cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Analysis of Symmetrical Three-Phase Y-Core Inductors

Three-phase inductors have a wide variety of applications, such as line and inverter filters. Coupled three-phase inductors are typically smaller than three single-phase inductors; and symmetrical three-phase inductors are advantageous over asymmetrical inductors in terms of reduced negative-sequence components, and in terms of mass and loss. This paper sets forth a magnetic design model of a symmetrical three-phase inductor. The model is meant to be used in the context of multiobjective optimization based design. The model is numerically and experimentally validated.
Needs of students seeking careers in communication sciences and disorders and barriers to their success.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify the needs for and barriers to success of underrepresented students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders field and to determine factors linked to student persistence and academic achievement. Method An online survey was completed by 126 undergraduates pursuing graduate studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Data were subjected to Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. Results Survey responses indicated that financial matters exerted the most influence on students’ preparation for and number of choices for graduate-school applications. However, socioeconomic status was associated with needed financial support for paying tuition and completing the admission process. In addition, students at lower socioeconomic status reported spending fewer hours studying for tests and earned lower grade-point averages than peers who self-identified with a relatively high socioeconomic status. The findings also show a relationship between students’ grade-point averages and family members’ levels of education. The majority reported that mothers had earned the highest degree in their household, followed by siblings, themselves, and fathers. Conclusions The findings suggest that students of low socioeconomic status were less academically prepared than those self-reporting a higher status. Moreover, the presence of a role model, such as a college-educated family member, may affect academic performance. Therefore, interventions for students at risk of not gaining admissions to graduate school include financial assistance and mentoring and advising programs.
Modeling and simulation of Cu diffusion and drift in porous CMOS backend dielectrics

With the advent of porous dielectrics, Cu drift-diffusion reliability issues in CMOS backend have only been exacerbated. In this regard, a modeling and simulation study of Cu atom/ion drift-diffusion in porous dielectrics is presented to assess the backend reliability and to explore conditions for a reliable Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) operation. The numerical computation, using elementary jump frequencies for a random walk in 2D and 3D, is based on an extended adjacency tensor concept. It is shown that Cu diffusion and drift transport are affected as much by the level of porosity as by the pore morphology. Allowance is made for different rates of Cu dissolution into the dielectric and for Cu absorption and transport at and on the inner walls of the pores. Most of the complex phenomena of the drift-diffusion transport in porous media can be understood in terms of local lateral and vertical gradients and the degree of their perturbation caused by the presence of pores in the transport domain. The impact of pore morphology, related to the concept of tortuosity, is discussed in terms of “channeling” and “trapping” effects. The simulations are calibrated to experimental results of porous SiCOH layers of 25 nm thickness, sandwiched between Cu and Pt(W) electrodes with experimental porosity levels of 0%, 8%, 12%, and 25%. We find that porous SICOH is more immune to Cu+ drift at 300 K than non-porous SICOH.
Community Conversations on Inclusive Higher Education for Students With Intellectual Disability

Amid rapid growth in the higher education movement, access to inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID) remains limited. This study used “community conversations” to...
Lipid Patterns in the Evolution of Organisms

Publisher Summary Lipids function as structural components of cytoplasmic and intracellular membranes. Lipids, and specifically phospholipids, have been isolated from all cell fractions that are regarded as membranes—the mitochondrial membrane, red cell ghosts, endoplasmic reticulum, the myelin sheath, and the protoplast membranes of bacteria. The existence of a lamellar lipid bilayer is central to all membrane structures and the membrane models. All cells have confining membranes, and because the chemistry of the lipid varies from organism to organism, these differences find expression in the properties that the membranes from different organisms and cells exhibit. The sterol molecule and two structural types of polyunsaturated fatty acids played a decisive role in the evolutionary progression of protistan cells. The biochemical mechanisms that operate in the synthesis of these lipids require molecular oxygen as a direct electron acceptor. The absolute requirement for oxygen in several of the reactions of lipid biosynthesis can be rationalized on mechanistic grounds.
Workplace support and breastfeeding duration: The mediating effect of breastfeeding intention and self-efficacy

