified inhibitor (I-H) could apparently bind spontaneously to sheep E, but another form of the inhibitor which was obtained by butanol extraction of human E stromata at a low ionic strength (I-L) would not bind. The latter material was employed in experiments designed to elucidate the site of inhibitory action. The low ionic strength form of the inhibitor was found to cause inactivation of shepp EAbC′la, 4, 2a, EAbC′la, 4, 2a, 3, and EAbC′la, 4, 2a, 3, 5 compelement component intermediate complexes. Indications were that the inhibition resulted from an increase in the rate of SAbC′la, 4, 2a decay to the SAbC′la, 4 state. Guinea pig C′3 was also observed to accelerate SAbC′la, 4, 2a decay.
A Comparison of Group and Individual Sexual Assault Victims

The experiences of 44 group sexual assault victims (multiple offenders, one victim) were compared with 44 individual sexual assault victims (one offender, one victim). Sexual assaults included various degrees of sexual victimization ranging from verbal coercion to rape. Participants were located from among a national sample of 3,187 college women. Group sexual assaults, compared to individual sexual assaults, were in general more violent, involved greater resistance from the victims, and were more likely to be perpetrated by strangers or relatives and to involve an experience which met the legal definition of rape. Group sexual assaults were less likely to involve multiple episodes by the same offender(s). Group sexual assault victims were more likely than individual sexual assault victims to seek police and crisis services, to have contemplated suicide, and to have sought therapy postassault. Despite these differences, the two groups were similar in the amount of drinking and drug use during the assault ...
Probing Domain Functions of Chimeric PDE6α′/PDE5 cGMP-Phosphodiesterase

Chimeric cGMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have been constructed using components of the cGMP-binding PDE (PDE5) and cone photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6α′) in order to study structure and function of the photoreceptor enzyme. A fully functional chimeric PDE6α′/PDE5 enzyme containing the PDE6α′ noncatalytic cGMP-binding sites, and the PDE5 catalytic domain has been efficiently expressed in the baculovirus/High Five cell system. The catalytic properties of this chimera were practically indistinguishable from those of PDE5, whereas the noncatalytic cGMP binding was similar to that of native purified PDE6α′. The inhibitory γ subunit of PDE6 (Pγ) enhanced the affinity of cGMP binding at noncatalytic sites of native PDE6α′ by ∼6-fold. The polycationic region of Pγ, Pγ-24–45, was mainly responsible for this effect, while the inhibitory domain of Pγ, Pγ-63–87, was ineffective. On the contrary, Pγ failed to inhibit catalytic activity of the chimeric PDE6α′/PDE5 or to modulate its noncatalytic cGMP binding. Substitutions of Ala residues for the conserved Asn, Asn193 or Asn402, in the two N(K/R)XD-like motifs of the chimeric PDE noncatalytic cGMP-binding sites, each led to a loss of the noncatalytic cGMP binding. Our data suggest that both putative noncatalytic sites of PDE6α′ are important for binding of cGMP, and that the two binding sites are coupled. Furthermore, mutation Asn402 → Ala resulted in an approximately 10-fold increase of theK m value for cGMP, indicating that occupation of the noncatalytic cGMP- binding sites of PDE6α′ may regulate catalytic properties of the enzyme.
Randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of mandibular implant-supported overdentures and conventional dentures in diabetic patients. Part III: Comparisons of patient satisfaction

