cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the use of femtosecond laser ablation to facilitate spectroscopic depth profiling of heterogeneous polymeric coatings

Spectroscopic depth profiling of organic coatings is useful for characterizing the nature and spatial distribution of weather-induced aging on a coating system. Due to their highly heterogeneous compositions and general opacity, high-solids organic coatings can be extremely difficult to depth profile using established techniques. This work evaluates the feasibility of using femtosecond time-scale laser pulses as a method for preparing coating samples for the purpose of depth-resolved spectroscopic analysis. Samples were prepared by ablating square regions of various depths in military coating samples. Ablated regions were characterized morphologically using a custom scanning confocal profilometer and spectroscopically using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and dispersive Raman spectroscopy. Depth profiles collected from ablated samples were compared with profiles of the same material collected using a cross-sectional transmission-mode FTIR technique. A threshold level was found, below which a compound-selective ablation process was observed. Additional ether cross-linking was found to occur at moderate/high energy levels. Material in the residual interaction volume showed indications of reconstituted urethane functionality.
Do benzodiazepines have a role in the prevention or treatment of coronary heart disease and other major medical disorders

Increased coronary disease rates, as well as increased all-cause mortality, in persons with high levels of hostility/anger and in persons suffering from panic disorder or phobic anxiety suggest that biological concomitants of these traits/conditions lead to major medical illnesses. Benzodiazepines have effects, e.g. blunting of stress hormone responses, that could prevent disease in persons so predisposed. It will be necessary to identify subgroups with sufficiently high absolute rates of disease risk to justify pharmacological interventions, and then to carry out controlled prevention trials to document the benefits, before such approaches can be recommended for the general population. This approach (use of drugs when other measures fail) is now standard for more traditional risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. In contrast to primary prevention, a stronger case can be made for the use of benzodiazepines in secondary prevention. Research has shown benzodiazepine treatment to improve control of angina and to reduce "silent ischemia", directly suggesting clinical benefits to be gained from the effects of benzodiazepines to reduce stress hormone responses. While benzodiazepines have long been prescribed for the postmyocardial infarction patient, there are no controlled clinical trials documenting such benefits. These are now clearly in order so that the use of benzodiazepines in coronary patients can be advised on a rational basis.
Numerical study of the lattice massive Schwinger model using a fast fermion Monte Carlo algorithm.

Numerical simulations are performed on the lattice massive Schwinger model with Kogut-Susskind fermions, using a recently developed ``look-ahead'' fermion Monte Carlo algorithm, on lattices of up to 100\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}100 sites. Excellent agreement is found with results of mass perturbation theory about the massless two-flavor continuum exact solution. Significant deviations are found from the quenched approximation at small fermion masses. Because of the speed of the algorithm and the larger statistical fluctuations present in the quenched data, simulations of the full system including dynamical fermions do not take significantly greater processing time than do quenched simulations of comparable statistical accuracy.
β-Catenin Signaling Increases in Proliferating NG2+ Progenitors and Astrocytes during Post-Traumatic Gliogenesis in the Adult Brain

Wnt/β-catenin signaling can influence the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor populations in the hippocampus and subventricular zone, known germinal centers in the adult mouse brain. It is not known whether β-catenin signaling occurs in quiescent glial progenitors in cortex or spinal cord, nor is it known whether β-catenin is involved in the activation of glial progenitor populations after injury. Using a β-catenin reporter mouse (BATGAL mouse), we show that β-catenin signaling occurs in NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan+ (NG2) progenitors in the cortex, in subcallosal zone (SCZ) progenitors, and in subependymal cells surrounding the central canal. Interestingly, cells with β-catenin signaling increased in the cortex and SCZ following traumatic brain injury (TBI) but did not following spinal cord injury. Initially after TBI, β-catenin signaling was predominantly increased in a subset of NG2+ progenitors in the cortex. One week following injury, the majority of β-catenin signaling appeared in reactive astrocytes but not oligodendrocytes. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) paradigms and Ki-67 staining showed that the increase in β-catenin signaling occurred in newly born cells and was sustained after cell division. Dividing cells with β-catenin signaling were initially NG2+; however, by four days after a single injection of BrdU, they were predominantly astrocytes. Infusing animals with the mitotic inhibitor cytosine arabinoside prevented the increase of β-catenin signaling in the cortex, confirming that the majority of β-catenin signaling after TBI occurs in newly born cells. These data argue for manipulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway after TBI as a way to modify post-traumatic gliogenesis.
Career paths for women faculty: Evidence from NSOPF:99

If career experiences of women academics are significantly different from those of men, analysts of gender equity need to take those differences into account.
Sustained esophageal contraction correlates with heartburn and non-cardiac chest pain: analysis of large number of symptom episodes

Sustained esophageal contraction correlates with heartburn and non-cardiac chest pain: analysis of large number of symptom episodes
Didehydroretinoic acid: retinoid receptor-mediated transcriptional activation and binding properties.

