cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel optical cross polarization converters based on slotted nanoantennas

The capability to manipulate the polarization state of electromagnetic waves and light is important in optical systems. Metamaterial (MM) as an alternative to manipulate the wave polarization state have drawn considerable attention due to its attractive characteristics, such as near zero refractive index, cloaking, etc. Thus a number of electromagnetic wave polarizer and wave plate have been realized through anisotropic and chiral MMs. Researchers have discovered that the strong polarization dependence is highly related to the localized surface plasmon excitations induced by the nanoscale composite element in these MMs. Correspondingly, it is found that the resulting polarization converters based on MMs suffer from narrow operating bandwidth. Therefore, it is highly desirable to design broadband and multiple-band polarization converters that can realize different polarization conversions.
Clinical Implications of JUPITER (Justification for the Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) in a U.S. Population : Insights From the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study

Objectives The purpose of this study is to describe the proportion of “JUPITER-eligible” (Justification for the Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) individuals and clinical outcomes of individuals based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) strata in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study. Background Questions remain after the JUPITER study, including whether the observed cardiovascular disease (CVD) event rates would persist with time and how these event rates would compare with other populations (lower hs-CRP and/or higher LDL-C levels). Methods After stratification into 4 groups based on LDL-C and hs-CRP levels, with cutoffs at 130 mg/dl and 2.0 mg/l, respectively, incident CVD events were examined (mean follow-up, 6.9 years) and compared. Results Of 8,907 age-eligible participants, 18.2% (n = 1,621) were JUPITER-eligible (hs-CRP ≥2.0 mg/l, LDL-C Conclusions ARIC participants with elevated hs-CRP and low LDL-C had a CVD event rate of 1.57% per year over 6.9 years, similar to the CVD event rate noted in the JUPITER study placebo group (1.36% per year over 1.9 years). The association of hs-CRP ≥2.0 mg/l with increased CVD risk and mortality regardless of LDL-C provides us a simple method of using age and hs-CRP level for identifying higher risk individuals. (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study; NCT00005131)
Long-range orientation correlation in dipolar liquids probed by hyper-Rayleigh scattering

Hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) is sensitive to long-range molecular orientation correlation in isotropic liquids composed of dipolar molecules. The correlation functions that appear in the calculation of HRS mediated by the vector part of the first hyperpolarizability β are the same as the correlation functions for the homogeneous isotropic random vector fields that appear in the description of fluid turbulence. Recent experiments measuring the angle and polarization dependence of HRS from water find a dominant transverse mode contribution with amplitude independent of the scattering wavevector, and this observation of transverse mode HRS strongly constrains the form of the orientation correlation function. Analysis of these HRS results for water determines that the long-range molecular orientation correlation function varies as r(-3±e) with |e| < 0.03 on spatial scales up to 2000 nm.
A new class of aromatic dianhydrides for thermostable polyimides

A method to prepare a new class of dianhydrides is outlined. A representative polyimide, PPI, has been prepared by a two-stage condensation reaction between polyphenylated dianhydride and 3,6-diamino-9-hexylcarbazole. The PPI is readily soluble in common organic solvents, and shows only 10 wt % loss at 555 °C.
Performance of a new DNA probe for the detection of group B streptococcal colonization of the genital tract

Objective: To test the performance characteristics of a new DNA probe designed for the rapid identification of heavy colonization of the genital tract with group B streptococci. Methods: Vaginal and combined vaginal-perianal samples were collected from 193 pregnant women and cultured on colistin-nalidixic acid agar plates. Bacterial growth was classified semiquantitatively. Specimens were also tested by a new DNA probe in two formats: a direct assay performed on the swabs soon after collection and an assay performed after the swabs were incubated for 24 hours in an enriched culture medium. Results: The agar cultures were positive in 36 of 193 patients (18.6%, 95% confidence interval 13.2–24). Nineteen women were lightly colonized, and 17 were heavily colonized (at least 10 4 colonies/mL). The combined vaginal-perianal swabs yielded positive results more often than the vaginal swabs alone (26 versus 16, χ 2 = 24, P Conclusion: The direct assay is insufficiently sensitive for clinical use. The delayed assay offers no advantage over standard cultures.
What’s new in the treatment of portopulmonary hypertension?