Abstract Statement of problem. There is insufficient evidence to indicate the functional superiority of mandibular implant-supported overdentures to justify their use in edentulous patients. Purpose. This study compared the benefits perceived by patients who received a new maxillary denture and a mandibular conventional denture (CD) and an implant-supported overdenture (IOD). Method. New maxillary and mandibular dentures were delivered to 89 diabetic denture wearers with clinically acceptable metabolic control who treated their diabetes either with insulin (IT) or without insulin (NIT). Of the 89 patients, 37 received maxillary and mandibular CDs and 52 received a maxillary CD and an IOD. Two questionnaires with categorical responses were used; the first contained 13 questions to ascertain a patient's absolute assessments of original dentures at entry and study dentures at 6- and 24-months after treatment completion; the second questionnaire had 11 questions that assessed the relative change perceived by patients with study dentures. Of the 78 patients who completed the posttreatment (PT) assessments at 6 months, 68 patients provided longitudinal data for questionnaire I and cross-sectional data for questionnaire II. In addition, 46 patients (18 CD and 28 IOD) also provided PT assessments at 24 months. Results. Both mean scores and percentage distributions of longitudinal data for questionnaire I showed perceptual improvements with both types of study dentures. Improvements were higher in the IOD than in the CD group. Mean scores failed to show any significant differences between the 2 treatment groups. The only significant difference was found in the change in percentage distributions for perceptual chewing ability in favor of the IOD group. Even this advantage was lost at 24 months. With the comparative questionnaire, a higher percentage of patients in the IOD group than in the CD group perceived improvements with study dentures from their original dentures in chewing ability, chewing comfort, and denture security. However, mean differences were statistically significant in favor of the IOD group only for chewing ability and less difficulty to chew hard foods. Conclusion. The mandibular implant-supported overdenture offers same advantage in terms of perceived chewing function over the conventional denture. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;82:416-27.)
Development of First-Feeding Protocols for Indoor Larviculture of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Largemouth bass (LMB) Micropterus salmoides fry do not accept prepared diets at first feeding. Fry are initially reared in fertilized ponds on natural live foods until large enough to be feed trained. Unpredictable weather patterns and depletion of natural forages can affect nursery pond survival. A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the use of Artemia nauplii prepared diets and optimal feeding schedules to raise LMB fry from first feeding through habituation to a commercial dry diet. In Studies 1, 2, and 3, swim-up fry were transferred to a recirculating system and stocked into either 3-L (Studies 1 and 2) or 10-L (Study 3) acrylic aquaria. Study 1 screened candidate diets to evaluate whether LMB fry could be transitioned directly to prepared diets or if they required live foods. In Study 2 the optimum duration for feeding live Artemia (1, 2, or 3 weeks) and the appropriate size of commercial diets (<200 or 200–360 μm) were evaluated. Study 3 was designed to identify the best transitional...
Complications of ambulatory surgical anesthesia

Summary Although our goal should be the elimination of all complications for the ambulatory surgical patient, whether we achieve this is highly questionable because of the multiplicity of factors in the human experience. However, through an awareness and constantly being vigilant of our patients' responses to our efforts, we should be better able to get closer to our goal. This will be a multidisciplinary effort, with an important component being adequate input from our patients.
Reaction time to onset and termination of lights and sounds

An experiment was conducted which measured the RT of 40 adult Ss to the onset and termination of rapid rise and decay lights and sounds which had been equated for subjective intensity. Onset RT was faster than termination for both sense modes, and auditory RT was faster than visual for both onset and termination. The results are compared with previous intersensory and onset-termination RT research and with another auditory-visual difference in the judgment of duration.
Autosomal Dominant Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy

Twenty-eight of 61 members of a six-generation family are affected by an autosomal dominant eye disease which has not been described previously. Affected patients are asymptomatic in early adulthood, but have vitreous cells and the selective loss of the b-wave on the electroretinogram. Later, peripheral retinal scarring and pigmentation, peripheral arteriolar closure, and neovascularization of the peripheral retina at the ora serrata or occasionally neovascularization of the optic disc develop. Cystoid macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma can cause profound visual loss. Vitrectomy reduces traction on the retina and allows for retinal reattachment. The role of argon laser photocoagulation or cryopexy in reducing the neovascular complications remains uncertain.
Absence of Chitinase in Limnoria

THE question of the presence or absence of a chitinase in Limnoria is of interest for two reasons. First, if a chitinase were present, chitin could serve as a principal nitrogen source. Ray and Julian1 and Ray2 have shown that Limnoria, which eats wood, can break down cellulose to glucose, and can therefore utilize wood as a source of energy. However, it is not yet known what source of nitrogen Limnoria utilizes because wood contains so little. One possible nitrogen source is chitin, present in cell walls of fungi growing in wood and often eaten with the wood3, and present in the animal's exuviae, which it may eat.
The spatial extent of the effect of foreclosures on crime.