Abstract All- trans -3,4-Didehydroretinoic acid (vitamin A 2 acid; DDRA) is one of the retinoids present in human skin, the most responsive tissue to retinoid treatment. To understand the mechanism of action of DDRA in the control of differentiation and tumorigenesis, we studied its interaction with cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABPs) and nuclear all- trans -retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RARs), and 9- cis -retinoic acid receptors (RXRs). The IC 50 plots of DDRA for inhibition of [ 3 H]RA binding to CRABP I and II and to RARα, β and γ illustrate that this retinoid binds with the same affinity as RA to these proteins. DDRA, however, showed higher affinity than RA for RXRα. Evaluation of the transcriptional activation potential of DDRA in CV-1 cells showed that this retinoid induced RARα-mediated transcription to the same magnitude as RA in the 10 −9 to 10 −6 M concentration range. However, in comparison to RA, DDRA produced a 2- to 3-fold higher activation of the transcription mediated by RXRα homodimers, as well as RARβ-RXRα heterodimers. These results suggest that the biological activity of retinoids in the skin may be attained through the joint potential of both RA and DDRA.
Climate, agriculture, and hunger: statistical prediction of undernourishment using nonlinear regression and data-mining techniques

An estimated 1 billion people suffer from hunger worldwide, and climate change, urbanization, and globalization have the potential to exacerbate this situation. Improved models for predicting food security are needed to understand these impacts and design interventions. However, food insecurity is the result of complex interactions between physical and socio-economic factors that can overwhelm linear regression models. More sophisticated data-mining approaches could provide an effective way to model these relationships and accurately predict food insecure situations. In this paper, we compare multiple regression and data-mining methods in their ability to predict the percent of a country's population that suffers from undernourishment using widely available predictor variables related to socio-economic settings, agricultural production and trade, and climate conditions. Averaging predictions from multiple models results in the lowest predictive error and provides an accurate method to predict undernourish...
Minimum reference set based feature selection for small sample classifications

We address feature selection problems for classification of small samples and high dimensionality. A practical example is microarray-based cancer classification problems, where sample size is typically less than 100 and number of features is several thousands or higher. One of the commonly used methods in addressing this problem is recursive feature elimination (RFE) method, which utilizes the generalization capability embedded in support vector machines and is thus suitable for small samples problems. We propose a novel method using minimum reference set (MRS) generated by the nearest neighbor rule. MRS is the set of minimum number of samples that correctly classify all the training samples. It is related to structural risk minimization principle and thus leads to good generalization. The proposed MRS based method is compared to RFE method with several real datasets, and experimental results show that the MRS method produces better classification performance.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Class of Atypical Dopamine Receptor Agonists

Purpose The D3 dopamine receptor exhibits tolerance and slow response termination (SRT) properties that are not exhibited by the closely-related D2 dopamine receptor. We previously demonstrated that the induction of tolerance elicits a unique conformational change in the D3 receptor. Here we tested the hypothesis that the tolerance and SRT properties of the D3 receptor are ligand-dependent.
The VIX, VXO and realised volatility: a test of lagged and contemporaneous relationships

The VIX has traditionally been considered a forward indicator of realised volatility. This follows from its original formulation as the implied volatility of an option on the S&P 100 index and its later incarnation based on the fair price of a realised volatility swap. We focus on the related issue of Granger causality. Our results suggest that realised volatility Granger causes the VIX. In fact, it appears that the VIX lags realised volatility by about one month. Overall, our results are consistent with the notion that participants rely more on objective probabilities derived from past observations and less on future subjective probabilities. We also use threshold analysis to investigate asymmetric relationships between realised and implied volatility.
A distinctive genetic footprint of Ancient hybridizAtion

ABSTRACT. Ancient hybridization is difficult to detect and is often surmised from conflicting patterns between phenotypic and genetic data sets that are difficult to explain with alternative hypotheses. Here, a fortuitous macromutation in a microsatellite locus allows an unusually distinctive footprint of ancient introgression to be inferred between two highly divergent bird species that began to speciate in the Late Miocene. A cline of distinctive high-repeat-number (large) alleles at a locus in the Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi), which predominantly has low-repeat-number (small) alleles, reaches its highest frequency near the range border with Transvolcanic Jays (A. ultramarina), which are fixed for large alleles, indicating gene flow. The gene flow is not recent, however, because very few of the allelic states are shared between Mexican Jays and Transvolcanic Jays. Ancient gene flow is also more plausible than current gene flow because prior mitochondrial DNA results show no evidence of current di...
Fuz regulates craniofacial development through tissue specific responses to signaling factors.

