cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preterm preeclampsia: 32 to 37 weeks gestation.

Objective: To evaluate neonatal outcomes in late preterm infants delivered due to preeclampsia. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 3580 infants delivered at 32 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation was examined. Neonatal outcomes of infants delivered due to preeclampsia were compared with outcomes of infants delivered prematurely due to other etiologies. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between preeclampsia and the neonatal outcomes. Results: Infants of women with preeclampsia were more likely to be SGA (26.8% vs. 8.4%). They were also more likely to be admitted to the ICN (54.3% versus 39.0%); however, they were less likely to suffer a neonatal death (2.2% vs. 3.4%). Infants born to women with preeclampsia had similar rates of RDS (19.8% vs. 14.2%). Discussion: Neonatal outcomes in late preterm infants born to preeclamptic mothers are significantly different from outcomes in late preterm neonates delivered due to other indications.
The angel that flew to the moon

When a Japanese spacecraft became stranded, Ed Belbruno got the chance to redeem a career that seemed to have hit the rocks
US Global Sourcing: Patterns of Development

Describes the results of a survey returned by 97 purchasing managers who were asked to assess current patterns of global sourcing as practised by North American firms. Some of the issues examined include primary sourcing allocations, supplier evaluation criteria, operational performance measures and costs, managerial problems, and modes of communication. The results point to the importance of linking supplier selection criteria with corporate strategic initiatives in the evaluation of international sources.
Otc product: plan B emergency contraception.

This article provides the key information for the over the counter (OTC) emergency contraception product Plan B. It includes information regarding: manufacturer active ingredient indication availability safety efficacy mechanism of action and patient information.
Pituitary Responsiveness to LRH in the Short-Term Ovariectomized Rat

A single injection of estradiol benzoate (Eb, 5 ugh00 g body weight) to rats ovariectomized (Ovx) 48 h earlier induces daily afternoon surges of LH. The objective of the present study was to test the possibility that changes in pituitary responsiveness to LRH could account, in part at least, for the diurnal rhythm in LH release and for the diminution in the LH response with time after Eb treatment in the 48 h-Ovx rat. It also investigates the effects of exogenous LRH on the Eb-induced LH surge. The results show that Eb was effective in eliciting an afternoon surge of LH 1 and 2 days after treatment while morning levels remained low, and that the LH response was clearly reduced by the second day after Eb treatment. Although estrogen caused a minimal increase in pituitary responsiveness to LRH, the responsiveness did not prove significantly different when tested in pentobarbital blocked animals either a) in the morning (1000) and afternoon (1700) of the same day after Eb treatment, orb) in the afternoon of Days 1 and 2 after Eb injections. This stability in pituitary responsiveness to LRH was maintained in spite of dramatic differences in LH levels at these times. Studies on the priming effects of exogenous LRH showed that the Eb-induced LH surge could be significantly potentiated by giving a morning injection of 100 ng LRH; curiously, rats receiving 200 ng LRH showed an LH response similar to that of the saline control animals. These results suggest that after estrogen has sensitized the pituitary to LRH, the responsiveness remains stable for at least 2 days, but that an appropriate dose of LRH can further sensitize the pituitary to endogenous LRH. These findings support the hypothesis that the daily LH surges in Ovx rats are controlled primarily by neural mechanisms that require estrogen for their expression.
Feedback from British and Irish Educators for Improving Overseas Teaching Experiences.

Abstract Feedback from educators in England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland was obtained regarding the performance of U.S. student teachers in the schools of these nations. Reported in this paper are the educators' observations and beliefs pertaining to topics such as the professional and cultural/social strengths of U.S. student teachers; major cultural/social ‘mistakes’ often made by U.S. student teachers; ways in which they could better prepare for classroom teaching assignments in overseas schools; goals motivating them to seek placements in overseas schools; and ways in which the foreign pupils benefitted from the U.S. student teachers. Based on the feedback, recommendations are offered to student participants and university/college faculty for the improvement of teaching experiences in overseas nations. In addition, the need for internationalizing teacher education programs in the United States is recognized.
Elevated Levels of Ketopantoate Hydroxymethyltransferase (PanB) Lead to a Physiologically Significant Coenzyme A Elevation in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Pantothenate is the product of the ATP-dependent condensation of pantoate and β-alanine and is a direct precursor of coenzyme A. A connection exists between pantothenate biosynthesis and thiamine biosynthesis in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium since derivatives of a purF mutant that can grow (on glucose medium) in the absence of thiamine excrete pantothenate. We show here that the causative mutation in three such mutants was the addition of a CG base pair upstream of the panB gene. This base addition brings the spacing between the −10 and −35 hexamers of the promoter to a consensus spacing of 17 bp and results in increased transcription of the pan operon. Furthermore, overexpression of PanB caused by this mutation, or by other means, was necessary and sufficient to increase pantothenate production and allow PurF-independent thiamine synthesis on glucose medium.
Glutathione depletion in immortalized midbrain-derived dopaminergic neurons results in increases in the labile iron pool: Implications for Parkinson's disease