Background Given the large proportion of mothers in the United States work force, understanding the implications of workplace support on breastfeeding outcomes is an important public health priority. The current study investigates if (a) workplace support directly influences the working mothers' breastfeeding intention, self-efficacy, and duration, and (b) workplace support indirectly influences breastfeeding duration through the mediating effect of breastfeeding intention and self-efficacy. Methods Data from the longitudinal Infant Feeding Practices Survey II were analyzed. The main predictor variable, workplace support, was based on a Likert scale from "not at all supportive" to "very supportive." Both mediators, exclusive breastfeeding intention and self-efficacy, were dichotomized (yes; no) while the study outcome, breastfeeding duration, was continuous. Structural equation modeling was used to obtain direct and indirect effects of breastfeeding intention and confidence in attaining breastfeeding goals. Results After adjusting for confounders, there was a statistically significant direct effect between self-efficacy, breastfeeding intention, and breastfeeding duration. A statistically significant indirect effect of workplace support on breastfeeding duration through self-efficacy in attaining breastfeeding goals was also observed. The mediation ratios of the indirect effects showed that self-efficacy in attaining breastfeeding goals accounted for 40.8% (P-value=0.032) of the total effect; however, all other mediation ratios did not show statistical significance. Conclusions Self-efficacy is an important predictor for breastfeeding duration. Workplaces may help bolster women's self-efficacy by providing environments that are supportive to breastfeeding working mothers. Future research is needed to identify breastfeeding policies that boost self-efficacy.
Acute and Chronic Paronychia

Paronychia refers to the inflammation and/or infection of the nail folds. It occurs in to forms commonly: acute paronychia and chronic paronychia. Both forms are caused by a disruption of the normal seals of the nail apparatus. The disruption of the seals in the nail apparatus is commonly caused by irritants, contactants, as wells as repetitive trauma from manicures. Acute paronychia often demonstrates a distinct collection of pus or abscess formation within a nail fold. The most common cause of acute paronychia is Staphylococcus aureus. It may also be caused by other organisms including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Chronic paronychia refers to paronychia that lasts more than 6 weeks. The treatments for acute and chronic paronychia are distinct. Chronic paronychia is considered to be an inflammatory process, although there can be secondary colonization by Candida and hypersensitivity to Candida may play a role in persistence and exacerbation of the process.
Lumisomes: A Bioluminescent Particle Isolated from the Sea Pansy Renilla reniformis

The biochemical pathway leading to light emission in the sea pansy, Renilla reniformis, is now fairly well understood. Luciferyl sulfate, an inactive storage form of luciferin, is converted to luciferin by the enzyme luciferin sulfokinase (1). Luciferin is oxidized in the presence of oxygen and Renilla luciferase to CO2 and oxyluciferin in an electronically excited state (2,3). Return to the ground state of oxyluciferin results in the production of blue light (4). Furthermore, the structure determination and chemical synthesis of a biologically active form of Renilla luciferin has recently been accomplished (3).
Metacognition moderates the relationship between self-reported and clinician-rated motivation in schizophrenia.

Abstract Introduction Prior work has found varied relationships between self-reported and clinician-rated motivation measures in schizophrenia, suggesting that moderators might impact the strength of this relationship. This current study sought to identify whether metacognition – the ability to form complex representations about oneself, others, and the world – moderates the relationship between self-reported and clinician-rated motivation measures. We also explored whether clinical insight and neurocognition moderated this relationship. Methods Fifty-six participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder completed the Motivation and Pleasure Self-Report Scale and the clinician-rated motivation index from the Heinrichs-Carpenter Quality of Life Scale. Results Metacognition significantly moderated the relationship; self-reported and clinician-rated motivation were positively and significantly correlated only when metacognition was relatively high. Neither clinical insight nor neurocognition moderated the relationship. Discussion Metacognition appears to be a key variable impacting the strength of the relationship between self-reported and clinician-rated motivation measures and may help to partly explain the varied relationships observed in prior work. Using a metacognitive framework to guide assessment interviews and targeting metacognition in psychosocial treatments may help to improve the synchrony between self-perceptions and clinician ratings of motivation.
Border capitalism, disrupted: precarity and struggle in a Southeast Asian industrial zone

Border Capitalism, Disrupted is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read about precarious migrant workers. The book does not just fill a gap in the literature regarding labor studies and ...
Can You Hear Me Now? An Autoethnographic Analysis of Code-Switching:

This autoethnography, based on a cultural epistemology grounded in my lived experiences as Black and middle class, is written as an exploration of the communication practice of code-switching. It i...
Control of Persistent Salmonella Infection Relies on Constant Thymic Output Despite Increased Peripheral Antigen-Specific T Cell Immunity

Recent thymic emigrants are the youngest subset of peripheral T cells and their involvement in combating persistent bacterial infections has not been explored. Here, we hypothesized that CD4+ recent thymic emigrants are essential immune mediators during persistent Salmonella infection. To test this, we thymectomized adult mice either prior to, or during, persistent Salmonella infection. We found that thymic output is crucial in the formation of protective immune responses during the early formation of a Salmonella infection but is dispensable once persistent Salmonella infection is established. Further, we show that thymectomized mice demonstrate increased infection-associated mortality and bacterial burdens. Unexpectedly, numbers of Salmonella-specific CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in thymectomized mice compared to sham control mice. Lastly, we found that T cells from thymectomized mice may be impaired in producing the effector cytokine IL-17 at early time points of infection, compared to thymically intact mice. Together, these results imply a unique role for thymic output in the formation of immune responses against a persistent, enteric pathogen.
Sleep problems in preschool-onset major depressive disorder: the effect of treatment with parent–child interaction therapy-emotion development