The planar cell polarity effector gene Fuz regulates ciliogenesis and Fuz loss of function studies reveal an array of embryonic phenotypes. However, cilia defects can affect many signaling pathways and, in humans, cilia defects underlie several craniofacial anomalies. To address this, we analyzed the craniofacial phenotype and signaling responses of the Fuz−/− mice. We demonstrate a unique role for Fuz in regulating both Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling during craniofacial development. Fuz expression first appears in the dorsal tissues and later in ventral tissues and craniofacial regions during embryonic development coincident with cilia development. The Fuz−/− mice exhibit severe craniofacial deformities including anophthalmia, agenesis of the tongue and incisors, a hypoplastic mandible, cleft palate, ossification/skeletal defects and hyperplastic malformed Meckel's cartilage. Hh signaling is down-regulated in the Fuz null mice, while canonical Wnt signaling is up-regulated revealing the antagonistic relationship of these two pathways. Meckel's cartilage is expanded in the Fuz−/− mice due to increased cell proliferation associated with the up-regulation of Wnt canonical target genes and decreased non-canonical pathway genes. Interestingly, cilia development was decreased in the mandible mesenchyme of Fuz null mice, suggesting that cilia may antagonize Wnt signaling in this tissue. Furthermore, expression of Fuz decreased expression of Wnt pathway genes as well as a Wnt-dependent reporter. Finally, chromatin IP experiments demonstrate that β-catenin/TCF-binding directly regulates Fuz expression. These data demonstrate a new model for coordination of Hh and Wnt signaling and reveal a Fuz-dependent negative feedback loop controlling Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
241Pu/239+240Pu ratios in polar glaciers

Abstract The analyses of plutonium isotopes in dated strata of polar ice sheets indicate that the 241 Pu/ 239+240 Pu activity ratio produced in the U.S.-dominated nuclear tests during the 1950s was about 26, while that in the U.S.S.R.-dominated weapons tests in the early 1960s was between 12 and 14. This difference provides time horizons for sedimentary deposits. Further, the 239 Pu/ 240 Pu ratio may show a similar difference in fallout values from these two periods of weapons testing and may provide an additional, and perhaps more sensitive, chronology for sediments.
Turbulent forced convection inside a parallel-plate channel with periodic variation of inlet temperature

The analysis of heat transfer in turbulent forced convection subject to a periodically varying inlet temperature leads to a nonclassical Sturm-Liouville type eigenvalue problem for which no known solution is available. In this work a new methodology is developed to alleviate the need for the solution of a complex eigenvalue problem in the analysis of turbulent forced convection inside a parallel-plate channel with a periodically varying inlet temperature and a uniform constant wall temperature. In this approach, the problem is transformed to the solution of a system of coupled ordinary differential equations in the complex domain, which could readily be solved. For the cases considered it is demonstrated that the solutions obtained from the decoupled system, referred to as the lowest-order solution, produce sufficiently accurate results. The variation of the amplitudes and phase lag of both fluid bulk temperature and the wall heat flux along the channel is investigated and a simple approximate analytic formula is developed for determining the variation of the phase lag for the bulk temperature along the channel.
The contribution of fatty acid amides to Prymnesium parvum Carter toxicity

Abstract It is well known that toxic blooms of Prymnesium parvum result in widespread fish mortalities. An assemblage of fatty acid amides (FAAs) has been shown to be toxic metabolites of P. parvum. Several compounds and compound classes have been implicated in P. parvum toxicity, but unlike FAAs, thus far none have been shown to accumulate to lethal levels at ichthyotoxic bloom events. The purpose of this study is to characterize the hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and ichthyotoxicity of the fatty acid amides identified from P. parvum using mammalian red blood cells, mouse neuroblastoma cells, and rainbow trout gill cells. We also investigate the effect of abiotic factors (divalent cations and pH) on fatty acid amide toxicity. Samples from P. parvum bloom events with fish kills were analyzed in order to demonstrate that fatty acid amides are found in lethal levels at fish kills. Hemolytic and cytoxicity assays were completed with the introduction of abiotic factors to assess fatty acid amides toxicity. Our results show that fatty acid amides are detected in toxicologically significant quantities in samples from at least one fish kill event. We also show that the toxicity of oleamide and linoleamide in cell culture is increased in the presence of divalent cations and increasing pH, demonstrating that multiple abiotic factors affect the toxicity of fatty acid amides. Fatty acid amides possess the hemolytic and cytotoxic properties previously attributed to P. parvum toxins throughout history. After fatty acid amides have been released into the environment, multiple abiotic factors can increase their toxicity.
RESPONSE OF EXCISED TOMATO ROOTS TO β (-4-METHYLTHIAZOLYL-5) -ALANINE

The probability that thiamin (vitamin Bi) is essential for most if not all organisms makes any information on its synthesis in vivo of considerable importance. Buchman and Richardson (2) synthesized an amino acid, ? (-4r-methylthiazolyl-5) -alanine which they consider might be the precursor of the thiazole which makes an integral part of the thiamin molecule. The compound they synthesized has the following structure.
Studies on the metabolic mechanism of reduced high density lipoproteins during anabolic steroid therapy