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a complication of portal hypertension characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling that can lead to right heart failure and death. Differentiation of POPH from other causes of pulmonary hypertension, such as volume overload or a hyperdynamic high flow state, is critical because a diagnosis of POPH has significant implications for liver transplant risk stratification, Model for End Stage Liver Disease exception points, and the use of pulmonary arterial hypertension-(PAH) specific therapy. Currently, there are 12 approved medications for the treatment of PAH in the US, and three of these were approved in 2013. This review will discuss the diagnosis, evaluation and management of POPH and the role of recently approved PAH therapies in the treatment of POPH.
Hepatic veno-occlusive disease☆

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease is a nonthrombotic obliteration of small intrahepatic veins by loose connective tissue. The venous occlusion may be progressive and lead to massive hepatocellular necrosis. Although originally described as a result of intoxication with plant alkaloids, it is now seen as a complication of high-dose antineoplastic chemotherapy, especially in the setting of bone marrow transplantation. The incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease after bone marrow transplantation approaches 20 percent, with mortality ranging from 7 to 50 percent. The clinical diagnosis may be quite accurate (as confirmed by biopsy or autopsy) and is based on the triad of jaundice, hepatomegaly and/or right upper quadrant pain, and ascites or unexplained weight gain. The pathogenesis is obscure but most likely relates to drug-induced venous endothelial damage. At the present time, therapy for veno-occlusive disease of the liver remains supportive. As intensive chemotherapy regimens (with or without bone marrow support) become more widely applied, it is expected that this disease will be encountered more frequently.
An improved penalty method for power-law Stokes problems

For the numerical approximation of fluid flow phenomena, it is often highly desirable to decouple the equations defining conservation of momentum and conservation of mass by using a penalty function method. The current penalty function methods for power-law Stokes fluids converge at a sublinear rate with respect to the penalty parameter. In this article, we show theoretically and numerically that a linear penalty function approximation to a power-law Stokes problem yields a higher-order accuracy over the known nonlinear penalty method. Theoretically, finite element approximation of the linear penalty function method is shown to satisfy an improved order of approximation with respect to the penalty parameter. The numerical experiments presented in the paper support the theoretical results and satisfy a linear order of approximation.
Enzymatic synthesis of dihydrosirohydrochlorin (precorrin-2) and of a novel pyrrocorphin by uroporphyrinogen III methylase.

Uroporphyrinogen III methylase was purified from a recombinant hemB-strain of E. coli harbouring a plasmid containing the cysG gene. N-terminal analysis of this purified protein gave an amino acid sequence corresponding to that predicted from the genetic code. From the u.v./visible spectrum of the reaction catalysed by this SAM dependent methylase it was possible to observe the sequential appearance of the chromophores of a dipyrrocorphin and subsequently of a pyrrocorphin. Confirmation of this transformation was obtained from 13C-NMR studies when it was demonstrated, for the first time directly, that uroporphyrinogen is initially converted into dihydrosirohydrochlorin (precorrin-2) and then, by further methylation, into a novel trimethylpyrrocorphin.
Alcohol and inflammation and infection: clinical and experimental systems—summary of the 2010 Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group Meeting

The 15th annual meeting of the Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group was held on November 19, 2010, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL. This year, the focus of the meeting was on alcohol's effect on the immune system in both clinical and experimental systems. The event consisted of three sessions, which featured plenary talks from invited speakers along with oral presentations from selected abstracts, in addition to a poster session. Participants presented a variety of information on ethanol-induced effects on infection susceptibility and resolution, oxidative stress, and organ inflammation. Specifically, speakers presented new insights on the mechanism of alcohol-mediated deleterious effects in the lung, liver, skin, and neuroendocrine system, as well as on immune cells in both in vivo and in vitro systems. Additional oral presentations suggested possible mechanisms of how alcohol-induced reactive oxygen species promote immune dysregulation both locally and systemically.
Population dynamics of the Colorado potato beetle (coleoptera:chrysomelidae) in western Massachusetts

Population trends for first-and second-generation Colorado potato beetle (CPB),Leptimtarsa decemlineata (Say), on potato in western Massachusetts were examined using density estimates obtained from direct counts of eggs, early and late instars, and adults. There was a range of phenologies and relative sizes of first-and second-generation populations. The size of the first generation was largely determined by the density of colonizing adults; however, even very low numbers of colonizing adults were sufficient to initiate damaging populations. The number of adults produced one year was not a good predictor of the number of colonizing adults the following year. This study indicated that dispersal was an important factor driving CPB population dynamics. Because dispersal and overwintering mortality greatly reduce the number of adults surviving from one year to the next within the same field, we suggest that reduction of end-of-season adult populations is not efficacious, and that control efforts should focus on reducing the number of colonizing adults by rotating fields, delaying planting dates or using a trap crop.
Morphology and water resistance of mixed silane films of bis[3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl]tetrasulfide and bis -[trimethoxysilylpropyl ]amine

Functional organosilanes are powerful interface-active agents that find applications as adhesion promoters as well as optical, dielectric and protective coatings. Bis-silanes are of particular interest because they are highly crosslinked leading to very robust films. In almost all applications, the water resistance of the films is a critical performance measure. Here we use neutron reflectivity to address the effect of bridging group on the hydrothermal response of bis-silane films prepared using bis[3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl]tetrasulfide and bis-[trimethoxysilylpropyl]amine. Neat and mixed films are examined as-prepared, after exposure to water vapor and then in the re-dried state. The bridging group is the key factor that controls the morphology and water resistance of silane films. Although bis-sulfur silane is not as condensed as bis-amino silane, bis-sulfur swells less in water because of the hydrophobic nature of bridging group. The reflectivity of bis-sulfur silane film is reversible after room-temperature water conditioning but not at 80 °C, indicating chemical alternation of the film at 80 °C. The water resistance of mixed silane is roughly that of both components weighted by their volume fraction. But based on the enhanced shrinkage that occurs following water-vapor conditioning of the mixed film, condensation is accelerated in the mixed silane. Regarding the precursor solution, bis-amino silane may act as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of bis-sulfur silane leading to more silanols in the solution and further condensation in the film. Variation in the structure normal to the substrate is also examined by swelling the film with d-nitrobenzene, a non-reacting swelling agent.
What do consumers really know about spyware

