cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ad hoc Exact Techniques for Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses ad hoc procedures including physical applications and discusses the concept of equation splitting. In specific nonlinear examples, the ad hoc techniques of the linear theory may prove useful. However, one must recognize that their great utility rests primarily upon the principle of superposition. In accordance with this principle, the elementary solutions of the pertinent mathematical equations can be combined to yield more flexible ones, namely, the ones that could satisfy the auxiliary conditions that arise from the particular physical phenomena. In nonlinear problems, this principle no longer holds. Its loss and the lack of an effective replacement constitute the major hurdle in the present chaotic state. In concept of equation splitting, one disregards the inviolate nature of the equation(s) to be solved. It is then decomposed into parts, which are equated to a common factor, in such a manner that a general solution (containing the appropriate number of arbitrary functions) can be constructed for at least one part. The form of the arbitrary function(s) is then obtained by means of the requirement that the other part be satisfied. The chapter also discusses the application of equation splitting concept in Navier–Stokes equations.
An Ecological Crisis in an Evolutionary Context: El Niño in the Eastern Pacific

Abstract In this essay I ask whether and how El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events have influenced extinction and speciation among marine organisms in the tropical eastern Pacific during the Pliocene and Pleistocene, and whether events of this type could serve as small-scale models for the greater biotic crises that have marked the history of life from time to time. The warming and nutrient depletion that characterize the eastern Pacific during ENSO events are both too frequent and on too small a scale to result in species extinctions. Although a reduction in primary productivity has been implicated in many of the biotic crises of the past, warming has apparently not played a significant role. These arguments, together with empirical evidence of low rates of extinction among eastern Pacific invertebrates during the past three million years, suggest that ENSO events are not good models for mass extinctions. Similarly, the changes in oceanic circulation associated with ENSO events are too frequent to have resulted in speciation. This conclusion is supported by the general lack of divergence of eastern Pacific populations that have dispersed from the central and western Pacific since the Pliocene.
Hereditary hemolytic anemia due to enzyme defects of glycolysis.

In view of our present knowledge of the genetic control of protein synthesis, it seems logical to assume that occasional mutations should give rise to specific defects of individual enzymes in the chain which controls glycolysis in the red cells.87 Indeed, it is an easy prophecy, today, that in the very near future individuals deficient in each of the glycolytic enzymes will be clearly identified. On the other hand, it is extraordinary to reflect that the first specific enzymatic defect responsible for chronic hemolytic anemia—a deficiency of pyruvate kinase— was postulated and described less than 15 years ago.201,251 This discovery came 5 years after the demonstration that a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the red cells is responsible for the genetically determined sensitivity to acute hemolysis upon exposure to certain drugs.45
Characteristics of Si 3 N 4 /GaAs metal-insulator-semiconductor interfaces with coherent Si/A 0.3 Ga 0.7 As interlayers

Si3N4/GaAs metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) interfaces with Si(10A)/ Al0.3Ga0.7As (20A) interface control layers have been characterized using capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance methods. The structure was in situ grown by a combination of molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition. A density of interface states in the 1.1 × 1011 eV-1 cm-2 range near the GaAs midgap as determined by the conductance loss has been attained with an ex situ solid phase annealing of 600°C in N2 ambient. A dip quasi-static C-V demonstrating the inversion of the minority-carrier verifies the decent interface quality of GaAs MIS interface. The hysteresis and frequency dispersion of the MIS capacitors were lower than 100 mV, some of them as low as 50 mV under a field swing of about ±2 MV/cm. The increase of the conductance loss at higher frequencies was observed when employing the surface potential toward conduction band edge, suggesting the dominance of faster traps. Self-aligned gate depletion mode GaAs metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors with Si/Al0.3Ga0.7As interlayers having 3 μm gate lengths exhibited a transconductance of about 114 mS/mm. The present article reports the first application of pseudomorphic Si/ Al0.3Ga0.7As interlayers to ideal GaAs MIS devices and demonstrates a favorable interface stability.
Gender Norms, Work-Family Policies, and Labor Force Participation among Immigrant and Native-born Women in Western Europe:

Though women’s labor force participation has increased over recent decades, it remains lower than men’s in nearly every advanced democracy. Some groups of migrant and ethnic minority women have esp...
Initial microbial community of the neonatal stomach immediately after birth.