Glutathione depletion is one of the earliest detectable events in the Parkinsonian substantia nigra (SN), but whether it is causative for ensuing molecular events associated with the disease is unknown. Here we report that reduction in levels of glutathione in immortalized midbrain-derived dopaminergic neurons results in increases in the cellular labile iron pool (LIP). This increase is independent of either iron regulatory protein/iron regulatory element (IRP/IRE) or hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) induction but is both H202 and protein synthesis-dependent. Our findings suggest a novel mechanistic link between dopaminergic glutathione depletion and increased iron levels based on translational activation of TfR1. This may have important implications for neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease in which both glutathione reduction and iron elevation have been implicated.
Weather and triggering of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Outdoor ambient weather has been hypothesized to be responsible for the seasonal distribution of cardiac arrhythmias. Because people spend most of their time indoors, we hypothesized that weather-related arrhythmia risk would be better estimated using an indoor measure or an outdoor measure that correlates well with indoor conditions, such as absolute humidity. The clinical records of 203 patients in eastern Massachusetts, USA, with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator were abstracted for arrhythmias between 1995 and 2002. We used case-crossover methods to examine the association between weather and ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Among 84 patients who experienced 787 VAs, lower estimated indoor temperature (odds ratio (OR)=1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.27 for a 1 °C decrease in the 24-h average) and lower absolute humidity (OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.08 for a 0.5 g/m3 decrease in the 96-h average) were associated with increased risk. Lower outdoor temperature increased risk only in warmer months, likely attributable to the poor correlation between outdoor and indoor temperature during cooler months. These results suggest that lower temperature and drier air are associated with increased risk of VA onset among implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients.
On the unexpected behavior of a common gas chromatographic phase

Abstract Carbowax 20M was coated on Chromosorb W, heat-treated at 280°, and exhaustively extracted. The remaining support performed chromatographically in a manner similar to highly efficient, well deactivated gas—liquid chromatographic packings, even though the non-extractable polymer film was too thin to permit reliable combustion analysis. This phase was well suited for the analysis of polar compounds, producing symmetric, sharp peaks with very short retention times. A strong surface effect was evident, which could be utilized for otherwise difficult separations.
The non-linear evolution of resistive interchange modes in a reversed-field pinch

A two-dimensional resistive MHD computer code is used to study the non-linear behaviour of resistive interchange modes in finite-β Reversed-Field Pinches (RFP). This model is applied to a specific equilibrium that is known to be stable to both resistive and ideal current-driven modes as well as Suydam modes. It is found that the m = 1 resistive interchange saturates at extremely low amplitude when the singular surface lies outside the field reversal point and is more active non-linearly, but still fairly localized, if the singular surface is inside the field null. In contrast, it is found that, at high β, the m = 0 resistive interchange can lead to significant flux surface distortion and interchange vortices of large radial extent. The effect of temperature-dependent resistivity on this mode is presented. In addition, the possibility of Ohmic heating of the pinch in the presence of the m = 0 resistive interchange mode is discussed. It is found that, if the plasma is initially in a low-β state, significant Ohmic heating can occur.
Evolving issues in early childhood education: A personal perspective

This article describes the issues in early childhood education that were most pressing during the past two decades. It indicates whether each issue has been settled and outlines urgent new issues for today. In 1967 the most salient issues were the importance of early childhood for education, when early education should begin, whether it could compensate for childhood experience at home, and whether the effects of early education were permanent. In 1972 the central issue was the best kind of early educational program. By 1977 attention had shifted to ways that early education could be done most efficiently and cheaply, whether parent education was the answer, and how it worked. By 1982 a new issue had arisen: the effects of full-time day care on preschool children's development. Today's most pressing issues seem to be finding ways to maximize the fit between programs and participants, the implications of the superbaby trend, and the effects of day care on infants' development.
Charge transfer to hydrogen halide and halogen molecules from atomic and diatomic ions

Abstract The change transfer from Xe + , Kr + , and Ar + to HI, HBr, HCl, Br 2 , and Cl 2 and from O 2 + and N 2 + to HI, HBr, and HCl have been investigated. None of these reactant pairs undergoes a fast charge-transfer reaction. The probability of charge transfer for a given ion-molecule pair depends on the existence of a matching between the recombination energy of the reactant ion and an energy level of the product ion. No effect of Franck-Condon factors on the probability of charge transfer could be inferred from these results. The Kr + , Ar + , and N 2 + ions also undergo the alternate reaction, M + + HX → MH + + X, with the hydrogen halides, in competition with charge transfer. Except when charge transfer is favorable, the rate of this reaction is proportional to the reaction exothermicity. A few preliminary results on the reactions of Xe 2+ , Kr 2+ , and Ar 2+ ions with hydrogen halides and halogens are also reported.
Ectopic salivary gland tissue in submucosa of rectum