Technology has revolutionized information collection and distribution to the point where marketers have expanded and implemented new technologies to enable efficient consumer information acquisition. Such sophisticated data collection methods have raised serious concerns about consumer privacy, as some marketers have quickly discovered ways to abuse this power.
Infinite-source, ample-server control variate models for fininte-source, finite-server repairable item systems

A new modeling idea for comparing infinite-source, ample-server models (∞/∞) and finite-source, finite-server models (f/f) is considered. This comparison provides an estimate of the error when approximating an f/f system with an ∞/∞ system, and allows analytical solutions of the ∞/∞ model to be used as control variates. This approach is applied to estimate the difference in performance between an M/G/∞ queueing system (∞/∞) and the classical machine repair problem (f/f) and the difference in performance between infinite-source, ample-server multiechelon repairable item inventory systems and finite-source, finite-server multiechelon systems. Using an ∞/∞ model as a control variate is shown to be an effective variance reduction technique for estimating the performance of many f/f systems.
Paleoclassical transport in low-collisionality toroidal plasmas

Radial electron heat transport in a low-collisionality, current-carrying resistive plasma confined in an axisymmetric toroidal magnetic field is hypothesized to be caused by the paleoclassical collisional processes of parallel electron heat conduction and radial magnetic-field diffusion. The electron distribution is Maxwellianized and the electron temperature equilibrated over a long length L (⪢ the poloidal periodicity half-length πR0q) along helical magnetic-field lines that are diffusing radially with the resistivity-induced magnetic-field diffusivity Dη≡η‖nc∕μ0≃νe(c∕ωp)2. This produces a paleoclassical radial electron heat diffusivity χepc that is a multiple M≃L∕(πR0q)∼10⪢1 of the magnetic-field diffusivity: χepc≃(3∕2)MDη. New paleoclassical model developments in this paper include full axisymmetric toroidal magnetic-field geometry, evolution of toroidal, poloidal, and helical magnetic fluxes, effects of temporally varying magnetic fluxes, introduction of electron guiding center radial diffusion effec...
Yang's gravitational field equations

I examine the field equations for the gravitational field in vacuo recently proposed by Yang. Similarities with the orthodox theory are pointed out but the equations appear to afford several "unphysical" solutions which will require investigation.
A longitudinal study of hand preference in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

A longitudinal study of hand preferences was assessed in a sample of 53 captive chimpanzees. Four measures of laterality assessed during the first 3 months of life were correlated with three measures of hand preferences assessed when the subjects were between 2 and 5 years of age. In addition, the effect of rearing environment on juvenile hand preferences was assessed in a larger sample of 83 chimpanzees. Overall, some early asymmetries were predictive of juvenile hand preferences, notably head orientation and hand-to-hand activities, and a defensive grasping response. No significant effects of rearing on hand preferences were found but males were more right-handed than females for two of the three juvenile measures. The results are discussed within the context of different developmental models of hand preference in humans.
ERCP findings in idiopathic pancreatitis: patients who are cystic fibrosis gene positive and negative

Background Our series of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis (IP) found a cystic fibrosis (CF) gene abnormality in 19% compared with 3.5% in patients without pancreatitis. Objective The objective was to determine whether the CF gene predicts more severe ERP findings. Design This was a retrospective case-control study. Setting and Patients From July 1998 to August 2004, CF gene analysis was performed in 819 patients with IP via Genzyme Genetics. The panel tests for 70 to 87 alleles and has a detection rate of more than 90% of the cases. Sixty-nine patients (8.4%) who had at least one CF gene positive mutation were the study cohort. A total of 218 patients with IP and negative CF gene mutation were randomly selected from our database to be in the control group. Main Outcome Measurements Pancreatograms were evaluated for chronic pancreatitis (CP) based on Cambridge criteria. The results of the gene analysis were not available at the time of pancreatogram interpretation. Results Among patients positive for the CF gene, 42 (61%) were women. The mean age at intervention was 40 years (range 14-80 years), and 48 patients (70%) had cholecystectomy. Among patients who were negative for the CF gene, 147 (67%) were women. The mean age at intervention was 41 years (range 9-89 years), and 125 patients (57%) had cholecystectomy. Compared with controls, cases had higher incidence of CP (62% v s. 48%, p = 0.05), grade III CP (35% vs. 18%, p = 0.004), pseudocysts (12% v s. 4%, p = 0.036) and pancreatic strictures (20% vs. 8%, p = 0.008). Limitations The limitations of the study were (1) retrospective design and (2) the panel used tests only for 70 to 87 alleles (of approximately, 900 CF transmembrane conductance regulator genes known). Conclusions The mean age at intervention in both groups was similar. CP, grade III CP, pseudocysts, and pancreatic strictures were more common among patients who were CF gene positive.
Surface diffeomorphisms via train-tracks