In school-aged children, adolescents, and adults, more than 72% of individuals diagnosed with major depression report co-occurring sleep problems, but little is known about sleep problems in the context of preschool-onset major depressive disorder (PO-MDD). The current study examined the prevalence of various sleep problems in a sample of young children diagnosed with PO-MDD and explored how the treatment of depression, using a modification of parent–child interaction therapy focused on emotional development (PCIT-ED), affects sleep problems. Participants included 229 preschoolers (ages 3–6 years) who met criteria for PO-MDD and participated a single-blind, randomized control trial comparing PCIT-ED to a waitlist control condition. Children were randomly assigned to either PCIT-ED (n = 114) or the waitlist condition (n = 115). Children were assessed at baseline, immediately after PCIT-ED, and 3 months after treatment completion for parent-reported sleep problems across the domains of insomnia, hypersomnia, daytime fatigue, and a total sleep problem index. In our sample, 45% of children had at least one subthreshold sleep problem, 38.4% had at least one threshold sleep problem, and 72.5% had at least one sleep problem (either threshold or subthreshold). Treatment with PCIT-ED significantly reduced sleep problems, including insomnia, daytime fatigue, and total sleep problems, compared to a waitlist condition, even when controlling for child depression. This reduction was maintained at a 3-month follow-up. Sleep problems are a prevalent co-occurring condition with PO-MDD. Interventions such as PCIT-ED that also effectively reduce sleep problems may be particularly beneficial for recovery from PO-MDD. Clinical trial registration information: a randomized control trial of PCIT-ED for preschool depression; https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02076425 .
The Future of Indigenous Sovereignty and the Paths for Native Development in the United States

This chapter discusses options and strategies for indigenous groups to address sovereignty, self-determination, and economic growth. The connection between land use and the partial political sovereignty of indigenous groups in the United States is the starting place for examining different options and goals of governing bodies. Of particular importance are land use options and opportunities for sovereign groups that do not exist for tribal entities that hold only private land. The differences across the three major groups of indigenous peoples—American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians—are discussed and compared.
A strong emission line near 24.8 angstrom in the X-ray binary system MAXI J0556--332: gravitational redshift or unusual donor?

We report the discovery of a strong emission line near 24.8 angstrom (0.5 keV) in the newly discovered X-ray binary system MAXI J0556-332 with the reflection grating spectrometer onboard the XMM-Newton observatory. The X-ray light curve morphology during these observations is complex and shows occasional dipping behavior. Here we present time- and rate-selected spectra from the RGS and show that this strong emission line is unambiguously present in all the XMM observations. The measured line center is consistent with the Ly-alpha transition of N VII in the rest frame. While the spectra contain imprints of absorption lines and edges, there appear to be no other significantly prominent narrow line due to the source itself, thus making the identification of the 24.8 angstrom line uncertain. We discuss possible physical scenarios, including a gravitationally redshifted O VIII Ly-alpha line originating at the surface of a neutron star or an unusual donor with an extremely high N/O abundance (>57) relative to solar, that may have produced this comparatively strong emission line.
State dependence of neural networks on past history and stimulus presentation in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Neurons cooperate and interact with one another to generate behavior. While individual neurons and their ensembles are often probed in isolation, very little is known about their relationships on a global scale. Here, we define six groups of neurons with interactions that encode and process food stimulus responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using brain-wide calcium imaging in restrained animals, we categorized active neurons into either: sensory (On or Off) or motor (forward, backward, dorsal or ventral turn) neuron groups. Next, we show that stimulus onset rapidly shifts activity from backward to forward motor neuron groups, while prolonged stimulus removal is required to initiate converse activity. Finally, we use a gated multinomial logistic regression model to understand how stimulus processing depends on network state. This study shows how neural activity is coordinated across a network to generate global dynamics that drive behavior.
Processing and Interpretation of Crack-Propagation Sensors

The goal of gearbox prognostics, once a failure has been detected, is to estimate the degree of damage. Development of probabilistic damage assessment requires high quality ground truth. The present report describes practical analysis, processing, and interpretation of signals from crack-propagation sensors and damage estimation during gear teeth crack propagation. The study considers two types of crack propagations: one for a fatigue-tester-based crack propagation, and the other for a propagation in a gearbox. Crack closing occurs in both types of crack propagation and must be accounted for in assessing the damage. The analysis is conducted for sensors connected as a voltage divider. Signal conditioning and wire breakage inference are examined in detail. In addition, we discuss how equipping each gear tooth with two crack- propagation sensors, one on each gear face, can provide a better damage estimation.
Identifying Best Suited Soil Based on its Physical and Chemical Properties Using Machine Learning