Abstract Although neighborhood stability has long been considered a substantial determinant of crime, foreclosures have not been the subject of concerted research among criminologists until recently. A number of recent studies have examined the linkage between home foreclosures and crime. Though generally finding a significant relationship, studies have used different approaches and units of analysis. This variation led us to examine the spatial extent to which foreclosures affect a relatively small surrounding area. In this paper, we consider the spatial extent of the foreclosure effect on crime by estimating fixed effect negative binomial models using geocoded UCR data for 2003–2008 and foreclosure data to predict crime counts using the number of foreclosures within various small area radii. Results show that, independently and jointly, foreclosures are a predictor of crime up to at least a distance of 2250 feet. Importantly, that effect declines with distance. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of those findings.
OLDER DRIVERS' VISIBILITY AND COMFORT IN NIGHT DRIVING: VEHICLE DESIGN FACTORS

Older persons are a growing proportion in the population, among drivers and those involved in traffic accidents. Changes in visual abilities of older persons are pertinent to night driving in which...
EFFECTIVE COMPUTER VISION INSTRUCTION THROUGH EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES

The inclusion of video and image-based communications over the Internet and the explosion of multimedia in the last two decades have lead to a demand for education in computer imaging and vision at the undergraduate level. A curriculum developed for such an audience that features experimental-based learning experiences as a vehicle for student education and exploration in the field of computer imaging/vision is discussed. As computer imaging/vision has many unsolved problems and challenges, it is crucial that we impart to students not only knowledge but, the investigative skills necessary for tackling these problems. This paper presents the results of student work on a number of such experiences involving both software development and vision hardware system configuration. The paper culminates with the results of a student-composed survey discussing one of these experimental learning experiences, which illustrates the usefulness of this form of learning.
Critical periods for early experience in transfer of perceptual learning.

It has generally been found that early experience with stimuli enhances the subsequent discriminability of these forms. To determine if critical periods exist for yielding this early experience effect, albino rats were given either early (20 to 55 days of age) or late (55 to 90 days of age) stimulus experience. A third pre-exposure group received experience with the to-be-discriminated forms from 20 to 90 days of age. Control animals, with no stimulus pre-exposure, were run on the discrimination problem at either 55 or 90 days of age. The basic early experience effect was replicated in that early experience with stimuli facilitated their subsequent discriminability. However, no evidence for critical periods of early experience was obtained.
STABILIZING PERFORMANCE IN NETWORKS OF QUEUES WITH TIME-VARYING ARRIVAL RATES

This paper investigates extensions to feed-forward queueing networks of an algorithm to set staffing levels (the number of servers) to stabilize performance % at Quality of Service (QoS) targets in an Mt/GI/st+GI multi-server queue with a time-varying arrival rate. The model has a non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP), customer abandonment, and non-exponential service and patience distributions. For a single queue, simulation experiments showed that the algorithm successfully stabilizes abandonment probabilities and expected delays over a wide range of Quality-of-Service (QoS) targets. A limit theorem showed that stable performance at fixed QoS targets is achieved asymptotically as the scale increases (by letting the arrival rate grow while holding the service and patience distributions fixed). Here we extend that limit theorem to a feed-forward queueing network. However, these fixed QoS targets provide low QoS as the scale increases. Hence, these limits primarily support the algorithm with a low QoS target. For a high QoS target, effectiveness depends on the NHPP property, but the departure process never is exactly an NHPP. Thus, we investigate when a departure process can be regarded as approximately an NHPP. We show that index of dispersion for counts is effective for determining when a departure process is approximately an NHPP in this setting. In the important common case when all queues have high QoS targets, we show that both: (i) the departure process is approximately an NHPP from this perspective and (ii) the algorithm is effective.
REFRAINING AND THE EXTERNAL

It is usually taken for granted that the necessary and sufficient conditions for refraining are with respect to mental or behavioral states of agents. Let us call such accounts internalist conceptions of refraining. In this paper, I argue that internalist conditions are insufficient for refraining; and so internalist conceptions of refraining are inadequate. I conclude that a proper account of refraining must contain an externalist condition – i.e., a condition that makes reference to an agent's environment.
3 SEX INFLUENCES REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION BY DICKKOPF 1 IN THE BOVINE MORULA