Abstract In this paper we describe an algorithm to classify a given surface diffeomorphism in the sense of Thurston. We show that the algorithm can be put into a computer with exponential time in terms of the length of the word representing the diffeomorphism. The algorithm is based on the piecewise linear action of the mapping class group on the space of measured train-tracks (measured geodesic laminations), which was first noticed by Thurston. We use a new coordinate system for the space of measured train-tracks, which is based on the action of the mapping class group on the fundamental group of the surface, first used by Nielsen. We first discuss the algorithm for a punctured surface, and then describe the necessary modifications in the case of a closed surface. We will also indicate the relation with the Birman-Series conditions for linear action of a diffeomorphism on a set of simple closed curves. We also present some open questions.
Plasmodium berghei: heat-treated sporozoite vaccination of mice.

Abstract Repeated intravenous (IV) immunizing injections with 25,000 Plasmodium berghei heat-treated sporozoites gave an average protection of 13% in five experiments (0–53%). Four injections of 105 sporozoites gave 50% protection, seven injections of 105 gave 37% protection, and six injections of 105 gave 11% protection. Viable spleen cells (1.2 × 108) from twice challenged immune syngenic mice did not protect naive mice against iv challenge. Six ip injections of the supernatant of Parr Bomb disintegrated sporozoites gave no protection against ip challenge, but 7 ip injections gave 40% protection. Centrifuged pellets from French Pressure Cell-disintegrated sporozoites gave almost no protection either iv, sc, or ip. The supernatant was disc-electrophoresed and compared to normal mosquito heads and salivary glands in order to select sporozoite bands for immunizing injections. Results were discussed with respect to uniformity of antigen batches.
Unusual cytoplasmic organelles and inclusions of hepatocytes in pediatric hepatic disorders

Abstract Electron microscopic observations of 103 cases of selective liver biopsies have been studied over the past seven years. These biopsies were obtained from patients up to age thirteen expressing conditions of metabolic diseases or diseases of viral origin. A few examples of unusual cytoplasmic organelles of morphologic interest seen in pediatric disorders are presented.
Superior oblique tendon incarceration syndrome.

Objective To describe the clinical features, etiology, and management of superior oblique tendon incarceration syndrome. Methods This series consists of all patients I treated between September 15, 1974, and March 1, 2006, for restrictive hypertropia in which the superior oblique tendon was found scarred to the superior rectus muscle insertion after prior surgery. Results Twenty eyes in 18 patients were included in this series. The mean ± SD hypertropia of the affected eye was 15.4 ± 9.0 prism diopters, and the mean ± SD incyclotropia was 15.0° ± 3.5°. Causes of superior oblique tendon incarceration syndrome included prior superior rectus muscle resection, recession, plication, or transposition; superior oblique tendon recession, disinsertion, or posterior tenectomy; and scleral buckling surgery. The syndrome was difficult to treat and required a mean ± SD of 1.9 ± 0.7 additional surgical procedures to correct. Conclusions Superior oblique tendon incarceration syndrome is a complication of surgery on the superior rectus muscle or superior oblique tendon that can result in restrictive hypertropia and incyclotropia. Proper handling of the connection between the superior oblique tendon and superior rectus muscle at the time of surgery may prevent this complication, which can be difficult to treat.
The skeleton in the cognitive map: a computational and empirical exploration

Experts seem to find routes in complex environments by finding a connection from the source to a “skeleton” of major paths, then moving within the skeleton to the neighborhood of the destination, making a final connection to the destination. The authors present a computational hypothesis that describes the skeleton as emerging from the interaction of three factors: (a) The topological map is represented as a bipartite graph of places and paths, where a path is a one-dimensional ordered set of places; (b) a traveler incrementally accumulates topological relationships, including the relation of a place to a path serving as a dividing boundary separating two regions; and (c) the wayfinding algorithm prefers paths rich in boundary relations so they are likely to acquire more boundary relations. This positive-feedback loop leads to an oligarchy of paths rich in boundary relations. The authors present preliminary computational and empirical tests for this hypothesis, and provide initial results.
Origin of Lunar Maria