Soil is the basic element to the life of any living species on the earth. Almost 41% of Indians are working in the agricultural sector and contributing around 19% to Indian GDP. Like any other sector, here also researchers or scientists are trying hard to improve the methods of agriculture by implementing new techniques of Machine Learning, AI, Big Data, etc… In this paper, agricultural sensors are used to get values for the physical and chemical parameters of the soil found in Haryana and these values are used to support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network(ANN) to classify our soil samples. After applying these two techniques to our soil samples, analysis reveals that ANN over-performs SVM for classifying the soil based on its physical and chemical properties.
Ferret Sedation and Anesthesia

Providing safe anesthetic events in ferrets can be achieved if fundamental principles in anesthesia are followed. Each phase of the anesthetic, event including preanesthetic, maintenance, and postanesthetic phase, have certain considerations. The anesthetic supervisor or veterinarian providing management should have a firm understanding of the species-specific anatomy, physiology, and common indications of general anesthesia along with perspective of their own experience with ferrets. Ensuring these guidelines are followed will facilitate safe administration of general anesthesia in this species.
Minimax estimation for hybrid systems

This paper addresses static minimax estimation for switched-linear hybrid systems, by solving a related auxiliary stochastic game where the switching variable is allowed to be random (but with unknown statistics), the disturbance terms are allowed knowledge of the switching variable, but the estimation policy is only allowed knowledge of the measurement. We provide a proof of the existence of a minimax, cost-bounding estimation policy under certain conditions and an algorithm for finding that policy. Two examples are included to illustrate the application of the stochastic game and the proposed algorithm.
Enhancing biological nitrogen fixation: An appraisal of current and alternative technologies for N input into plants

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) involves a highly specialized and intricately evolved interactions between soil microorganisms and higher plants for harnessing the atmospheric elemental nitrogen (N). This process has been researched for almost a century for efficient N input into plants. The basic mechanism and biochemical steps involved in BNF have been unraveled. It has become abundantly clear that the host plant (legumes) dominates in regulating the BNF process. Environmental factors as well influence this process. Perturbation or any manipulation of the interactions between the bacteria and the legumes seems to offset the critical balance, usually to the detriment of N fixation efficiency. Not much success has been obtained in either enhancing BNF in legumes or transferring important BNF traits to non-nitrogen fixing organisms. An appraisal is given for the lack of success in making the BNF process a popular and efficient agronomic practice. Alternative physiological approaches are presented for improving mobilization, redistribution and utilization of stored N reserves within the host plant.
Event Representation-Based Orbit Determination Across Unknown Space Events

A new way of maintaining the orbit determination across unknown space events using an event representation is presented. Analytic study reveals that the propagated state transition matrix mapping from an initial to a final state is found to be quasi independent of event dynamics on the condition that they drive the initial state to the same final state at a given time. Applying this fundamental finding, numerical simulations verify that a dynamics representation interpolating two disparate orbit trajectories can be used to linearly propagate the orbit uncertainty information through the state transition matrix. With this property, a batch filter with an event representation is implemented to estimate the orbital state and its uncertainty across unknown space events by applying the thrust Fourier coefficients to represent the event dynamics. A case study with simulated tracking data shows that the batch filter with thrust Fourier coefficients allows one to make use of the previous orbit information to impr...
An insight into Dupuytren's contracture.

Dupuytren's contracture is a deforming, fibrotic condition of the palmar fascia which has confounded clinicians and scientists since the early descriptions by Guillaume Dupuytren in 1831. It predominantly affects elderly, male caucasians, has a hereditary predisposition and has strong associations with diabetes, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and HIV infection. The major morphological features are an increase in fibroblasts, particularly around narrowed fibroblasts; a finding consistent with localised ischaemia. During ischaemia, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is converted to hypoxanthine and xanthine, and endothelial xanthine dehydrogenase to xanthine oxidase (alcohol also mediates this change, a finding of particular relevance given the association of Dupuytren's contracture with alcohol intake). Xanthine oxidase catalyses the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and uric acid with the release of superoxide free radicals (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals (OH.). These free radicals are highly reactive, with half-lives in the order of milliseconds and are toxic in high concentrations. A potential for free radical generation in Dupuytren's contracture was elicited by finding a sixfold increase in hypoxanthine concentrations in Dupuytren's contracture compared with control palmar fascia. In vitro studies affirmed the toxic effects of oxygen free radicals to Dupuytren's contracture fibroblasts, but also showed that, at lower concentrations (concentrations similar to those likely to occur in Dupuytren's contracture), free radicals had a stimulatory effect on fibroblast proliferation. Cultured fibroblasts were found to release their own O2-. These endogenously released free radicals were also found to be important in fibroblast proliferation. The collagen changes of Dupuytren's contracture were examined. The results established that fibroblast origin was unimportant, but that inhibition of type I collagen production at high fibroblast density accounted for the increase in type III/I collagen ratios observed by previous investigators. These biochemical and morphological observations throw new light on Dupuytren's contracture. They suggest that age, genetic and environmental factors may contribute to micro vessel narrowing with consequent localised ischaemia and free radical generation. Endothelial xanthine oxidase derived free radicals may both damage the surrounding stroma and stimulate fibroblasts to proliferate. Proliferating fibroblasts lay down and contract collagen in lines of stress.Progressive fibroblast proliferation and deposition of collagen is likely to encourage further microvessel narrowing with a positive feedback effect consistent with the progressive nature of the condition.
Induction of human dendritic cell maturation using transfection with RNA encoding a dominant positive toll-like receptor 4