A case of ectopic salivary gland tissues in the submucosa of the rectum adjacent to a hyperplastic polyp is described. The two previously reported cases of ectopic salivary gland tissue in the rectum were different in that ectopic gastric mucosa was also present. The 16 cases of ectopic tissue in the rectum noted in the world medical literature are reviewed.
Proposed search for resonant states in positron—electron scattering using a positron gas target

Abstract Narrow correlated positron-electron peaks discovered in superheavy nuclear collisions may be signatures for previously undetected neutral particlelike objects having masses of 1–2 MeV/ c 2 . We have designed an experiment to definitively test this hypothesis by searching for resonant states formed directly in the scattering of monoenergetic electrons incident on a gas of cold positrons confined magnetically in a Malmberg trap. This technique will provide a hundredfold improvement in sensitivity to e + e − resonances compared to previous positron-beam, thin-foil scattering experiments. Together with a recoil-shadow technique, this experiment will explore a five decade range in neutral-particle lifetimes (10 −13 to 10 −8 s) which cannot be probed directly by other methods.
Quantitative studies of the specificity of anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide antibodies, Types III and VIII-V. Cross-reacting antibodies in rabbit antisera☆

Abstract The specificity of the antigen-binding sites of high-titer cross-reacting antibodies of restricted heterogeneity present in the serum of two rabbits immunized respectively with Type III and Type VIII pneumococcal vaccine have been studied and compared quantitatively. Despite the fact that the two antibodies, anti-S3,8 and anti-S8,3 could be precipitated almost completely by either S3 or S8 alone, they could be distinguished easily from one another by the following procedures: (1) Selective precipitation of the homologous polysaccharide from mixtures of the two antigen excess using 14C-internally labeled S3 as one of the reactants, (2) inhibition of homologous and heterologous precipitation by cellobiuronate, the disaccharide unit responsible for the cross-reaction and (3) equilibrium dialysis against labeled homologous and heterologous oligosaccharide ligands.
MicroRNA dysregulation in neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunction

MicroRNAs (miRNA), a class of non-coding RNAs, are emerging as important modulators of neuronal development, structure and function. A connection has been established between abnormalities in miRNA expression and miRNA-mediated gene regulation and psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders as well as cognitive dysfunction. Establishment of this connection has been driven by progress in elucidating the genetic etiology of these phenotypes and has provided a context to interpret additional supporting evidence accumulating from parallel expression profiling studies in brains and peripheral blood of patients. Here we review relevant evidence that supports this connection and explore possible mechanisms that underlie the contribution of individual miRNAs and miRNA-related pathways to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of these complex clinical phenotypes. The existing evidence provides useful hypotheses for further investigation as well as important clues for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
HIV seroreversion time in HIV-1-uninfected children born to HIV-1-infected mothers in Malawi.

The objective was to study temporal changes in HIV-1 seroreversion (change in reactivity of HIV serology from positive to negative) in uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers. Secondary analysis of data from 3 cohort studies conducted in Malawi among infants born 1989 through 1991 (International Collaborative AIDS Research [ICAR]) 1993 through 1996 (HIV Network for Prevention Trials [HIVNET]) and 2000 through 2003 (nevirapine/zidovudine [NVAZ]). The proportion of children HIV seroreverting at ages 15 18 and 21 months and the relative odds for seroreversion comparing infants born before 1997 to those born after 1999 were calculated. Included in this analysis were 635 infants from ICAR 459 from HIVNET and 1020 from NVAZ. During the study there was a consistent trend of decrease in proportion of children seroreverting over time: highest during 1989 through 1991 intermediate during 1993 through 1996 and lowest during 2000 through 2003. Additionally there was a strong association between seroreversion and year of birth (before 1997 vs. after 1999): adjusted relative odds 5.1 at 15 months 8.2 at 18 months and 11.2 at 21 months. Age of seroreversion in HIV-1-exposed uninfected infants increased over time. Persistence of maternal HIV-1 antibodies could have implications on timing of infant HIV-1 diagnosis using serological diagnostic methods. (authors)
Minimal rectangular partitions of digitized blobs

Abstract An algorithm is presented for partitioning a finite region of the digital plane into a minimum number of rectangular regions. It is demonstrated that the partition problem is equivalent to finding the maximum number of independent vertices in a bipartite graph. The graph's matching properties are used to develop an algorithm that solves the independent vertex problem. The solution of this graph-theoretical problem leads to a solution of the partition problem.
Heap cloning: Enabling dynamic symbolic execution of java programs