Lunar maria are not simply large lunar craters. Most craters have raised rims; most maria are bordered partly or wholly by broad zones of downwarping. A satisfactory theory for the origin of maria must provide a genetic link between the origin of the depression and the origin of the material which floors it. This paper advances the concept that the maria are the result of giant meteorite impacts with resultant magma formation, circumferential slumping, nuee-ardente eruption, and pooling in topographic low areas. Slumped rims of craters occur on craters with a diameter of 20 ± 5 km or larger. Terrestrial slumps can be shown to be caused by removal of lateral support and movement of the mass initiated by yielding near the base of the free face. Accepting the theory that most lunar craters were formed by impact, then craters over 20 ± 5 km in diameter, but not smaller, penetrated to depths where temperatures were such as to permit the rock to deform rapidly in the lower part of the crater wall. Slumps thus may provide a clue to the thermal gradient in the outer part of the Moon at the time of slumping. Craters 100 km or more in diameter appear to have slumped rims of such magnitude that magma formation and flow is indicated. Frothing of the magma (formation of nuees ardentes) in the low gravity and hard vacuum on the Moon seems likely, as has been demonstrated by laboratory experiments. Mare-scale eruptions indicate ignimbrites of thousands of cubic kilometers (same order of size as the largest terrestrial ignimbrites) and slumping of the St. Lawrence type. This concept implies that the typical mare is floored by a stratigraphic sequence consisting of: (a) the fall-back breccia and partly molten material of the first eruptive phase, (b) an ignimbrite representing the normal nuee-ardente phase of the same eruption, (c) ignimbrites representing younger eruptions elsewhere on the Moon, and (d) minor lava flows. Lunar ignimbrites explain differences in elevation of adjacent flat regions separated by mountains or crater rims; eliminate the necessity of individual feeders to furnish molten material to floor each crater as well as the surrounding plains by the same age and type of material; and allow the preservation, with reduced relief, of pre-existing topography (“ghost craters” and other compaction features common in ignimbrite terrains).
Ice-rubble accumulation beneath barges in ice-covered waters

This experimentally based study was aimed at determining the equilibrium thicknesses and forms of icerubble accumulations beneath barges moving through ice-covered channels. In addition to significantly increasing the resistance encountered by barges, severe accumulations of ice rubble may cause them to ground and become stuck on channel beds or on exit sills of locks. It is shown that significant amounts of ice may accumulate beneath a barge moving at creeping speed through a navigation channel covered by a sheet of ice, and that accumulation thickness decreases with increasing barge speed. A barge moving slowly through a cover of broken ice, however, may develop a false-bow which deflects ice rubble around the barge such that little ice accumulates beneath it. Increasing barge speed caused more ice to be swept beneath the barge as the false-bow diminishes in size, and eventually a wave-form accumulation develops beneath it. With further increases in speed, accumulation thickness diminishes. An analogy i...
Feeding impairments associated with plasma sterols in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Objective To quantitatively evaluate feeding impairment in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) and to correlate feeding impairment with clinical and biochemical indices of disease severity. Study design The study subjects were 26 children with SLOS ranging in age from 0.4 to 19 years. Clinical severity was measured using an existing scoring system. We created a tool to quantitatively evaluate feeding. Plasma sterol concentrations were measured, and statistical associations (correlations) with feeding scores were calculated. Results Oral hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity, adverse behaviors, and risk for dysphagia were seen in ∼65% of the children with SLOS. Thirteen of the 26 children experienced failure to thrive, and 10 children required gastrostomy. Plasma concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol, as a measure of severity, was correlated with total feeding score and oral function subcategory score ( P 0.24 mmol/L or cholesterol concentration Conclusion Feeding impairment is common and complex in patients with SLOS. Our findings confirm that oral sensitivities, adverse feeding behaviors, and risk of oral phase dysphagia are amenable to quantitative evaluation and analysis. Feeding difficulties in children with SLOS are correlated with plasma sterol concentrations, suggesting a link between the biochemical severity of SLOS and feeding function. These findings expand the behavioral phenotype of SLOS and begin to provide insight into the biological causes of feeding difficulties.
AN OUTBREAK OF HEMOLYTIC-UREMIC SYNDROME IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Between July and November 1982, 14 cases of hemolyticuremic syndrome (HUS) occurred in the Sacramento, California, metropolitan area. In the 42-month period prior to July 1982, only 4 cases could be identified by a retrospective review of discharge diagnoses in Sacramento area hospitals. Nine patients lived within a 7.5-mile radius in northeast Sacramento. Ten patients were female, 12 were white, and 13 were children (mean age 3.6 years). Thirteen of the 14 patients were hospitalized, seven required peritoneal dialysis, and one died. Twelve of the 13 survivors had diarrhea prior to hospitalization. A case-control study, involving 11 cases and 22 controls matched for age, sex, race, and primary-care physician, did not reveal any significant differences in exposure to a variety of possible risk factors including restaurants, specific foods, and water supply. Although HUS has occurred in association with enteroviruses, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Shigella, we were unable to isolate any of these organisms from the stool specimens of 5 patients during the acute illness. In addition, a recent report has suggested that Vero-toxin producing E. coli may be associated with HUS; we were also unable to islolate these organisms. Examination of stools for presence of the toxin and serum for presence of antibody to the toxin are pending.
Quantum ergodicity and a quantum measure algebra