Successful embryonic development depends upon molecules secreted by the reproductive tract. Among such molecules is the protein dickkopf 1 (DKK1), an antagonist of canonical WNT signalling that can also activate the noncanonical, planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. DKK1 increases the proportion of cells that are trophectoderm and hypoblast in the blastocyst and increases competence of embryos to establish pregnancy after transfer to recipients. The objective was to determine whether DKK1 affects cell fate by regulating expression of genes that promote differentiation at the morula stage, possibly by activating the PCP pathway. A second objective was to determine if actions of DKK1 on the embryonic transcriptome were dependent on embryo sex. Bovine oocytes were fertilized in vitro with pools of 3 bulls for which X- and Y-sorted sperm was available. Embryos were treated with 100 ng mL–1 DKK1 or vehicle at Day 5 of development and harvested 24 h later. Embryos were pooled in 5 replicates of 20 embryos each. Following RNA reverse-transcription and amplification, cDNA was used for microarray analysis of global gene expression using the Affymetrix® Bovine Gene 1.0 ST array (Affymetrix, Santa, Clara, CA, USA). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA using JMP® Genomics (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). A total of 9931 transcripts were identified as being expressed. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) were considered as those associated with P < 0.05 and fold change ≥1.5 or <0.66. There were 124 DEG between females and males (91 up-regulated in females and 33 up-regulated in males). A total of 68% of the genes up-regulated in females were located in the X chromosome. Treatment with DKK1 resulted in 132 DEG in females (68 up-regulated and 64 down-regulated) and 136 DEG in males (90 up-regulated and 46 down-regulated). Of these, 34 genes were regulated by DKK1 in both sexes: 14 in the same direction and 20 in opposite directions. Analysis by Ingenuity® Pathway software indicated that changes in gene expression caused by DKK1 would increase formation of actin fibers in females and inhibit formation in males. DKK1 inhibited expression of AMOT in male embryos, indicating that DKK1 may inhibit Hippo signalling at this stage of development. Evidence for regulation of the PCP pathway by DKK1 was the finding that DKK1 regulated expression of genes involved in cell polarization and differentiation in both females and males. In both sexes, DKK1 regulated expression of many genes associated with HNF4A, a marker of hypoblast cells that promotes formation of cell junctions. In conclusion, female and male embryos developing in vitro have different transcriptomic profiles at the morula stage. DKK1 regulates cell differentiation and embryonic development in a sex-dependent manner and effects may be mediated, at least in part, by activation of the PCP pathway. Supported by USDA AFRI 2011-67015-30688 and NIH R03 HD080855.
Maintaining microprocessor compatibility across process generations

This paper presents two approaches that have been used to maintain socket compatibility between a pair of microprocessors operating at different supply voltages. A current balancing scheme to keep independent regulators within their specified operating range when shorted through the microprocessor socket is presented. Using a network of termination resistors in the microprocessor's package, an operating scheme was developed such that minimum regulation current requirements could be met and a balanced current environment could be achieved inside two different switching regulators operating at different frequencies. The design and the implementation details of the current balancing method in the microprocessor is described and compared with measured data.
Effect of Crystallites on Thermal Shock Resistance of Cordierite Glass‐Ceramics

Thermal shock behavior was compared for a cordierite glass and glass-ceramics subjected to a water quench. Crystallization significantly increases the critical quenching temperature difference (ΔTc); this effect was attributed to enhanced strength and thermal conductivity offset by a corresponding increase in Young's modulus. The strength retained following thermal shock also increased significantly on crystallization for ΔT>ΔTC, probably as the result of stepwise increases in fracture toughness with increasing crack size of the glass-ceramic.
Secular Chemical Variation in a Series of Precambrian Mafic Rocks, Beartooth Mountains, Montana and Wyoming

Major element, Rb, Sr, and Sr isotopic contents have been determined in predominantly chilled margin samples of a series of mafic dikes and plugs from the Beartooth Mountains, Montana and Wyoming. These rocks range in age from 2,550 to 740 m.y., and are predominantly continental tholeiites with low Al 2 O 3 contents (∼12 percent), low K/Rb ratios (85 percent 2 content, into four groups. Rb-Sr and K-Ar age determinations indicate that each group has a single, consistent age of formation. Comparison of average elemental abundances and ages of individual dike groups and the Stillwater chill zone indicates continuous secular decrease in MgO and increase in K 2 O and TiO 2 from 2,750 to 740 m.y. These patterns are interpreted to indicate a regular increase in the pressure of partial melting for successively younger magmas, possibly because of a world-wide decrease of the geothermal gradient during the Precambrian.
Presentation and Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Duodenum: A Multi-Institutional Analysis