To explore the mechanism whereby stanozolol, a 17α-methyl androgenic anabolic steroid, depresses high density lipoproteins (HDL), 6 subjects, aged 46–71 yr (4 postmenopausal women and 2 men), underwent paired studies of 125I-HDL turnover (including HDL2 and HDL3 and Apo A-I and A-II) and postheparin plasma (PHP) lipolytic activity (hepatic triglyceride lipase, HTGL, and lipoprotein lipase LPL) before and during treatment with stanozolol, 6 mg/day. While total cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not change during stanozolol, HDL-cholesterol decreased from 59 ± 18 mg/dl (x ± SD) to 29 ± 7 mg/dl (p < 0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol increased from 160 ± 36 mg/dl to 181 ± 42 mg/dl (p < 0.02). PHP-HTGL increased from 111 ± 47 nmole/min/ml to 369 ± 202 nmole/min/ml (p < 0.04), while PHP-LPL did not change. At baseline the residence time of HDL2 (4.00 ± 1.04 day) was shorter than that of HDL3 (6.79 ± 1.00 day) (p < 0.001). Residence times of both declined on stanozolol, to 3.25 ± 0.83 day and 4.00 ± 0.29 day, respectively (0.1 < p < 0.2); however, only the reduction in residence time of HDL3 was statistically significant (p < 0.001). At baseline the residence time of apo A-I (4.93 ± 1.32 day) was shorter than that of A-II (6.85 ± 1.98 day) (p < 0.025); on stanozolol these declined to 3.19 ± 0.41 (p < 0.02) and 5.10 ± 1.13 (p = 0.07), respectively, still significantly different from each other (p < 0.005). While PHP-LPL showed little relationship to these parameters of HDL metabolism on nonparametric correlation analysis, PHP-HTGL was generally inversely correlated with HDL-cholesterol and A-I and A-II mass both at baseline and during stanozolol; however, no clear relationship with A-I and A-II residence time was demonstrated.
Herpesvirus infections in immunocompromised hosts

The Herpesviruses constitute a diverse group of viruses whose impact on the health ofimmunodeficient children has increased over the last two decades as increasing numbers of children require long-term iatrogenic immunosuppression or are infected with HIV. The ability of herpesviruses to cause primary infections with reactivation and their oncogenic potential make these viruses serious pathogens in immunodeficient hosts. In this article, the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of herpesvirus infections as they pertain to immunodeficient childre are reviewed.
Therapeutic factors in group psychotherapy: A contemporary view

This paper reviews the two major approaches to the assessment of therapeutic factors in therapy groups: 1) questionnaires administered at termination, and 2) postsession Critical Incident reports. The major categories will be discussed, and a new study utilizing Critical Incident methodology reported which replicates previous results. Suitable studies will be reanalyzed from the standpoint of the change in therapeutic factors over time as a group develops. It is recommended that the Critical Incident methodology be further refined and used in preference to the questionnaire approach.
Current Motion Tracking from Satellite Image Sequence With Global Similarity Optimization Model

A new approach is proposed for motion tracking from a satellite image sequence to address the issue of radiometric variations between two-frame images. A global similarity criterion is defined based on the cross correlation between two images to convert a convex optimization model to a nonconvex one. The retrieval of the motion field with the criterion of maximum similarity becomes solving a nonlinear minimization problem. One of the generic iterative equations is formulated based on the global similarity optimization model (GSOM) and a unified adaptive framework. The simplified iterative equation is easy to implement and highly efficient with lower computational complexity for motion estimation. The new GSOM method can adapt to the violations of the tracer conservation constraint for motion field estimation when there are radiometric variations between two images. The approach is tested using an ocean simulation data set and realistic satellite infrared image sequences. Experimental results indicate that the new approach is not only robust for radiometric variations between two images but also efficient, fast, and accurate for motion estimation.
The Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System

The Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (www.sccoos.org) is one of 11 eleven regional associations developing an Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for the United States. IOOS is a recognized initiative identified in the U.S. Ocean Action Plan and is considered one of the U.S. contributions to the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS). At the local level, SCCOOS works closely with regional and State mission agencies to develop science-based products to further their work. Agencies include seven different health agencies, three Regional Water Control Boards, major ocean dischargers that include sewer districts and municipalities, private industry including energy producers, marine safety officers, local Navy and Coast Guard personnel, and the commercial shipping industry. Federal funding is leveraged with existing projects with both the State Water Resources Control Board and the California State Coastal Conservancy, including a $21M statewide initiative to map ocean circulation, of which roughly half is invested in SCCOOS. We describe the history of SCCOOS and provide examples of activities presently underway.
A comparative study of adolescent and adult mothers who intend to breastfeed