A quantum ergodic theory for finite systems (such as isolated molecules) is developed by introducing the concept of a quantum measure algebra. The basic concept in classical ergodic theory is that of a measure space. A measure space is a set M, together with a specified sigma algebra of subsets in M and a measure defined on that algebra. A sigma algebra is closed under the formation of intersections and symmetric differences. A measure is a nonnegative and countably additive set function. For this to be further classified as a dynamical system, a measurable transformation is introduced. A measurable transformation is a mapping from a measure space into a measure space, such that the inverse image of every measurable set is measurable. In conservative dynamical systems, a measurable transformation is measure preserving, which is to say that the inverse image of every measurable set has the same measure as the original set. Once the measure space and the measurable transformation are defined, ergodic theory...
False consensus and adolescent peer contagion: Examining discrepancies between perceptions and actual reported levels of friends' deviant and health risk behaviors

Adolescents’ perceptions of their friends’ behavior strongly predict adolescents’ own behavior, however, these perceptions often are erroneous. This study examined correlates of discrepancies between adolescents’ perceptions and friends’ reports of behavior. A total of 120 11th-grade adolescents provided data regarding their engagement in deviant and health risk behaviors, as well as their perceptions of the behavior of their best friend, as identified through sociometric assessment. Data from friends’ own report were used to calculate discrepancy measures of adolescents’ overestimations and estimation errors (absolute value of discrepancies) of friends’ behavior. Adolescents also completed a measure of friendship quality, and a sociometric assessment yielding measures of peer acceptance/rejection and aggression. Findings revealed that adolescents’ peer rejection and aggression were associated with greater overestimations of friends’ behavior. This effect was partially mediated by adolescents’ own behavior, consistent with a false consensus effect. Low levels of positive friendship quality were significantly associated with estimation errors, but not overestimations specifically.
Coordination of Instruction and Reinforcement as Enhancers of the Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instruction:

Three conditions of administration of drill-and-practice computer-assisted instruction were studied: CAI lessons coordinated with formal classroom instruction, CAI with reinforcement for good performance, and CAI alone. Seventy-seven grade 4 to 8 remedial students studied reading; 124 studied math. All three groups gained in achievement. In reading, the reinforcement condition was most effective, with no significant difference between CAI with coordinated instruction and CAI alone. In math, CAI with coordinated instruction was most effective, with no significant difference between CAI with reinforcement and CAI alone. It was concluded that type of administration affects CAI effectiveness, that motivation may strongly affect achievement in reading, and that formal instruction combined with CAI is essential for conceptual understanding in mathematics.
ADCYAP1R1 Genotype Associates With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Highly Traumatized African-American Females

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptor (PAC1) play a critical role in biological processes that mediate stress response and have been implicated in psychological outcome following trauma. Our previous work [Ressler et al. (2011); Nature 470:492-497] demonstrated that a variant, rs2267735, in the gene encoding PAC1 (ADCYAP1R1) is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a primarily African-American cohort of highly traumatized females. We sought to extend and replicate our previous finding in a similarly trauma-exposed, replicate sample of 1,160 African-American adult male and female patients. Self-reported psychiatric measures were collected, and DNA was obtained for genetic analysis. Using linear regression models to test for association with PTSD symptom severity under an additive (allelic) model, we found a genotype × trauma interaction in females (P 0.1); however, there was no main effect of genotype as in our previous study. The observed interaction suggests a genetic association that increases with the degree of trauma exposure in females only. This interaction remained significant in females, but not males, after controlling for age (P 0.1), demonstrating the relative specificity of this variant for PTSD symptoms. A meta-analysis with the previously reported African-American samples revealed a strong association between PTSD symptom severity and the interaction between trauma and genotype in females (N = 1424, P < 0.0001).
Catalytic partial oxidation of methane on rhodium and platinum: Spatial profiles at elevated pressure

Abstract Catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) of methane is a potential technology for conversion of methane into synthesis gas, because the process operates autothermally with millisecond residence times and at high temperatures ( > 800 ° C) with no external heating. In an industrial setting, it is required to operate the process at elevated pressure. In this work we present spatially resolved data on the effect of pressure on CPO of methane on Rh- and Pt-coated foams from 0.1 to 1.1 MPa total pressure. There is little effect of pressure over Rh on rate at constant mass flow rate, which can be explained by mass transfer limitations. At constant linear inlet velocity the oxidation zone is extended with increasing pressure, again in accordance with mass transfer limitations. On Pt increasing pressure at constant mass flow rate leads to faster oxygen consumption and higher H2 production because of higher operating temperature and longer residence times. Catalyst deactivation was not observed for Rh, but initial deactivation was observed for Pt.
Type II extinction profile of maximal solutions to the Ricci flow in ℝ2