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a small subset of GISTs, and their management is poorly defined. We evaluated surgical management and outcomes of patients with duodenal GISTs treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) versus local resection (LR) and defined factors associated with prognosis. Between January 1994 and January 2011, 96 patients with duodenal GISTs were identified from five major surgical centers. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared based on surgical approach (PD vs LR). A total of 58 patients (60.4 %) underwent LR, while 38 (39.6 %) underwent PD. Patients presented with gross bleeding (n = 25; 26.0 %), pain (n = 23; 24.0 %), occult bleeding (n = 19; 19.8 %), or obstruction (n = 3; 3.1 %). GIST lesions were located in first (n = 8, 8.4 %), second (n = 47; 49 %), or third/fourth (n = 41; 42.7 %) portion of duodenum. Most patients (n = 86; 89.6 %) had negative surgical margins (R0) (PD, 92.1 vs LR, 87.9 %) (P = 0.34). Median length of stay was longer for PD (11 days) versus LR (7 days) (P = 0.001). PD also had more complications (PD, 57.9 vs LR, 29.3 %) (P = 0.005). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year actuarial recurrence-free survival was 94.2, 82.3, and 67.3 %, respectively. Factors associated with a worse recurrence-free survival included tumor size [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09], mitotic count >10 mitosis/50 HPF (HR = 6.89), AJCC stage III disease (HR = 4.85), and NIH high risk classification (HR = 4.31) (all P < 0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival was 98.3, 87.4, and 82.0%, respectively. PD versus LR was not associated with overall survival. Recurrence of duodenal GIST is dependent on tumor biology rather than surgical approach. PD was associated with longer hospital stays and higher risk of perioperative complications. When feasible, LR is appropriate for duodenal GIST and PD should be reserved for lesions not amenable to LR.
Cuterebra buccata: Immune response in myiasis of domestic rabbits

Abstract Naturally infected rabbits ( Oryctolagus ) were used to define further the nature of the immune response in myiasis due to Cuterebra buccata . Third instar larvae were dissected into four fractions; (1) alimentary tract with attached organs, (2) hemolymph, (3) fat body with tracheae, and (4) cuticle with attached muscles. The antigens provoking immune phenomena in naturally infected rabbits were found to reside in the alimentary tract and hemolymph fractions only. All rabbits which were skin tested were found to exhibit delayed hypersensitivity and to have serum precipitins with specificity against these antigens. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activity was demonstrated only in sera from rabbits also exhibiting reaginic and/or Arthus-type skin hypersensitivities. With the use of immunoelectrophoresis four separate antigens were demonstrated in alimentary tract fractions. Larval dissections revealed the alimentary tract to be filled with cellular elements of rabbit whole blood. The immunologic findings are discussed in relation to this newly recognized feeding pattern and it is proposed that sensitization of the host occurs as a consequence of exogenous larval secretions injected at the time of feeding.
LEEM investigation of the faceting of the Pt covered W(111) surface

A low energy electron microscope (LEEM) has been used to investigate the faceting of W(111) as induced by Pt. The atomically rough W(111) surface, when fully covered with a monolayer film of Pt and annealed to temperatures higher than {approximately} 750 K, experiences a significant morphological restructuring: the initially planar surface undergoes a faceting transition and forms three-sided pyramids with {211} faces. The experiments demonstrate the capability of LEEM for imaging both the fully and partially faceted surface. In addition, we have observed the formation of the facets in real time, when Pt is dosed onto the heated surface. We find that the transition from planar surface, to partially faceted surface, and to fully faceted surface proceeds through the nucleation and growth of spatially separated faceted regions.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the structural phase transitions in RbCaF3

Abstract Fourier Transform NMR measurements made on a single RbCaF3 crystal using Rb indicate a structural phase transition at 198 K. The temperature dependence of the quadrupole coupling constant and hence of the order parameter was studied in the range 130 K – 290 K by measuring the second order shift of the central line of Rb resonance. The critical exponent, β, of the order parameter at the transition is found to be equal to 0.33.
Peer Influence and Selection Processes in Adolescent Smoking Behavior: A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION Adolescent smoking studies find evidence of active peer influence and selection processes. However, studies have shown that these processes operate differently depending on context. This study uses SIENA to model coevolutionary processes between smoking and changes in friendship ties, comparing two high schools in which data were collected in identical fashion to explore influence and selection mechanisms with respect to current smoking, and smoking levels. METHODS This is a longitudinal survey with 2 waves of data. In-home surveys were conducted with students from 2 large high schools in the United States: a West Coast school, and a Midwestern school. Participants were consented students in 10th and 11th grades at the first wave of data collection. The primary measures were self-reported smoking behavior and friendship nominations. RESULTS There is evidence of influence and selection in both schools for adolescents' smoking status (1 = any smoking) and for level of smoking. CONCLUSIONS These models reflect great similarities in influence and selection processes across schools for different smoking behaviors. However, smoking prevalence may impact the exact mechanisms by which influence and selection operate. Researchers should consider smoking interventions with independent modules addressing different selection and influence processes, implemented based on contextual factors such as the prevalence of smoking.
Observations concerning positive serologic reactions for rheumatoid factor in certain patients with sarcoidosis and other hyperglobulinemic states.