The purpose of this study was to compare reasons for choosing to breastfeed, timing of the infant feeding decision, and intended duration of breastfeeding between adolescent and adult mothers. The study population consisted of primiparous teens and adults who were matched by ethnicity, and interviewed within 48 hours postpartum at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center from August to December, 1989. Of the 48 women in each age group, there were 40 Hispanics, 5 non-Hispanic whites, 2 blacks, and 1 Southeast Asian. Results showed that the teens differed from their adult counterparts in that they cited naturalness or convenience less often as a reason for breastfeeding. The adolescent mothers were also less likely than the adults to make the decision to breastfeed before the pregnancy, than during pregnancy or after birth. There was no difference in intended duration of breastfeeding between these two groups: the majority of women planned to breastfeed for less than 26 weeks. Early introduction of infant feeding education may serve to increase the adolescent's knowledge base from which to make the decision to breastfeed. Even though the adolescents intended to breastfeed for as long as the adults, they may benefit from increased exposure to prenatal care and childbirth classes as well as from a supportive school or work environment in order to achieve success in breastfeeding.
On the ellipsoidal corrections to gravity anomalies computed using the inverse Stokes integral

The formulas of the ellipsoidal corrections to the gravity anomalies computed using the inverse Stokes integral are derived. The corrections are given in the integral formulas and expanded in the spherical harmonics series. If a coefficient model such as the OSU91A is given, the corrections can be easily computed.
Conventional assessment of needle biopsy specimens is more useful than digital image analysis of proliferation and DNA ploidy in prediction of positive surgical margins at radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives The preoperative prediction of the likelihood of positive surgical margins (+SMs) at radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) may be useful for counseling and determining the surgical approach. The aim of this study was to assess the additional value of digital image analysis (DIA) of ploidy and proliferation on needle biopsies, in addition to the known preoperative predictors of +SMs at RRP. Methods We identified 454 patients treated by RRP at our institution from 1995 to 1998 for prostate cancer verified by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, with a specimen adequate for DIA. Patients receiving preoperative hormonal therapy were excluded. The clinical features, transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy findings, and DIA evaluation of MIB-I immunostaining and DNA ploidy were assessed in a multivariate logistic regression model to predict for +SMs at RRP. Results The mean ± SD age at treatment was 64.5 ± 6.5 years, the percentage of positive cores was 40.4% ± 24.3%, the median prostate-specific antigen level was 6.3 ng/mL (range 0.6 to 112.0), median biopsy Gleason score was 6 (range 4 to 9), and median percentage of diploid nuclei was 67% (range 0% to 100%). Of the 454 patients, 185 (40.7%) had +SMs; this finding was time dependent (1995 to 1996, 45% and 1997 to 1998, 31%; P = 0.004). Univariately, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, extent of cancer on biopsy, MIB-1 expression, percentage of diploid or nondiploid nuclei, and year of surgery were predictive for +SMs. On multivariate analysis, the preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, biopsy Gleason score, percentage of positive cores, and year of surgery remained significant. Conclusions The results of our study have shown that the likelihood of +SMs at RRP is best predicted on the basis of conventional prognostic factors. The DIA features of needle biopsies did not provide additional predictive power.
Multi-layer epitaxially grown silicon impatt diodes at millimeter-wave frequencies

Complementary (N+PP+) and double-drift (N+NPP+) silicon IMPATT diodes were prepared and investigated as oscillators in the millimeter-wave frequency region of 50 to 70 GHz. All the diodes were fabricated from multi-layer epitaxially grown silicon structures. A maximum CW output power level of 198 mW at 62.9 GHz and a maximum conversion efficiency of 7.3% have been measured for the complementary diodes. The double-drift IMPATT diodes have a maximum CW output power of 400 mW at 56.3 GHz and a maximum conversion efficiency of 8.5%.
Responsiveness of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a Sample of High-Risk Youth in Residential Treatment

Quality assessment of children’s functioning is critical for both research and service delivery. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a brief, publicly-available instrument that provides such assessment. Although the SDQ has strong psychometric properties, less is known about its responsiveness or sensitivity to detecting change over time. This study examined the responsiveness of the SDQ among high-risk youth and tested the degree to which changes on the SDQ correspond to changes on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a well-established and lengthier reference measure. Longitudinal SDQ and CBCL data collected as part of routine service delivery were analyzed for 65 youth entering a large residential treatment program. Assessments were obtained both at intake and approximately 3 months into the program. Paired samples t tests revealed statistically significant decreases in SDQ Conduct Problems and Emotional Symptoms scores, and McNemar’s tests showed a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of Conduct Problems cases. Correlations between changes on the SDQ scales and changes on corresponding CBCL scales ranged from .58 to .83. Results from receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that the SDQ was relatively accurate in identifying changes in CBCL diagnostic cases, with overlap across corresponding problem behavior domains ranging from 68 to 81 %. Findings suggest that the SDQ may represent a shorter, low cost alternative to longer measures, such as the CBCL, for use when researchers and practitioners are faced with time or financial constraints associated with the assessment of child functioning over time.
Science Signaling Podcast: 7 December 2010