We consider the Cauchy problem for the logarithmic fast diffusion equation u t =Δlog u in ℝ2 with u(x,0)=u 0(x)≥0, corresponding to the evolution of the metric g ij :=u dx i dx j by the Ricci flow. It is well known that the maximal (complete) solution u vanishes identically after time $T=\frac{1}{4\pi}\int_{\mathbb{R}^{2}}u_{0}$ . Assuming that u 0 is compactly supported, we provide a precise description of the type II vanishing behavior of u at time T: we show the existence of an inner region with exponentially fast vanishing profile, up to proper scaling, a soliton cigar solution, and the existence of an outer region of persistence of a logarithmic cusp. This result recovers rigorously formal asymptotics derived by King (Philos. Trans. R. Soc., Lond. A 343:337–375, 1993).
Grayscale laser image formation using a programmable binary mask

We present grayscale laser image formation from a programmable binary mask using a digital micromirror device (DMD) followed by a telescope with an adjustable pinhole low-pass filter. System performance was measured by comparing the intensity conformity with respect to the target image and by the energy conversion efficiency. A theoretical analysis of image precision proved high-precision image formation and inspired the iterative pattern refinement process based on the point spread function of a single DMD pixel to seek optimized image quality. We derived the diffraction efficiency formula of the DMD and discussed the overall system energy efficiency with operation wavelengths. Actual image precision performance was evaluated by measuring the root-mean-square (RMS) error of a series of sinusoidal-flattop profiles with different system bandwidths. We produced grayscale laser images with different spatial spectral content using intensity profiles of Laguerre-Gaussian, Hermite-Gaussian, and Lena-flattop beams. Measured RMS errors of all examples of various bandwidths were consistent with the image precision of the sinusoidal reference patterns. The ripple effect caused by the sharp-edged pinhole was the major contributor to the residual error in the output images. Error histograms had a zero-mean Gaussian distribution with standard deviation equal to the value of the RMS error.
Process Chemistry Related to the Experimental Rice Herbicide 2,2-Dimethyl-1-(4-methylthio-5-pyrimidinyl)indane

Two concise syntheses of the experimental rice herbicide 2,2-dimethyl-1-(4-methylthio-5-pyrimidinyl)indane are reported. The initial synthesis relies on a low-temperature addition of 5-lithio-4-methylthiopyrimidine to 2,2-dimethyl-1-indanone to construct the pyrimidinylindane system. Process improvements to this route are described and resulted in the preparation of 90 kg of the title compound on pilot plant scale. Economics dictated the need to identify a new synthetic route which utilized inexpensive raw materials. Detailed herein is the initial discovery of a new route which features a novel combination of dissolving metal reduction/formylation/cyclization to construct the requisite pyrimidine ring. Process improvements to this chemistry have allowed us to deliver an appropriately substituted pyrimidinylindane in a minimal number of synthetic operations.
Geographic Variation in Stroke Mortality in Blacks and Whites in the United States

Background and Purpose We sought to determine whether the “Stroke Belt” has continued to shift and to assess variation in geographic patterns by age, sex, and race. Methods Mortality data for Health Service Areas for 1988 to 1992 were used for analyses of geographic mortality patterns for stroke by race, sex, and age (50, 70, and 90 years). Results In 1988 to 1992, considerable geographic variation in stroke mortality was demonstrated for each sex/race group. In black and white women and men, previously described high mortality in the southeastern United States persisted. Mortality rates were generally higher in the South than in the North and in the East than in the West. Compared with data from 1962 to 1988, there was a continuation of the previously described westward shift of high-rate areas to the Mississippi River valley, a trend more marked at age 50 years than at 70 or 90 years. Although rates in the Pacific region were low overall, a surprising area of high rates was seen in southern California among women at all three ages examined. Conclusions In whites, rapid declines in stroke mortality in the Southeast have left West South Central states with relatively high mortality rates; this trend may continue as younger cohorts age. However, rates in the Southeast also remain high, especially for blacks.
In Vitro Hydrolysis of Fats by Lipase and Bile Salts

SummaryA method is presented for the in vitro hydrolysis of fats by bile salts and lipase. In this method an attempt is made to simulate body conditions of temperature, enzyme action, gut motility, and emulsification. The hydrolysis reaches an equilibrium point after about 24 hours, when about 24% of the fat has been broken down.
Agricultural best management practices for Conesus Lake: The role of extension and soil/water conservation districts