Positive latex fixation tests were observed in relation to sarcoidosis, kala azar and liver disease without concomitant rheumatoid arthritis. Ultracentrifugation of sera from these patients revealed the presence of a heavy gamma globulin resembling rheumatoid factor. Amboceptor-sensitized sheep cell tests were uniformly negative except in the one case of liver disease. Positive tests de fixation de latex esseva observate in association con sarcoidosis, kala-azar, e morbo hepatic sin concomitante arthritis rheumatoide. Ultracentri fugation de seros ab iste patientes revelava le presentia de un pesante globulina gamma resimilante factor rheumatoide. Tests con cellulas ovin a sensi bilitate amboceptori esseva uniforme mente negative, except in le sol caso de morbo hepatic in le serie.
Developmental State and the Circadian Clock Interact to Influence the Timing of Eclosion in Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila melanogaster, the emergence of adults from their pupal cases (eclosion) is gated by the circadian clock such that it occurs during a window of approximately 8-10 h starting 1-2 h before lights-on in 12-h light:12-h dark cycles (LD). This gate is shifted several hours earlier by the clock mutant per(s), indicating that the clock controls the phase of eclosion under these conditions. Both the day and the time of eclosion are determined by the interplay between developmental state and the circadian clock. At a certain phase of the circadian cycle, the circadian clock, either directly or through some circadian clock-controlled mechanism, measures development state, and those pharate adults that have reached a certain developmental state by this phase eclose during the first available gate, while those that have not wait until a subsequent gate. Using wing pigmentation as a late developmental state marker, an early boundary for when the circadian clock assesses developmental state occurs roughly at the time when lights go out during LD cycles. This event is shifted several hours earlier in per(s), showing that it is under circadian control. A fly's developmental state at the time of developmental assessment also influences when eclosion will occur (during the gate) in that flies whose wings have become pigmented early (12-24 h before assessment) will eclose earlier in the gate than those whose wings become pigmented late (0-12 h before assessment). These data suggest that the circadian clock (or some clock-controlled mechanism) measures developmental state (wing pigmentation) in wild-type flies between lights-off and expression of the first clock-regulated marker approximately 4-5 h before eclosion and that the developmental state of the fly determines both which gate is chosen for eclosion and when eclosion occurs during that gate.
Enhanced exocytosis of the receptor BT-R1 induced by the Cry1Ab toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis directly correlates to the execution of cell death

Abstract Cry1Ab toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis exerts insecticidal action upon binding to BT-R1, a cadherin receptor localized in the midgut epithelium of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. The univalent binding of toxin to receptor transmits a death signal into the cell and turns on a multi-step signal transduction pathway involving adenylyl cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A (PKA), which drives the biochemical events that culminate in oncotic cell death. Here, we report that cell killing by the Cry1Ab toxin is a dynamic episode in which the toxin promotes exocytotic transport of BT-R1 from intracellular membrane vesicles to the plasma membrane. The resultant dramatic increase in BT-R1 displayed on the surface of toxin-treated cells effects the recruitment and concomitant binding of additional toxin monomers which, in turn, amplifies the original signal in a cascade-like manner. Blocking the activation of AC/PKA signal transduction by either EDTA or PKAi inhibits exocytotic trafficking of BT-R1 and prevents cell death. Moreover, the exocytosis inhibitor Exo1 blocks translocation of receptor and progression of cell death alike. Obviously, movement of BT-R1 is mediated by toxin-induced signal transduction and amplification of this signaling apparently is critical to the execution of cell death.
#78 Birth weight modifies the relationships between systolic bloodpressure, pubertal development, and body mass in adolescents