This is a conversation with Lan Huang about a Research Article published in the 7 December 2010 issue of Science Signaling . Wang and colleagues report that oxidative stress triggers separation of the catalytic and regulatory portions of the yeast proteasome, thus enabling the catalytic core to switch from degrading ubiquitinated proteins to degrading potentially toxic oxidized proteins. This response was also observed in human cells, suggesting that this mechanism for surviving oxidative stress might be conserved throughout eukaryotes.
Relations between sill intrusions and bedding-parallel extensional shear zones in the Mid-continent Rift System of the Lake Superior region

Abstract The Mid-continent Rift System is a continuous U-shaped feature extending from Kansas north through the Lake Superior region and then south through Michigan. The Logan Sills on the northwest side of the lake were intruded during the rifting stage (1109 Ma). Deformation features in the country rock adjacent to the Logan sills indicate two episodes of shear strain. The first consists of minor thrusts and mesoscopic shear bands, both suggesting top-to-the-south (southwest) movement parallel to the bedding. The second rotates the previously formed shear bands in the opposite sense, top-to-the-north (northeast) and is localized at the basal contact between the sills and the country rock. We attempt to explain the relations observed with a tectonic model in which sill intrusions take advantage of bedding-parallel shear zones that are the surface expression of a south-dipping detachment plane. The detachment plane steps up in the layered proterozoic sedimentary sequence and allows extension during rifting. In this scenario the first episode of shear strain might be related to bedding-parallel extension and the second to shear stress induced by the intrusion of magma along the detachment from the south. The polarity of both events is supported by small scale kinematic indicators such as veins, fiber growths and foliation.
Gaucher disease: Perspectives on a prototype lysosomal disease.

Gaucher disease is an autosomal recessive trait and the most common lysosomal storage disease. The pathogenesis evolves from the diminished activity of the lysosomal hydrolase, acid β-glucosidase and the resultant accumulation of glucosylceramide within lysosomes. The pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. During the past 2 decades, progress has been made in understanding the biochemical basis and molecular biology of the disease, but more fundamental knowledge is required to relate these advances to the cell and whole body phenotypes. Despite this lack of understanding, enzyme replacement therapy has proved a successful and effective management for Gaucher disease. However, basic details of this therapeutic efficacy require elucidation. Here, we review the current state of the molecular pathogenesis and provide our perspective of some major issues for continued advances in this prototype lysosomal storage disease.
Colorectal cancer occurs earlier in those exposed to tobacco smoke: implications for screening.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the USA. While various lifestyle factors have been shown to alter the risk for colorectal cancer, recommendations for the early detection of CRC are based only on age and family history.
The Diagnosis and Management of Lumbar Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in adolescent athletes. Despite the frequency with which it occurs, there are no controlled trials on treatment and only limited comparative studies between the different imaging modalities available. Given this, there are substantial disagreements among authors as to the optimal means of diagnosing and treating this condition. Based on the current medical literature, however, nuclear imaging with bone scan and single-photon emission computed tomography would appear to represent the best diagnostic screening tool, although additional studies, particularly computed tomography, may be necessary to accurately diagnose and treat an affected athlete. An essential component of treatment is relative rest. Issues related to the diagnosis and management of adolescent athletes with spondylolysis will be addressed, and defined strategies for diagnosis and treatment are presented.
Fingerprinting species and strains of Bacilli spores by distinctive coat surface morphology.

In this work, we applied high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) to identify and characterize similarities and differences in the spore surface morphology of strains from four species of Bacilli: B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. pumilis, and B. subtilis. Common features of the examined spores in the dry state included ridges that spanned the long axis of each spore, and nanometer-scale fine rodlets that covered the entire spore surface. However, important differences in these features between species permitted them to be distinguished by AFM. Specifically, each species possessed significant variation in ridge architecture, and the rodlet width in B. anthracis was significantly less than that of the other species. To characterize similarities and differences within a species, we examined three B. subtilis strains. The ridge patterns among the three strains were largely the same; however, we detected significant differences in the ridge dimensions. Taken together, these experiments provide important infor...
Growth of TlBa/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 7/ thin films using a controlled Tl-oxide source during processing

TlBa/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 7/ superconducting films 5000-6000 /spl Aring/ thick have been grown on LaAlO/sub 3/(100) substrates using oxide precursors in a two-zone thallination furnace. Smooth, nearly phase-pure 1212 films are reported, with transition temperature (T/sub c/)/spl sim/87 K, and low-magnetic field critical current densities J/sub c/(5 K)/spl sim/1/spl times/10/sup 7/ and J/sub c/(40 K)/spl sim/2-10/sup 6/ A/cm/sup 2/. >
Elastic properties and Mossbauer spectra of Fe1+xNb3−xSe10

Abstract We have measured 57 Fe Mossbauer spectra, Young's modulus, and internal friction of Fe 1+x Nb 3−x Se 10 as functions of temperature. Two quadrupole doublets observed in the Mossbauer spectrum at 300K coalesce into one doublet near 170K, suggesting either that the disorder in the cation sites present at room temperature is removed or that there is an ordering of the distorted octahedral Se cages. A broad minimum in modulus is observed at 50K, with a large peak in internal friction below this at 30K. These are attributed to changes in the charge density wave domain configuration caused by the increasing potential of the competing superlattice.
Light-cone quark-model axial-vector-meson wave function.