The dynamic symbolic-execution technique can automatically perform symbolic execution of programs that use problematic features of Java, such as native methods. However, to compute precise symbolic execution, the technique requires manual effort to specify models for problematic code. Furthermore, existing approaches to perform symbolic execution either cannot be extended to perform dynamic symbolic execution or incur significant imprecision. In this paper, we present a novel program-transformation technique called heap cloning. Heap cloning transforms a program in such a way that dynamic symbolic execution of the transformed program results in the same path constraints as dynamic symbolic execution of the original program. However, symbolic execution of the transformed program produces feedback on where imprecision is introduced, and that feedback can reduce the manual effort required to build models. Furthermore, such transformation can enable existing approaches to perform symbolic execution systems to overcome their limitations. In this paper, we also present a system, called Cinger, that leverages heap cloning, and that we used to perform an empirical evaluation. The empirical evaluation shows that Cinger can compute precise path constraints, and requires little (if any) manual effort for a set of large real-world programs.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of exfoliated/delaminated organically modified clay/dicyclopentadiene resin nanocomposites

Highly delaminated poly(dicyclopentadiene)/clay nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of dicyclopentadiene/organically modified montmorillonite clay dispersions. Dicyclopentadiene/clay suspensions were sonicated for various times to enhance the degree of delamination prior to curing. The d spacings of the clay in nanocomposites were monitored using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the extent of delamination was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and preliminary neutron scattering studies. A new approach, use of confocal laser microscopy, was employed to follow the dispersion of clay layers, tagged by a fluorescent dye, within the liquid monomer. It is evident that XRD cannot be used alone as a criterion for exfoliation. TEM showed that increasing the clay concentration at constant sonication gave an increase in average tactoid size. The largest improvement in composite mechanical properties occurred at clay loading levels (0.5−1 wt %). Significant increases in Tg, elastic b...
Calculation of Cosmological Baryon Asymmetry in Grand Unified Gauge Models

Abstract Features of grand unified gauge models relevant to cosmology are discussed. Several SU(5) and SO(10) models are considered in detail. Boltzmann transport equation methods are used to calculate the development of baryon asymmetry in the early universe. Comparison with observation places constraints on possible grand unified models.
Egocentric and sociocentric measures of network centrality

Abstract Egocentric centrality measures (for data on a node’s first-order zone) parallel to Freeman’s [Social Networks 1 (1979) 215] centrality measures for complete (sociocentric) network data are considered. Degree-based centrality is in principle identical for egocentric and sociocentric network data. A closeness measure is uninformative for egocentric data, since all geodesic distances from ego to other nodes in the first-order zone are 1 by definition. The extent to which egocentric and sociocentric versions of Freeman’s betweenness centrality measure correspond is explored empirically. Across seventeen diverse networks, that correspondence is found to be relatively close—though variations in egocentric network composition do lead to some notable differences in egocentric and sociocentric betweennness. The findings suggest that research design has a relatively modest impact on assessing the relative betweenness of nodes, and that a betweenness measure based on egocentric network data could be a reliable substitute for Freeman’s betweenness measure when it is not practical to collect complete network data. However, differences in the research methods used in sociocentric and egocentric studies could lead to additional differences in the respective betweenness centrality measures.
Hevea Rubber—past and future

We have pointed out that the story ofHevea as a crop covers barely a century, and we have mentioned six great steps inHevea domestication. The stage appears to be set for an eventful second century in which the crop will play an increasingly important role in the developing countries.
Theoretical studies of the bonding of oxygen to models of the (100) surface of nickel

Abstract Electronic wavefunctions have been obtained as a function of geometry for an O atom bonded to Ni clusters (consisting of one to five atoms) designed to model bonding to the (100) surface of Ni. Electron correlation effects were included using the generalized valence bond and configuration interaction methods. For the (100) surface, we find that the charge distribution for the full O overlay er is consistent with taking a positively charged cluster. The four surface atoms in the surface unit cell and the atom beneath the surface are important in determining the geometry, leading to a Ni + 5 O cluster as the model for the (100) surface. The optimum oxygen position with this model is 0.96 A above the surface (four-fold coordinate site) in good agreement with the value (0.90 ± 0.10 A) from dynamic LEED intensity analysis. The atom beneath the surface allows important polarization effects for the positively charged cluster. The bonding to the surface involves bridging two diagonal surface Ni atoms. There is an O(2pπ) pair which overlaps the other diagonal pair of Ni atoms leading to nonbonded repulsions which increase the distance above the surface. There are two equivalent such structures, the resonance leading to a c(2 × 2) structure for the O overlayer.
The inverse electromagnetic scattering problem for an anisotropic medium