PURPOSE: Studies have shown that systolic blood pressure (SBP) is positively associated with body size and sexual maturation, but inversely associated with birth weight during childhood. The aim of the this longitudinal study was to examine the moderating effects of birth weight on the associations of SBP with pubertal development and body mass in Caucasian and African American children. METHODS: One hundred and thirty nine children aged 4 to 12 years at the start of the study were followed up annually for 3 to 5 years with an average of 4 repeated measures for each subject (n = 560 observations) in Birmingham, Alabama. Characteristics measured annually included blood pressure, Tanner stage, and body composition from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: SBP was inversely correlated with birth weight (r = −0.10, p = 0.02), especially in Caucasian children (r = −0.16, p = 0.002). Larger BMI was significantly associated with higher SBP (p < 0.001). Lower birth weight was significantly associated with a faster increase of SBP with respect to the increase of BMI (β = −0.4, p < 0.05). In contrast, lower birth weight was significantly associated the slower increase of SBP with pubertal development (β = 1.3, p < 0.10). CONCLUSION: The findings from this longitudinal study suggest that birth weight may modify the effects of body size and pubertal development on the increase of SBP during adolescence.
Safety in design: a proactive approach to construction worker safety and health.

(2003). Safety in Design: A Proactive Approach to Construction Worker Safety and Health. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 339-342.
Body mass index and health status in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals

There is controversy regarding the existence of a body mass index (BMI) mortality paradox in diabetes, whereby the optimal BMI category is higher than it is in non-diabetic persons. To explore possible pathways to a mortality paradox, we examined the relationship of BMI with physical and mental health status in diabetic and non-diabetic persons. We examined adjusted SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS-12 and MCS-12) scores by BMI (kg m−2) category (underweight, <20; normal weight, 20 to <25; overweight, 25 to <30; obese, 30 to <35; severely obese ⩾35) in adult diabetic and non-diabetic respondents to the 2000–2011 United States national Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (N=119 161). Adjustors were age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, health insurance, education, smoking, comorbidity, urbanicity, geographic region and survey year. In non-diabetic persons the adjusted mean PCS-12 score was highest (that is, most optimal) in the normal-weight category, whereas for diabetic persons the optimal adjusted mean PCS-12 score was in the overweight category (adjusted difference between non-diabetic and diabetic persons in the difference in PCS-12 means for overweight versus normal-weight category=0.8 points, 95% confidence interval; CI 0.1, 1.6; P=0.03). This paradoxical pattern was not evident for the MCS-12, and the adjusted difference between non-diabetic and diabetic persons in the difference in MCS-12 means for overweight versus obese persons was not significant (−0.3 points, 95% CI −0.9, 0.4; P=0.43). The findings were not significantly moderated by smoking status, cancer diagnosis or time period. The optimal BMI category for physical health status (but not mental health status) was higher among diabetic than non-diabetic persons. The findings are consistent with a BMI physical health status paradox in diabetes and, in turn, a mortality paradox.
IT Auditing to Assure a Secure Cloud Computing

In this paper we discuss the evolvement of cloud computing paradigm and present a framework for secure cloud computing through IT auditing. Our approach is to establish a general framework using checklists by following data flow and its lifecycle. The checklists are made based on the cloud deployment models and cloud services models. The contribution of the paper is to understand the implication of cloud computing and what is meant secure cloud computing via IT auditing rather than propose a new methodology and new technology to secure cloud computing. Our holistic approach has strategic value to those who are using or consider using cloud computing because it addresses concerns such as security, privacy and regulations and compliance.
Charge Order, Metallic Behavior, and Superconductivity in La2-xBaxCuO4 with x=1/8

The $ab$-plane optical properties of a cleaved single crystal of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ for $x=1/8$ (${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\simeq}2.4\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$) have been measured over a wide frequency and temperature range. The low-frequency conductivity is Drude-like and shows a metallic response with decreasing temperature. However, below $\ensuremath{\simeq}60\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$, corresponding to the onset of charge-stripe order, there is a rapid loss of spectral weight below about 40 meV. The behavior is quite different from that typically associated with the pseudogap in the normal state of the cuprates. Instead, the gapping of the normal-state single-particle excitations looks surprisingly similar to that observed in superconducting ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, including the presence of a residual Drude peak with reduced weight.
Modeling the Flexural Rigidity of Rod Photoreceptors