Within the framework of the light-cone formalism we construct a model wave function appropriate for axial-vector mesons. The spin bilinear covariant component of our model wave function is consistent with the Melosh transformation procedure. We have applied our model to the {ital a}{sub 1} axial-vector meson and have compared the first six moments of the quark distribution amplitude with those obtained from the QCD sum-rule technique. In addition to our axial-vector-meson results, we further investigate the simple light-cone quark model by computing moments for pseudoscalar {pi} and {ital K} and vector {rho} mesons and compare our results with those from various QCD sum-rule techniques and lattice calculations.
Zinc Isotope Investigation of Surface and Pore Waters in a Mountain Watershed Impacted by Acid Rock Drainage

Abstract The pollution of natural waters with metals derived from the oxidation of sulfide minerals like pyrite is a global environmental problem. However, the metal loading pathways and transport mechanisms associated with acid rock drainage reactions are often difficult to characterize using bulk chemical data alone. In this study, we evaluated the use of zinc (Zn) isotopes to complement traditional geochemical tools in the investigation of contaminated waters at the former Waldorf mining site in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, U.S.A. Geochemical signatures and statistical analysis helped in identifying two primary metal loading pathways at the Waldorf site. The first was characterized by a circumneutral pH, high alkalinity, and high Zn/Cd ratios. The second was characterized by acidic pHs and low Zn/Cd ratios. Zinc isotope signatures in surface water samples collected across the site were remarkably similar (the δ 66 Zn, relative to JMC 3-0749-L, for most samples ranged from 0.20 to 0.30‰ ± 0.09‰ 2σ). This probably suggests that the ultimate source of Zn is consistent across the Waldorf site, regardless of the metal loading pathway. The δ 66 Zn of pore water samples collected within a nearby metal-impacted wetland area, however, were more variable, ranging from 0.20 to 0.80‰ ± 0.09‰ 2σ. Here the Zn isotopes seemed to reflect differences in groundwater flow pathways. However, a host of secondary processes might also have impacted Zn isotopes, including adsorption of Zn onto soil components, complexation of Zn with dissolved organic matter, uptake of Zn into plants, and the precipitation of Zn during the formation of reduced sulfur species. Zinc isotope analysis proved useful in this study; however, the utility of this isotopic tool would improve considerably with the addition of a comprehensive experimental foundation for interpreting the complex isotopic relationships found in soil pore waters.
Differential temperature treatment of plants greatly enhances multiplication rates.

Abstract Extremely rapid rates of virus multiplication have been achieved through the manipulation of the temperature of different parts of the plants following inoculation with either cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) or tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Under the conditions of the treatment, TMV had a lag period of 15 hr and reached a maximum yield after 5 days. The lag period for CCMV was 8 hr and maximum yield was reached by 24 hr. Under normal conditions lag periods and maximum yields for TMV were 1–2 days and 10–12 days, respectively, and for CCMV 1 day and 4–5 days, respectively.
Transplant registrants with implanted left ventricular assist devices have insufficient risk to justify elective organ procurement and transplantation network status 1A time

Objectives The goal of this research was to identify disparities in risk within heart transplant urgency designations. Background Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are given 30 days of elective status 1A time. This allowance may create competition for organs between stable LVAD-supported registrants and less stable registrants listed status 1A or 1B. Methods The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database was analyzed for all status 1A and 1B listings between 2005 and 2010. Cox models were used to estimate the relative and absolute risk of adverse events (death or delisting as too ill) during status 1A or 1B listing. Results Status 1A registrants supported with dual inotropes and right heart monitoring had a higher risk of adverse events compared to those supported with implanted LVADs using elective 1A time (hazard ratio: 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.8 to 5.7). The 30-day risk of events was 1% (95% confidence interval: 0.1% to 3%) for implanted LVADs using elective 1A time and 6% (95% confidence interval: 4% to 8%) for dual inotrope support. Registrants listed with paracorporeal ventricular assist devices had a higher risk of adverse events (hazard ratio: 9.1; p Conclusions The historic allowance for 30 days of elective status 1A time for implanted LVADs creates disparities in risk among status 1A registrants. The allowance of 30 days of elective status 1A time should not be allocated to stable registrants with implanted LVADs. Registrants supported with paracorporeal ventricular assist devices should be listed status 1A indefinitely.
MRONLINE: MapReduce online performance tuning