We consider the electromagnetic inverse scattering problem of determining the support of an orthotropic or anisotropic anomaly in a homogeneous background medium from a knowledge of the electric far-field pattern corresponding to the scattering of electromagnetic plane waves. Our aim is to derive a linear integral equation of the first kind from which the support of the anomaly can be found by examining the behaviour of the (regularized) solution. The analysis is based on a study of an interior transmission problem for Maxwell's equations.
Effects of Feeding Protected Tallow to Dairy Cows in Early Lactation

Abstract Mixed diets containing 0 (control), 15 (medium fat), and 30% (high fat) of a protected tallow supplement (60% formylated soybean meal and 40% tallow) were fed to Holstein cows during the first 15 wk of lactation. Calculated energy densities of the diets were 1.85, 1.85, and 2.15 Mcal net energy lactation/kg dry matter. Dry matter intakes were higher on control and medium fat than on the high fat diet, but energy intakes were similar for all three diets. Treatments did not affect milk yield, but both diets containing protected tallow increased yields of fat and fat-corrected milk and energy efficiency, and decreased yields of solids-not-fat. Synthesis of fatty acid in the mammary gland was depressed 40 to 50% by protected tallow feeding. Transfers of dietary fatty acids to milk fat were about 35 and 25% from the medium fat and high fat diets. Concentrations of glucose in plasma were not affected by treatment. Non-esterified fatty acids, triglyceride, and cholesterol were elevated by protected tallow feeding.
Assessing risks and benefits of nonhormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Abstract Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS); (hot flushes and night sweats) are the most common menopausal complaint for which women seek treatment. Several therapies can be considered to help manage these complaints. The objective of this review is to assess the risks and benefits of available and emerging therapeutic options for the management of menopausal VMS. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted based on relevant publications identified through a PubMed search for clinical trials of agents used in the treatment of VMS. Results: Hormone therapy (HT) remains the most effective treatment available, but there will always remain a need for nonhormonal options. Evidence does not support the efficacy of alternative or over-the-counter products, such as phytoestrogens and black cohosh, and their long-term safety is largely unknown. There is evidence supporting the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for the manage...
Cerebroside sulfotransferase in Golgi-enriched fractions from rat brain.

: Golgi-enriched fractions were prepared from brainstems of 17-day-old rats by first floating off myelin, then fractionating the remaining pellet by a series of differential and density gradient centrifugations in sucrose. Fractions enriched in Golgi membranes were recovered at 0.46/0.76 m and 0.76/0.87 m interfaces on the final sucrose gradient as indicated by morphology and the biochemical markers thiamine pyrophosphatase and [3H]fucose-labeled glycoprotein. Morphology of the two fractions indicated very little contamination with myelin lamellae; however, the presence of significant levels of 2′, 3′-cyclic nucleotidase in the lighter fraction suggested a contribution from oligodendroglial or myelin-related membranes. Cerebroside sulfotransferase was highly enriched in the lighter Golgi-enriched fraction relative to the denser fraction, the post-34, 880 x g microsomes, and the myelin-like fraction. In contrast, ceramide galactosyl transferase was more evenly distributed among the fractions. Our results show a more highly localized distribution of sulfatide synthesis than of galactocerebroside synthesis, probably in Golgi membranes or oligodendroglia-related membranes with similar properties.
Cultural imperialism: A media effects approach

The issue of cultural imperialism has emerged largely from the communication literature involving development and political economy. These orientations ultimately construct formulations concerning cultural heritage and behavior based on analysis of government and/or corporate policy and practice. This paper questions the legitimacy of such inferences and explores the idea of integrating direct‐behavior research with political‐economy perspectives.
Effect of Pneumococcus SIII Polysaccharide on Viscosity and Heat Transfer of Human Blood

ConclusionsThe resistance of blood flow to cardiac effort in health and disease depends, in part, on the viscosity of blood, a non-Newtonian system. Measurements of viscosity of such systems are open to question. Measurement of the viscosity of blood, particularly in infectious diseases, presents still more problems due to the varying aggregation of blood cells sometimes referred to as "sludging." These aggregates are often broken up, in part at least, as blood is forced through small capillary tubes in vitro.In an effort to obtain a measurement which might be related to viscosity, heat transfer of blood in a static situation was examined. No correlation was obtained between heat transfer of blood with all concentrations of the added pneumococcus SIII polysaccharide, and the time required to pass through an Ostwald viscosimeter. A decrease in heat transfer was noted with addition of 0.025% SIII but more of the polysaccharide did not decrease heat transfer although such additions greatly increased the time...
Multiple Meson Production by High Energy Nucleon-Nucleon Collisions