Maturation of dendritic cells (DC) is critical for the induction of Ag-specific immunity. Ag-loaded DC matured with LPS, which mediates its effects by binding to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), induce Ag-specific CTL in vitro and in vivo in animal models. However, clinical use of LPS is limited due to potential toxicity. Therefore, we sought to mimic the maturation-inducing effects of LPS on DC by stimulating TLR4-mediated signaling in the absence of exogenous LPS. We developed a constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) and demonstrated that transfection of human DC with RNA encoding caTLR4 led to IL-12 and TNF-alpha secretion. Transfection with caTLR4 RNA also induced a mature DC phenotype. Functionally, transfection of DC with caTLR4 RNA enhanced allostimulation of CD4(+) T cells. DC transfected with RNA encoding the MART (Melan-A/MART-1) melanoma Ag were then used to stimulate T cells in vitro. Cotransfection of these DC with caTLR4 RNA enhanced the generation of MART-specific CTL. This CTL activity was superior to that seen when DC maturation was induced using either LPS or a standard mixture of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, and PGE(2)). We conclude that transfection of DC with RNA encoding a functional signaling protein, such as caTLR4, may provide a new tool for studying TLR signaling in DC and may be a promising approach for the induction of DC maturation for tumor immunotherapy.
Tumor-Priming Smoothened Inhibitor Enhances Deposition and Efficacy of Cytotoxic Nanoparticles in a Pancreatic Cancer Model

Most pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients present with unresectable disease and benefit little from chemotherapy. Poor tumor perfusion and vascular permeability limit drug deposition. Previous work showed that Smoothened inhibitors of hedgehog signaling (sHHI) promote neovascularization in spontaneous mouse models of pancreatic cancer (PaCA) and enhance tumor permeability to low-molecular weight compounds. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sHHI can enhance tumor deposition and efficacy of drug-containing nanoparticles consisting of 80 to 100 nm sterically-stabilized liposomes (SSL) containing doxorubicin (SSL-DXR). SCID mice bearing low-passage patient-derived PaCA xenografts (PDX) were pretreated p.o. for 10 days with 40 mg/kg/d NVP-LDE225 (erismodegib), followed by i.v. SSL-DXR. Microvessel density, permeability, perfusion, and morphology were compared with untreated controls, as was SSL deposition and therapeutic efficacy. The sHHI alone affected tumor growth minimally, but markedly increased extravasation of nanoparticles into adenocarcinoma cell-enriched regions of the tumor. Immunostaining showed that sHHI treatment decreased pericyte coverage (α-SMA(+)) of CD31(+) vascular endothelium structures, and increased the abundance of endothelium-poor (CD31(-)) basement membrane structures (collagen IV(+)), suggesting increased immature microvessels. SSL-DXR (15 mg/kg) administered after sHHI pretreatment arrested tumor volume progression and decreased tumor perfusion/permeability, suggesting an initial vascular pruning response. Compared with controls, one cycle of 10-day sHHI pretreatment followed by 6 mg/kg SSL-DXR doubled median tumor progression time. Three cycles of treatment with sHHI and SSL-DXR, with a 10-day between-cycle drug holiday, nearly tripled median tumor progression time. Based upon these data, short-term sHHI treatment sequenced with nanoparticulate drug carriers constitutes a potential strategy to enhance efficacy of pancreatic cancer therapy.
Semantics of Block Structured Languages with Pointers