The purpose of this prospective cross-sectional cohort pilot study is to explore the initial microbial community of gastric aspirate fluid as collected immediately after birth and its relationships...
Rapid evolution of thermal plasticity in mountain lake Daphnia populations

Populations at risk of extinction due to climate change may be rescued by adaptive evolution or plasticity. Selective agents, such as introduced predators, may enhance or constrain plastic or adaptive responses to temperature. We tested responses of Daphnia to temperature by collecting populations from lakes across an elevational gradient in the presence and absence of fish predators (long-term selection). We subsequently grew these populations at two elevations in field mesocosms over two years (short-term selection), followed by a common-garden experiment at two temperatures in the lab to measure life-history traits. Both long-term and short-term selection affected traits, suggesting that genetic variation of plasticity within populations enabled individuals to rapidly evolve plasticity in response to high temperature. We found that short-term selection by high temperature increased plasticity for growth rate in all populations. Fecundity was higher in populations from fishless lakes and body size showed greater plasticity in populations from warm lakes (long-term selection). Neither body size nor fecundity were affected by short-term thermal selection. These results demonstrate that plasticity is an important component of the life-history response of Daphnia, and that genetic variation within populations enabled rapid evolution of plasticity in response to selection by temperature.
College communities abroad: education, migrations and Catholicism in early modern Europe, edited by Liam Chambers and Thomas O’Connor

Gathered from papers presented at the ‘Irish in Europe Project’ conference in June 2014, College Communities Abroad: Education, Migration, and Catholicism in Early Modern Europe offers an impressiv...
Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture

Hemiarthroplasty is a common treatment for femoral neck fractures in the elderly population. The main complications are periprosthetic dislocation and infection, which potentially impact morbidity and quality of life and may contribute to mortality. This procedure can be technically demanding, and adequate closure of the capsule and soft tissue cannot be emphasized enough. One advantage of a bipolar prosthesis is that it can be easily converted to a total hip arthroplasty without replacing the femoral component and with approximately the same complication rates as a revision total hip arthroplasty. Cement should be used when the patient is osteoporotic or has a Dorr type-C canal because there is a significant reduction in risk of fracture. The addition of a collared stem is helpful if there is a crack in the calcar extending from the fracture. The procedure is as follows. (1) The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position. (2) The surgical site is prepared and draped to above the iliac crest and mid-sacrum. (3) A posterior approach is utilized. (4) The hip is dislocated. (5) A cut is made at the femoral neck. (6) The implant is templated with the femoral head. (7) The femur is broached. (8) The trial implant is placed. (9) The femur is cemented. (10) Trial implants are removed and cement is placed. (11) The final stem implant is placed in 5° to 10° of anteversion. (12) The final head and neck implants are trialed and then placed. (13) Implant position and range of motion are tested. (14) The surgical wound is irrigated. (15) Short external rotators are repaired. The posterior approach, which is often used, is known for increased rates of dislocation. The rate of dislocation can be minimized with repair of the posterior capsule and posterior soft tissue. Proper placement of the implants is of the utmost importance to minimize complications. Other contributing factors that lead to dislocation are implant malpositioning and patient factors.
Germline genome protection: implications for gamete quality and germ cell tumorigenesis.

BACKGROUND Germ cells have a unique and critical role as the conduit for hereditary information and therefore employ multiple strategies to protect genomic integrity and avoid mutations. Unlike somatic cells, which often respond to DNA damage by arresting the cell cycle and conducting DNA repair, germ cells as well as long-lived pluripotent stem cells typically avoid the use of error-prone repair mechanisms and favor apoptosis, reducing the risk of genetic alterations. Testicular germ cell tumors, the most common cancers of young men, arise from pre-natal germ cells. OBJECTIVES To summarize the current understanding of DNA damage response mechanisms in pre-meiotic germ cells and to discuss how they impact both the origins of testicular germ cell tumors and their remarkable responsiveness to genotoxic chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a review of literature gathered from PubMed regarding the DNA damage response properties of testicular germ cell tumors and the germ cells from which they arise, as well as the influence of these mechanisms on therapeutic responses by testicular germ cell tumors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of how the developmental origins of male germ cells and their inherent germ cell-like DNA damage response directly impact the development and therapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors. CONCLUSIONS The DNA damage response of germ cells directly impacts the development and therapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors. Recent advances in the study of primordial germ cells, post-natal mitotically dividing germ cells, and pluripotent stem cells will allow for new investigations into the initiation, progression, and treatment of testicular germ cell tumors.
Health Care Spending, Utilization, and Quality 8 Years into Global Payment.