A comparison is made between Fermi's theory and Lewis, Oppenheimer, and Wouthuysen's theory of multiple meson production in high energy nucleon-nucleon collisions, and an analysis is made of some typical examples. The main difference between the two theories concerns the Lorentz covariance of the matrix element which is related, in Fermi's theory, to the Lorentz contraction of the volume in which the thermal equilibrium of virtual mesons is supposed to be established, and to the Lorentz invariant phase volume in L.O.W.'s theory. It is reasonable to take the contracted diameter of the volume in Fermi's theory to be of the order of the wavelength of the emitted meson (not that of the incident nucleon), and as a result both theories can explain to some extent the multiplicity and angular distribution. The main difference lies in the average energy of the emitted mesons in the center-of-mass system as a function of multiplicity.
INTERDEPENDENCE AND NATIONAL IDENTITY IN UKRAINE AND BELARUS

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, its constituent republics suddenly found themselves to be independent states. However, Russia continues to exert influence on these states through interdependent economies and revanchist policies. Some states see their sovereignty being threatened by this, and resist. Others see the possibility for gain and encourage increased cooperation with Russia. This paper explores the causes for this difference in behavior. Two of these states that are moving in opposite directions in regard to Russia—Ukraine and Belarus—are examined. It is found that in light of the high level of asymmetrical interdependence found between these states and Russia, national identity can be used to explain why Ukraine and Belarus either associate or dissociate in regard to the Commonwealth of Independent States, the energy trade, and nuclear weapons.
Functional Characterization of the Brain-specific FGF-1 Promoter, FGF-1.B

Abstract Expression of alternatively spliced human FGF-1 (or aFGF) transcripts is regulated in a tissue-specific manner via multiple promoters. To identify the cis-regulatory elements in the brain-specific FGF-1.B promoter, we constructed a series of promoter deletions fused to the luciferase reporter gene and transfected into an FGF-1.B positive glioblastoma cell line, U1240MG, and a 1.B negative cell line, U1242MG. Results of transient transfections indicate three elements that are involved in the positive regulation of FGF-1.B expression. The core promoter is located in a 40-base pair region (between −92 and −49), and two regulatory regions (RR-1 and RR-2) are located within the 540-base pair region 5′ to the major transcription start site (defined as +1). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and footprinting analysis have identified sequence-specific binding sites in RR-1 and RR-2. Mutants of RR-2 abolished binding to nuclear proteins and showed diminished luciferase reporter activity. The effects seen are specific for the U1240MG cell line, supporting a role for RR-2 in the tissue-specific regulation of FGF-1.B. Southwestern analysis using an oligonucleotide probe derived from RR-2 (nucleotides −489 to −467) further identified a 37-kDa protein that is present in nuclear extracts from U1240MG and brain but not from U1242MG.
The influence of crystallographic texture and slip system strength on deformation induced shape changes in AA 7050 thick plate

The development of a multiscale modeling formulation to predict the mechanical response of AA 7050 thick plate is presented. Due to the heterogeneous processing conditions of this material, a significant gradient in both texture and macroscale hardness is observed through the thickness of the plate. These gradients create substantial variations in material state and properties, and have limited the widespread employment of AA 7050 thick plate in flight-critical airframe components. An elasto-viscoplastic finite element formulation was employed in modeling the mechanical response of a tensile specimen machined through the thickness of the plate material. The tensile specimen displayed measurable differences in the mechanical response along its gage length, where the cross-sectional shape of the specimen became non-circular at the quarter planes of the plate while it remained circular along the centerplane. In addition, the centerplane strained more than any other location along the gage length. The modeling framework employed in this work was able to capture various trends observed in the small strain aspects of this mechanical response, by combining descriptions of the texture and slip system strength distributions with a polycrystal based finite element formulation. With this multiscale modeling framework, the influence of crystallographic texture and slip system strength on the mechanical performance of the thick plate material was explored. It was found that a description of both the gradients in texture and slip system strength were ultimately necessary to predict the experimentally observed mechanical response. If these two aspects of material structure were varied independently, the mechanical performance was not well captured.
Junction Inference and Classification for Figure Completion using Tensor Voting

We address the issues associated with figure completion, a perceptual grouping task. Endpoints and junctions play a critical role in contour completion by the human visual system and should be an integral part of a computational process that attempts to emulate human perception. A significant body of evidence in the psychology literature points to two types of completion, modal (or orthogonal) and amodal (or parallel). We provide a computational framework which implements both types of completion and integrates a fully automatic decision making mechanism for selecting between them. It proceeds directly from tokens or binary image input, infers descriptions in terms of overlapping layers and labels junctions as T, L and endpoints. It is based on first and second order tensor voting, which facilitate the propagation of local support among tokens. The addition of first order information to the original framework is crucial, since it makes the inference of endpoints and the labeling of junctions possible. We illustrate the approach on several classical inputs, producing interpretations consistent with those of the human visual system.
A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic study of interactions between casein and polymethoxyflavones