MapReduce job parameter tuning is a daunting and time consuming task. The parameter configuration space is huge; there are more than 70 parameters that impact job performance. It is also difficult for users to determine suitable values for the parameters without first having a good understanding of the MapReduce application characteristics. Thus, it is a challenge to systematically explore the parameter space and select a near-optimal configuration. Extant offline tuning approaches are slow and inefficient as they entail multiple test runs and significant human effort.To this end, we propose an online performance tuning system, MRONLINE, that monitors a job's execution, tunes associated performance-tuning parameters based on collected statistics, and provides fine-grained control over parameter configuration. MRONLINE allows each task to have a different configuration, instead of having to use the same configuration for all tasks. Moreover, we design a gray-box based smart hill climbing algorithm that can efficiently converge to a near-optimal configuration with high probability. To improve the search quality and increase convergence speed, we also incorporate a set of MapReduce-specific tuning rules in MRONLINE. Our results using a real implementation on a representative 19-node cluster show that dynamic performance tuning can effectively improve MapReduce application performance by up to 30% compared to the default configuration used in YARN.
Moduli of ordered polymer composites prepared by colloidal crystallization of nano- and micro-SiO2 spheres in crosslinked methacrylate resins

Abstract The extraordinary mechanical performance of nanomaterials found in nature has been attributed to the ordered arrangement of the components. Here, nano- and mico-composites containing either ordered or disordered arrangement of the spheres were compared. The nano- and micro-composites were formed using 19–45 vol% silica in crosslinked resins of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), in weight ratios TEGDMA/MMA of 100/0, 80/20 or 60/40. The silica nanoparticles, with sizes of 250, 500 and 1000 nm diameter, were silanated with methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS), MPS-SiO 2 , to promote bonding to the resin. The ordered nano- or micro-composites were obtained by colloidal crystallization and formed face-centered cubic arrays. Disorder was achieved by mixing two particle sizes or by addition of a coinitiator, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). Ordered nano- or micro-composites had moduli 30% higher than similar composites in which disordered was introduced by mixing two size spheres, at the same loading, for all resin compositions. The greatest improvement occurred at the highest packing density of the spheres, 45 vol%. When disorder was introduced by addition of DMAEMA, the mechanical properties of the ordered and disordered composites were similar, since local but not long-range regions of order was also achieved in the latter case.
Fatigue Strength Characterization of E-glass Fibers Using Fiber Bundle Test:

An experimental approach has been developed to characterize the fatigue strength distribution of E-glass fibers using fiber bundle test. In this approach, survival probability, P, of the fiber bundles was first calculated from the stress reduction observed in strain-controlled fatigue tests. Based on the fiber bundle model, Weibull distribution and fatigue P –" – N curves, the fatigue strength exponent b, Weibull scale parameter σ0, and Weibull shape parameter β were then determined to characterize the fatigue strength distribution of E-glass fiber bundles. A numerical model, based on Monte-Carlo simulation, was also established to predict the load-controlled fatigue S–N diagram of E-glass fiber bundles. The simulated strain-cycle curves and stress-cycle curves based on the model developed were in good agreement with the test data.
Rechargeable lithium-titanium disulphide cells of spirally-wound design

Abstract A thin and flexible TiS 2 electrode is being developed. The electrode is made without carbon via a non-aqueous process, thus avoiding some of the earlier difficulties encountered with TiS 2 electrodes. Cylindrical, spirally-wound Li-TiS 2 cells were fabricated. An AA-size cell delivers 1.08 A h at an average discharge voltage of 2.12 V (200 mA rate). Cycle life at over 80% depth of discharge varies between 50 and 200 cycles depending on cell fabrication parameters. These include: type and amount of electrolyte, Li to TiS 2 capacity ratio, and type of separator.
Sexual Violence Prevention The Role of Stages of Change

Increasing numbers of empirical studies and theoretical frameworks for preventing sexual violence are appearing in the research- and practice-based literatures. The consensus of this work is that although important lessons have been learned, the field is still in the early stages of developing and fully researching effective models, particularly for the primary prevention of this problem in communities. The purpose of this article is to discuss the utility of applying the transtheoretical model of readiness for change to sexual violence prevention and evaluation. A review of this model and its application in one promising new primary prevention program is provided, along with exploratory data about what is learned about program design and effectiveness when the model is used. The study also represents one of the first attempts to operationalize and create specific measures to quantify readiness for change in the context of sexual violence prevention and evaluation. Implications for program development and evaluation research are discussed.
Buspirone Use in an Adolescent with Social Phobia and Mixed Personality Disorder (Cluster A Type)

The use of buspirone for the treatment of social phobia has been reported in some adult patients; however, to the authors' knowledge, there are no reports of its use in adolescents with this disorder. Use of buspirone in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders is reviewed. An unusual case study is presented of a 16-year-old male patient with social phobia and a mixed personality disorder predominantly with schizotypal features, who responded well to an open trial of buspirone for anxiety and "soft" psychotic symptoms.