In vertebrate eyes, the rod photoreceptor has a modified cilium with an extended cylindrical structure specialized for phototransduction called the outer segment (OS). The OS has numerous stacked membrane disks and can bend or break when subjected to mechanical forces. The OS exhibits axial structural variation, with extended bands composed of a few hundred membrane disks whose thickness is diurnally modulated. Using high-resolution confocal microscopy, we have observed OS flexing and disruption in live transgenic Xenopus rods. Based on the experimental observations, we introduce a coarse-grained model of OS mechanical rigidity using elasticity theory, representing the axial OS banding explicitly via a spring-bead model. We calculate a bending stiffness of ∼10(5) nN⋅μm2, which is seven orders-of-magnitude larger than that of typical cilia and flagella. This bending stiffness has a quadratic relation to OS radius, so that thinner OS have lower fragility. Furthermore, we find that increasing the spatial frequency of axial OS banding decreases OS rigidity, reducing its fragility. Moreover, the model predicts a tendency for OS to break in bands with higher spring number density, analogous to the experimental observation that transgenic rods tended to break preferentially in bands of high fluorescence. We discuss how pathological alterations of disk membrane properties by mutant proteins may lead to increased OS rigidity and thus increased breakage, ultimately contributing to retinal degeneration.
Advance Directives: Time To Move On

In principle, increasing the use of advance directives is important. However, they are not sufficient to address the important concerns of family members of dying patients. We must move from a focu...
Communication Skill Building in Young Children With and Without Disabilities in a Preschool Classroom

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the turn-taking skills of children with and without disabilities who participated in a social communication intervention targeting peer-directed initiations and responses. Eight children met the selection criteria for inclusion in the study. A multiple baseline design across participants (dyads) was used to determine the effects of the social communication intervention. All eight participants showed increases of initiations with an immediate peer response. Follow-up assessments showed that the effects were maintained in the return to baseline condition but did not generalize into the classroom setting. Classroom teachers found the intervention procedures and the behavioral changes in participants to be socially valid. Several implications for practice can be derived from the findings of the present study.
Marital Quality: A Product of the Dyadic Environment or Individual Factors?

Using longitudinal datafrom a nationalprobability sample ofpersons maried in 1980, we attempted to ascertain whether stability in marital quality ratings is due to the dyadic properties of the relationship or to the personality or socialfactors brought by individuals to marriage. An analysis of marital quality with two successive partners coupled with data on marital quality over time with the same partner suggests that stability in marital quality is due largely to the dyadic perception of the relationship. However, some individuals carry personal traits from one marriage to the next that bear on marital quality. Little is known about the stability of marital quality across successive marriages. With an increase in the percent of all marriages involving a remarriage (currently around 40%) for one or both partners and the majority of divorced persons remarrying (Coleman & Ganong 1990) the question of whether the marital interaction patterns and evaluations experienced in the failed marriage carry over into the remarriage is an important substantive issue. Marital quality has been shown to have important effects on two domains of
Data-Driven Fault Detection in Aircraft Engines With Noisy Sensor Measurements

An inherent difficulty in sensor-data-driven fault detection is that the detection performance could be drastically reduced under sensor degradation (e.g., drift and noise). Complementary to traditional model-based techniques for fault detection, this paper proposes symbolic dynamic filtering by optimally partitioning the time series data of sensor observation. The objective here is to mask the effects of sensor noise level variation and magnify the system fault signatures. In this regard, the concepts of feature extraction and pattern classification are used for fault detection in aircraft gas turbine engines. The proposed methodology of data-driven fault detection is tested and validated on the Commercial Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation (C-MAPSS ) test-bed developed by NASA for noisy (i.e., increased variance) sensor signals.
Metacognitive knowledge and online awareness in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Background Recent models of self-awareness draw a distinction between intellectual awareness (metacognitive knowledge of disabilities) and online awareness of errors (emergent and anticipatory awareness). Objective The present study compared these two types of self-awareness (metacognitive knowledge of disabilities and online awareness) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy participants. The relationship between self-awareness and functional performance was also examined. Methods Participants included 18 individuals with MS and 16 healthy controls (HC) between the ages of 27 and 60. Intellectual awareness was assessed via discrepancy scores on the Functional Behavior Profile (FBP) between participants and their informants. Online Awareness was examined using self-prediction and self-assessment of performance on a functional task. Results Participants with MS had significantly lower levels of intellectual awareness relative to HCs. The MS group demonstrated worse prediction online awareness than HCs. However, assessment online awareness did not differ between groups, indicating that experience with a task can improve online awareness in persons with MS. Conclusion This study highlights the necessity of adopting a multidimensional approach to assessing the multifaceted phenomenon of self-awareness in MS. In addition, it provides initial evidence to support a self-awareness treatment model for persons with MS.