Molecular interactions between dietary flavonoids and other food components play important roles in the biological fate and activities of flavonoids. Herein, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to study the molecular interactions between casein, a major milk protein, and three structurally closely related polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), nobiletin, 5,3′,4′-tridemethylnobiletin, and 3′,4′-didemethylnobiletin. SERS was conducted after either conjugating casein onto silver (Ag) dendrites to interact with PMFs, or conjugating PMFs onto Ag to interact with casein. Our results show distinct selectivity of PMFs in binding to Ag dendrites and casein. Hydroxyl groups on PMFs played a key role in the interactions between PMFs and casein and Ag. Methylation reaction at certain positions of PMF structures reduced the binding capacity of PMFs to both casein and Ag. This rapid and simple method can be extended to study the interactions between other flavonoids and various food components, especially useful when there are a large number of samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning ABO3 Antiferroelectrics into Ferroelectrics: Design Rules for Practical Rotation‐Driven Ferroelectricity in Double Perovskites and A3B2O7 Ruddlesden‐Popper Compounds

Ferroic transition metal oxides, which exhibit spontaneous elastic, electrical, magnetic, or toroidal order, exhibit functional properties that find use in ultrastable solid-state memories, sensors, and medical imaging technologies. To realize multifunctional behavior, where one order parameter can be coupled to the conjugate field of another order parameter, however, requires a common microscopic origin for the long-range order. Here, a complete theory is formulated for a novel form of ferroelectricity, whereby a spontaneous and switchable polarization emerges from the destruction of an antiferroelectric state due to octahedral rotations and ordered cation sublattices. A materials design framework is then constructed based on crystal-chemistry descriptors rooted in group theory, which enables the facile design of artificial oxides with large electric polarizations, P, simultaneous with small energetic switching barriers between +P and -P. The theory is validated with first principles density functional calculations on more than 16 perovskite-structured oxides, illustrating it could be operative in any materials classes exhibiting two- or three-dimensional corner-connected octahedral frameworks. The principles governing materials selection of the “layered” systems are shown to originate in the lattice dynamics of the A cation displacements stabilized by the pervasive BO6 rotations of single phase ABO3 materials, whereby the latter distortions govern the optical band gaps, magnetic order, and critical transition temperatures. This approach provides the elusive route to the practical control of octahedral rotations, and hence, a wide range of functional properties, with an applied electric field.
SCCMulti: an improved parallel strongly connected components algorithm

Tarjan's famous linear time, sequential algorithm for finding the strongly connected components (SCCs) of a graph relies on depth first search, which is inherently sequential. Deterministic parallel algorithms solve this problem in logarithmic time using matrix multiplication techniques, but matrix multiplication requires a large amount of total work. Randomized algorithms based on reachability -- the ability to get from one vertex to another along a directed path -- greatly improve the work bound in the average case. However, these algorithms do not always perform well; for instance, Divide-and-Conquer Strong Components (DCSC), a scalable, divide-and-conquer algorithm, has good expected theoretical limits, but can perform very poorly on graphs for which the maximum reachability of any vertex is small. A related algorithm, MultiPivot, gives very high probability guarantees on the total amount of work for all graphs, but this improvement introduces an overhead that increases the average running time. This work introduces SCCMulti, a multi-pivot improvement of DCSC that offers the same consistency as MultiPivot without the time overhead. We provide experimental results demonstrating SCCMulti's scalability; these results also show that SCCMulti is more consistent than DCSC and is always faster than MultiPivot.
Tales from the crypts: regulatory peptides and cytokines in gastrointestinal homeostasis and disease

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is composed of a diverse set of organs that together receive extracorporeal nutrition and convert it to energy substrates and cellular building blocks. In the process, it must sort through all that we ingest and discriminate what is useable from what is not, and having done that, it discards what is "junk." To accomplish these many and varied tasks, the GI tract relies on endogenous enteric hormones produced by enteroendocrine cells and the enteric nervous system. In many instances, the mediators of these tasks are small peptides that home to the CNS and accessory gut organs to coordinate oral intake with digestive secretions. As the contents of ingested material can contain harmful agents, the gut is armed with an extensive immune system. A breach of the epithelial barrier of the GI tract can result in local and eventually systemic disease if the gut does not mount an aggressive immune response.
A New Simulation Method for NBTI Analysis in SPICE Environment

This paper presents a simulation framework for reliability analysis of circuits in the SPICE environment. The framework incorporates the degradation of physical parameters such as threshold voltage (Vtp) into circuit simulation and enables the design of highly reliable circuits. The parameter degradation is based on the numerical solution for the reaction-diffusion (R-D) mechanism, which is a general model applicable to various reliability effects such as NBTI, HCI, NCS, and SEE. In particular, the accuracy and efficiency of this method was verified for NBTI degradation with 130nm experimental and simulation data over a wide range of stress voltages and temperature. The model also accurately captures the dependence of NBTI on multiple diffusion species (H/H2), key process (Vth, tox) and environmental parameters (VDD, temperature). The circuit level performance of this method is verified with silicon data from ring-oscillator circuit. We also investigated the predicted impact of NBTI on representative digital circuits
The evolution and effectiveness of Maintenance Resource Management (MRM)