Small sub-watersheds of the Conesus Lake catchment were the site of a project evaluating the ability of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) to maintain soil and nutrients on the landscape and to reduce the impact of agriculture on downstream aquatic systems. Local agricultural agencies, with participation of local farmers, joined with scientists to focus attention on watershed issues, to develop and foster a sense of stewardship among the farming community, and to assist and coordinate collaboration among academic researchers, governing bodies, and the agricultural community. Cornell Cooperative Extension served as a liaison and as a resource and assisted in the development and implementation of voluntary BMPs in selected sub-watersheds of Conesus Lake. We discuss our approach to working with producers, the selection of watersheds for management, and our decision-making process for implementation of BMPs. Decisions to establish traditional structural and nonstructural management practices on sub-watersheds of Conesus Lake were based on field assessments, soil testing, the Phosphorus Index, and the software package Cornell Cropware. For example, the use of soil testing and the Cornell Cropware software allowed the cooperating farms to apply fertilizer only as needed for optimum crop production. Farmers achieved cost savings because previous plans had not given enough credit to soil reserves, manure, and sod crop nutrients. Low-cost voluntary practices based on well-established agricultural management practices have been combined with cost-shared (structural) practices in Conesus Lake watersheds to mitigate the impact of agricultural runoff on water quality and to improve cost efficiency of agricultural operations.
ERGR: An ethanol-related gene resource

Over the last decade rapid progress has been made in the study of ethanol-related traits including alcohol abuse and dependence, and behavioral responses to ethanol in both humans and animal models. To collect, curate, integrate these results so as to make them easily accessible and interpretable for researchers, we developed ERGR, a comprehensive ethanol-related gene resource. We collected and curated more than 30 large-scale data sets including linkage, association and microarray gene expression from the literature and 21 mouse QTLs from public databases. At present, the ERGR deposits ethanol-related information of approximately 7000 genes from five organisms: human (3311), mouse (2129), rat (679), fly (614) and worm (228). ERGR provides gene annotations and orthologs, detailed gene study information (e.g. fold changes of gene expression, P-values), and both the text and BLAST searches. Moreover, ERGR has data integration tools such as for data union and intersection, and candidate gene selection based on evidence in multiple datasets or organisms. The ERGR database is evolving with new data releases. More functions will also be added. ERGR has a user-friendly web interface with browse and search functions at multiple levels. It is freely available at http://bioinfo.vipbg.vcu.edu/ERGR/.
Evolution of abyssal lavas along propagating segments of the Galapagos spreading center

Abstract The unusual petrological diversity of abyssal lavas erupted along some segments of the Galapagos spreading center is a direct consequence of the propagation (elongation) of these segments into older oceanic crust. With increasing distance behind propagating rift tips, relatively unfractionated MORB erupted close to the tips are joined first by FeTi basalts (bimodal assemblage) and then by a wide range of basaltic and siliceous lavas. Further behind propagating rift tips, this broad range diminishes again, approaching the narrow compositional range of adjacent normal ridge segments. These compositional variations reflect the evolution of the subaxial magmatic system beneath the newly forming spreading center as it propagates through a pre-existing plate. We envisage this evolution as proceeding from small, isolated, ephemeral magma chambers through increasing numbers of larger, increasingly interconnected chambers to the steady-state buffered system of a normal ridge. Throughout this evolution, magma supply rates gradually increase and cooling rates of crustal magma bodies decrease. High degrees of crystal fractionation are favored only when a delicate balance between cooling rate and resupply rate of primitive magma is achieved. At other propagating and non-propagating ridge-transform intersections the degree to which the balance is achieved and the length of ridge over which it evolves control the distribution of fractionated lavas. These effects may be evaluated provided a number of tectonic variables including transform length, spreading and propagation rates are taken into account.
Fast human detection for indoor mobile robots using depth images

A human detection algorithm running on an indoor mobile robot has to address challenges including occlusions due to cluttered environments, changing backgrounds due to the robot's motion, and limited on-board computational resources. We introduce a fast human detection algorithm for mobile robots equipped with depth cameras. First, we segment the raw depth image using a graph-based segmentation algorithm. Next, we apply a set of parameterized heuristics to filter and merge the segmented regions to obtain a set of candidates. Finally, we compute a Histogram of Oriented Depth (HOD) descriptor for each candidate, and test for human presence with a linear SVM. We experimentally evaluate our approach on a publicly available dataset of humans in an open area as well as our own dataset of humans in a cluttered cafe environment. Our algorithm performs comparably well on a single CPU core against another HOD-based algorithm that runs on a GPU even when the number of training examples is decreased by half. We discuss the impact of the number of training examples on performance, and demonstrate that our approach is able to detect humans in different postures (e.g. standing, walking, sitting) and with occlusions.
Integration of Certainty, Severity, and Celerity Information in Judged Deterrence Value: urther Evidence and Methodological Equivalence1

The purposes of these studies were (a) to establish on a general basis whether 3 time-honored manipulable components of punishment combine additively, or multi-plicatively in determining the judged deterrence value of a sanction, and (b) to explore the equivalence in principle of two mutually exclusive experimental designs. Study 1 used a repeated measures design whereas main and interactive effects of certainty and severity were substantial and appeared to follow a multiplying rule, celerity effects were very small and local. Studies 2a and 3 used independent groups and established that the results of Study 1 were not merely an arbitrary product of the method. The discussion addresses the minimal effects of celerity, the interaction between certainty and severity, and the theoretical implications of choice of method.