This paper presents an algebraic and categorical approach to the mathematical modeling of imperative programming languages. In particular we model languages with block structure, records and variants, user definable recursive types, and pointers, etc., and with "control constructs" such as primitive recursion (generalized to recursive types), while-do, if-then-else, and assignment. In our earlier papers on this subject ([4], [5], [6]) we showed how data types and operations can be defined in an algebraic framework. In this paper we present a more mathematically sophisticated version of that framework, and we show how it can be used to provide a new approach to languages that have block structure together with objects, such as pointers, which are dynamically declared and may persist outside the block in which they are declared. The main new mathematical concept, and the key to the development, is the concept of an EDHT-category which is an extension of the DHT-symmetric categories introduced by Hoehnke [13] as a categorical framework for partial algebras.
Regional differences in glutaminase activation by phosphate and calcium in rat brain: Impairment in aged rats and implications for regional glutaminase isozymes

Regional regulation of glutaminase by phosphate and calcium was examined in the temporal cortex (TCX), striatum (STR) and hippocampus (HIPP) from adult and aged male F344 rats. Phosphate-dependent glutaminase activity in adult rats was significantly lower (35–43%) in the HIPP (100 and 150 mM) and STR (150 mM) compared to PAG activity in the TCX. Phosphate activation in aged rats was 50–60% lower in the HIPP at concentrations greater than 25 mM compared to the aged TCX or STR. PAG activity in the TCX and STR was unaffected by age, but was significantly reduced (30–50%) in the HIPP from aged rats at phosphate concentrations of 25 mM and greater when compared to adult rats. In adult rats at concentrations of CaCl2 above 1 mM, PAG activity was significantly lower (60–75%) in the STR and HIPP when compared to the TCX. In aged rats, PAG activity (1 mM CaCl2) in the HIPP was significantly less (50%) than STR PAG activity in aged rats. Diminished PAG activity was seen only in the TCX (2.5 mM; 32%), and the HIPP (0.5 mM; 25% and 1 mM; 38%) at higher calcium concentrations compared to adult. Phosphate-independent calcium activation of PAG occurred in the HIPP but not in either the TCX or the STR. Addition of phosphate resulted in a synergistic activation of PAG in the STR and TCX, but not in the HIPP. These findings suggest that PAG is regionally regulated by phosphate and calcium, and this regulation is impaired in aged rats. These data also support the hypothesis that isozymes of PAG exist with different regulatory properties.
Trimming the Library Materials Budget: Communication and Preparation as Key Elements

Many university libraries are facing budget flat-lines or reductions. While finding ways to reduce or reallocate a libraries budget is not new, the planning processes within this article merit consideration, especially for small and medium-sized libraries. Librarians must build and maintain strong relationships with constituencies and be forthright in sharing information so that joint decisions can be made. Developing a strategic plan to address the budget shortfalls and having an effective communication plan are keys to the successful outcome of any budget reduction or reallocation process. This article details the strategies and implementation of one university library.
A theorem on entire four dimensional summability methods

This paper introduce the following concept of double entire double sequences. Let x={x"k","l} be a double sequence of complex numbers. Then the double sequence {x} is entire provided [email protected]?k,l=0,0~,~x"k","lp^kq^l<~for every positive integers p and q. Using this definition I will also introduce the notion Four dimensional entire summability method. The author uses the notions to prove directly necessary and sufficient condition which ensure that a four dimensional transformation is entire.
Oral premalignant lesions: Any progress with systemic therapies?

Purpose of reviewTo discuss the recent advances in oral cancer risk prediction, as well as agents that have been or are currently being tested in clinical trials, to treat oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) and prevent oral cancers.Recent findingsMultiple predictive markers of OPL malignant transforma
The Paradox of Beneficial Retirement: A Journey into the Vortex of Nothingness

When individuals decide they are no longer living up to their own expectations of performance in their chosen profession, they may encounter a moral obligation to retire. However, the prospects of retirement may trigger a free-fall into a metaphorical vortex, a descent into nothingness that portends obliteration of identity. Works of literature and philosophy help us to understand whether the encounter with nothingness leads to compensation, rejuvenation or despair.
24 hours prior to curtain.

Summary A retrospective review was conducted of 40 singers presenting with acute voice problems prior to performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the reasons for seeking emergent voice treatment, the types of acute voice disorders, and the performance outcome. The patients were assessed by age, singing style, years of experience, chief complaint, laryngovideostroboscopic findings, and treatment regimens. The outcomes were classified as full, restricted, or no performance. The majority of patients were classical singers. Laryngovideostroboscopy frequently revealed a pattern of early glottic contact at the mid-portion of the membranous vocal fold in patients with acute laryngitis. Experienced singers uniformly sought treatment many days before their performance compared with inexperienced singers who presented closer in time to performance. Six patients initially withheld information, which had a bearing on their acute management. The results of this study suggest that there is a need to accurately diagnose and treat the singer's emergent problem and educate singers regarding early evaluation of medical problems. With modern evaluation techniques and multi-modality treatment, 85% of the singers proceeded to full performance without negative sequelae.
Temporal and Event Information In Natural Language Text