Abstract Maintenance resource management (MRM) is defined as collaboration and communication for maintenance safety. Its origins and separate roots are identified. Two recent and well-documented case examples are reviewed and assessed in terms of degree of top management support, the quality of intervention, and the extent of measurement and feedback. Systems thinking and culture change as current themes in aviation human factors are discussed and accumulating evidence is examined. The view of maintenance unity in the context of the larger organizational system is proposed. Relevance to industry Maintenance human factors plays an increasing part in airline safety. Maintenance resource management is the part of maintenance human factors which addresses the issues of management, organization, communication, problem solving, and decision making. MRM is important in addressing error correction and avoidance in the stressful and complex environment of commercial aviation.
A physically based analytic model of FET Class-E power amplifiers-designing for maximum PAE

In this paper, we present a new Class-E power-amplifier model. Through a physically based analysis, our novel approach yields closed-form expressions for input, output, and dc power. These expressions yield the important figures-of-merit [gain, drain efficiency, and power-added efficiency (PAE)]. Using standard device parameters, design optimization for maximum PAE follows directly from the analysis and applies to bath integrated and discrete transistor implementations. For integrated designs, the optimal FET aspect ratio can be determined, given the design variables of the Class-E output network (output power, frequency, supply voltage, and loaded-Q of the output resonator). In a discrete transistor application, the Class-E network can be optimized for one of the design variables. The detrimental effects of the device parasitics on the amplifier's performance at UHF and microwave frequencies are accounted for in the model and explained in this paper. We verified the validity of the model by comparing our computed values against those from simulations using an optimized 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS level-3 SPICE model.
A comparison of ISDN and LAN technologies

The author discusses the use of integrated services digital network (ISDN), broadband-ISDN, and fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) link protocols aboard ships. Connectionless services and connection-oriented services are compared, and their appropriateness for use in a tactical environment is analyzed. Conclusions are drawn on which technology is most appropriate for shipboard use and for use between land-based command centers. It is pointed out that FDDI networks are ideal for connecting existing local area networks (LANs) and have properties making them especially well suited for shipboard use. The use of ISDN and broadband-ISDN services ashore between command centers and other such installations is desirable for economic reasons and reasonable because the operating environment is less hostile. >
AESA 2012 Presidential Address "What My Community Means to Me": Reimagining Civic Praxis with Latina/Chicana Feminisms.

This article invites imaginings of democracy and education with and through “other” knowledges. It argues for the possibilities of working across difference as articulated in the transnational, border, and decolonial perspectives of Chicana/Latina feminisms. Specifically, it explores Gloria Anzaldua's notions of nos/otras (we, we/they, us/them), and conocimiento (knowledge with wisdom) as an example of thinking with other knowledges in civic praxis. Notions of community and civic engagement are then examined through a personal testimonio stemming from early memories of participation in a civic organization's sponsored essay contest, “What my community means to me.” Testimonio is used to critique civic exclusions but also to reimagine and animate other knowledges in the development of conocimiento for redefining community and civic participation. Lastly, this article briefly explores one example of how local activists are building communities of civic praxis for racial justice. Latina/Chicana feminisms are...
CORROSION OF STEEL REINFORCEMENT IN CARBON FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER WRAPPED CONCRETE CYLINDERS

The rehabilitation, repair, and strengthening of concrete structures has increased worldwide with a growing number of systems employing externally applied fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. However, the service life and effectiveness of FRP repair and strengthening techniques when applied to concrete in corrosive marine environments is still not well understood. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the corrosion performance of embedded steel reinforcement in cylindrical reinforced concrete specimens with 13 different surface treatment options. Samples were subjected to an impressed current and a high salinity solution. Test variables included the type of epoxy, wrap fiber orientation, and the number of wrap layers. Samples were evaluated for corrosion activity by monitoring corrosion potentials and impressed current flow levels, and by examining reinforcement mass loss and concrete chloride content among samples. Test results indicated that FRP wrapped specimens had prolonge...
Liquid-Scintillation Counting of [57Co]—Application to the Radioassay of Vitamin B12

Cobalt-57 can be measured in a liquid scintillation counting system. We describe the calibration of such a system for this gamma emitter. The counting procedure has been used in the radioassay of vitamin B12. Results of assays for which counting of bound radioisotope was done in a gamma scintillation spectrometer and in a liquid scintillation counter show that either counting system can be used for the measurement of [57Co].