In this paper, we discuss the role that temporal information plays in natural language text, specifically in the context of question answering systems. We define a descriptive framework with which we can examine the temporally sensitive aspects of natural language queries. We then investigate broadly what properties a general specification language would need, in order to mark up temporal and event information in text. We present a language, TimeML, which attempts to capture the richness of temporal and event related information in language, while demonstrating how it can play an important part in the development of more robust question answering systems.
Decoupling of the superconducting and magnetic/structural phase transitions in electron-doped BaFe 2 As 2

Study and comparison of over 30 examples of electron-doped ${\text{BaFe}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ for transition metal $(\text{TM})=\text{Co}$, Ni, Cu, and (Co/Cu mixtures) have led to an understanding that the suppression of the structural/antiferromagnetic phase transition to low-enough temperature in these compounds is a necessary condition for superconductivity but not a sufficient one. Whereas the structural/antiferromagnetic transitions are suppressed by the number of TM dopant ions (or changes in the $c$ axis) the superconducting dome exists over a limited range of values of the number of valence electrons added by doping (or values of the $a/c$ ratio). By choosing which combination of dopants is used we can change the relative positions of the upper phase lines and the superconducting dome, even to the extreme limit of suppressing the upper structural and magnetic phase transitions without the stabilization of a lower-temperature superconducting dome.
TRH test abnormalities in psychiatric disorders

Blunted responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation have been found consistently in depressed patients, and have been reported in other affective disorders as well. In a smaller number of schizophrenic subjects, TRH tests have generally been normal. Thus, it has been suggested that this test may have diagnostic utility in distinguishing schizophrenia from affective disorders. In the present study the TRH test was performed upon a sample of 51 subjects that included 17 schizophrenics in order to further study the diagnostic or symptom specificity of this endocrine test. Abnormal TRH tests were present in both schizophrenic and affectively disturbed patients. There were no correlations with ratings of depression or other aspects of psychopathology. Factors which may have previously obscured abnormal TRH tests in schizophrenia are discussed.
Possibility of detecting magnetospheric radio bursts from Uranus and Neptune

The intensity of magnetospheric radio bursts (MRBs) is scaled to solar-wind input into planetary magnetospheres and the frequency of emission is scaled to polar surface magnetic-field strength in order to estimate the possibility of detecting MRBs from Uranus and Neptune. A scaling law is derived which relates the ratio of power radiated in MRBs to the solar-wind input for earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. Power-flux spectra of MRBs from these three planets are plotted, and it is shown that Jupiter and Saturn may radiate 1% to 5% of the solar-wind energy input into their magnetospheres. The properties of MRBs from Uranus and Neptune are estimated by assuming a conversion efficiency of 1% to 5%, a bandwidth of half the peak frequency, and conformity of Uranus' and Neptune's dipole moments with the magnetic Bode's law. Based on the results, it is suggested that detection of MRBs from these two planets may be a reasonable cruise-mode radio-astronomy objective on future missions to the outer solar system.
THE COMPUTER BASED ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS COURSE

: This note examines the importance of the accounting information systems course in the undergraduate accounting curriculum. Most accounting departments offer this course on an elective basis. However, the course should be required by all undergraduate accounting majors. By scheduling the course late in the formal academic program, the material will serve as a consolidating and integrating device. Accounting students will learn specific techniques enabling them to fully comprehend the interrelationships among all accounting courses completed.
Postscript, Bezier curves, and chinese characters

The PostScript page description language is designed to allow the production of graphical layouts on a page. In particular, the capability to use four points to describe a Bezier curve simplifies the layout of rather complex graphical objects. Advantage has been taken of this feature to develop a system for drawing Chinese characters. This article gives the general structure of the PostScript language, defines and gives examples of Bezier curves, and describes an interactive program that allows the layout of Chinese characters by a combination of Bezier curves.
Mapping of Protein-Protein Interactions of E. coli RNA Polymerase with Microfluidic Mechanical Trapping

The biophysical details of how transcription factors and other proteins interact with RNA polymerase are of great interest as they represent the nexus of how structure and function interact to regulate gene expression in the cell. We used an in vitro microfluidic approach to map interactions between a set of ninety proteins, over a third of which are transcription factors, and each of the four subunits of E. coli RNA polymerase, and we compared our results to those of previous large-scale studies. We detected interactions between RNA polymerase and transcription factors that earlier high-throughput screens missed; our results suggest that such interactions can occur without DNA mediation more commonly than previously appreciated.
The energy spectrum of back-scattered electrons and characteristic loss and gain phenomena of the Cu(111)☆

Abstract The energy spectrum of electrons back-scattered from the Cu(111) has been determined. Approximately ten characteristic loss values were detected in the range immediately below elastic peak energies. Satellite peaks were observed on both sides of the ≈ 60 eV Cu Auger doublet. The relative positions of these satellites suggest that Auger electrons experienced characteristic gains, as well as losses. Analysis of the spectrum at near zero kinetic energy showed many structural details just above the inelastic peak. Energies of discrete events relative to the inelastic peak correlated well with the loss spectrum. It appeared that electrons with energies within the spectrum of the inelastic peak could undergo characteristic energy gains analogous to the characteristic losses by primary electrons. It was concluded that the experimental evidence gave support to the concept of a characteristic gain phenomenon.
Galactic magnetic deflections of UHECRs including realistic random fields

We present the results of a study that simulates trajectories of ultra-high energy cosmic rays from Centaurus A to Earth. The arrival directions are characterized to assess whether Cen A can be identified as a source of cosmic rays based on observing departures from isotropy. We analyze separately particles originating from the central engine as well as from the north and south radio lobes of the Cen A complex. Simulations are performed for particle rigidities from E/Z = 2 EV to 100 EV, thus covering the possibility of primary particles as heavy as Fe nuclei with energies exceeding 50 EeV. The Galactic magnetic field is modeled using the recent work of Jansson and Farrar (JF12) which fitted its parameters to match extragalactic Faraday rotation measures and WMAP7 synchrotron emission maps. We also discuss the effects of an additional turbulent magnetic field on the cosmic ray deflections.
Giant laser pulses in the Duke storage ring UV FEL

Abstract We have studied the dynamics of giant pulse generation in the Duke UV FEL with peak power of several gigawatts. The giant pulses will be provided by a FEL gain modulation technique developed for the OK-4 UV FEL at Novosibirsk, Russia. A new mechanism for “super-pulse” generation was discovered during these studies. It allows the generation of peak power up to 10 GW using the “phase space” refreshment of the electron beam caused by synchrotron motion [V. Litvinenko et al., to be published]. We have developed a new macro-particle code for giant pulse simulation including all known mechanisms of storage ring FEL interaction. Results of these giant pulse simulations are presented in the paper.
The role of synaptic plasticity in addiction

Abstract The activity-dependent modifications in neural circuits that underlie all forms of experience-dependent plasticity are thought to involve long-lasting changes in the strength of synaptic transmission at excitatory synapses. The most well characterized forms of such synaptic plasticity, termed long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), have been implicated in playing important roles in several forms of adaptive learning and memory. Here we review evidence that similar forms of synaptic plasticity in the mesolimbic dopamine system, specifically the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), are elicited by drugs of abuse. These long-lasting drug-induced adaptations in key neural circuits may play important roles in the development and maintenance of addiction.
Reconstructing the substrate for uracil DNA glycosylase: tracking the transmission of binding energy in catalysis.

The DNA repair enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) is a powerful N-glycohydrolase that cleaves the glycosidic bond of deoxyuridine in DNA. We have investigated the role of substrate binding energy in catalysis by systematically dismantling the optimal substrate Ap+1UpA-1pA-2 by replacing the nucleotides at the +1, −1, or −2 position with a tetrahydrofuran abasic site nucleotide (D), a 3-hydroxypropyl phosphodiester spacer (S), a phosphate monoester (p), or a hydroxyl group (h). Contrary to previous reports, the minimal substrate for UDG is 2‘-deoxyuridine (hUh). UDG has a significant catalytic efficiency (CE) for hUh of 4 × 107 M-1 [CE = (kcat/Km)(1/knon), where knon is the rate of the spontaneous hydrolysis reaction of hUh at 25 °C]. Addition of +1 and −1 phosphate monoanions to form pUp increases kcat/Km by 45-fold compared to that of hUh. The kcat/Km for pUp, but not pU or Up, is found to decrease by 20-fold over the pH range of 6−9 with a pKa of 7.1, which is identical to the pKa values for deprotonat...
The biology of mating in Candida albicans

Candida albicans has maintained an elaborate — but largely hidden — mating apparatus, which shares some features with the closely related 'model' yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but which also has some important differences. The differences are particularly noteworthy, as they could indicate the strategies that allow C. albicans to survive and mate in the hostile environment of a mammalian host. Indeed, some features of C. albicans mating seem to be intimately connected to its host.
Anthropology, sinophilia and modes of production

Thurston, Anne F., and Burton Pasternak, eds. The Social Sciences and Fieldwork in China: Views from the Field. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 1983. xv + 161 pp. including reference notes. $22.50 cloth. Watson, Rubie S. Inequality Among Brothers: Class and Kinship in South China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985. xiii + 193 pp. including maps, references, glossary, and index. $37.50 cloth.
The method of finite spheres with improved numerical integration

Abstract The method of finite spheres was introduced as a truly meshless technique with the goal of achieving computational efficiency in a mesh-free procedure. In this paper we report several new numerical integration rules that result in a significant reduction in computational cost.