Abstract Background Population-based global payment gives health care providers a spending target for the care of a defined group of patients. We examined changes in spending, utilization, and qual...
Influence of Co-Catalysts and Polymerization Conditions on Properties of Poly(anhydride-alt-epoxide)s from ROCOP Using Salen Complexes with Different Metals

Cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and phthalic anhydride (PA) have been reacted in the presence of commercial salen–type complexes with different metals Cr (1), Al (2), and Mn (3) in combination with 4-(dimethylamino) pyridine (DMAP), bis-(triphenylphosphorydine) ammonium chloride (PPNCl) and bis-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium azide (PPNN3) as co-catalysts to obtain alternating poly(PA-alt-CHO)s by ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP). The effect of different reaction conditions (pre-contact between catalyst and co-catalyst, polymerization time) on the productivity, molecular weight and glass transition temperature has been evaluated. By using a 24 h pre-contact, the aliphatic polyesters obtained were characterized by high molecular weight (Mn > 15 kg/mol) and glass transition temperature (Tg) up to 146 °C; the more sustainable metals Al and Mn in the presence of PPNCl give comparable results to Cr. Moreover, biodegradability data of these polyesters and the study of the microstructure reveal that the biodegradability is influenced more by the type of chain linkages rather than by the molecular weight of the polyesters.
Building a Microkinetic Model from First Principles for Higher Amine Synthesis on Pd Catalyst

The hydrogenation of nitriles utilizing heterogeneous catalysis is a significant commercial process for the synthesis of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. Periodic plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) is used to examine the hydrogenation of acetonitrile to primary, secondary, and tertiary amines on palladium catalysts. The quantified minimum energy reaction pathways, including activation barriers, for acetonitrile reaction to higher amines are discussed. The construction of a microkinetic model from first-principles for higher amine synthesis is presented. In addition, the microkinetic model simulations are discussed and compared to palladium-based catalyst experimental results for higher amine synthesis. For the first time, this novel and robust reactor model provides detailed insights into surface species coverage, as a function of process conditions (e.g., feedstock ratio, catalyst type, temperature, and pressure). More broadly, process engineers can leverage this valuable information to g...
The role of sensitivity analysis in the building performance analysis: A critical review

Abstract A building system is highly nonlinear and commonly includes a variety of parameters ranging from the architectural design to the building mechanical and energy system. Serving as a powerful tool to understand the complicated building system, sensitivity analysis (SA) has been receiving increasing attention in the recent decade. This review paper focused on the application of SA in the building performance analysis (BPA). First, the existing review papers on the application of SA for BPA were briefly reviewed and summarized. Then, a large amount of recent SA case studies in BPA were reviewed. The critical information regarding the implementation of a SA, such as the sampling method, the SA method, etc., were extracted and summarized. Next, an extensive analysis was performed to evaluate the role of the SA in the BPA. This includes: 1) The typical selection of the input and output parameters for the SA were visualized; 2) The uncertainty level and sampling strategies for the input parameters were investigated; 3) The principles, benefits, and drawbacks of the SA methods were analyzed and summarized; and 4) The various tools used in the SA, including the simulation software, sampling tools, and SA tools were introduced to facilitate the practitioners. Lastly, several conclusions were summarized on the role of the SA in the BPA. Suggestions were also provided to offer practical solutions to the current challenges.
Geldanamycin inhibits Jumonji histone lysine demethylase KDM4 and targets chimeric transcription factor PAX3-FOXO1

Abstract Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) are emerging as therapeutic targets in cancer. Development of potent KDM inhibitors may provide additional options for epigenomics-oriented therapies. Using a Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) functional demethylation assay, in combination with a high-content immunofluorescence imaging phenotypic screen, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR MS) and Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay (ALPHA), we identified geldanamycin, an inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), as a novel inhibitor of JmjC-domain containing demethylases such as KDM4B. We further found that geldanamycin can destabilize the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion oncoprotein, an Hsp90 client, which is a driver of clinically unfavorable alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS). We then hypothesized that dual inhibition of PAX3-FOXO1 and epigenetic modifiers of aRMS would have synergistic antitumor activity. We repurposed the geldanamycin analog 17-DMAG to target aRMS and found that 17-DMAG significantly delays tumor growth, extends survival in xenograft mouse models, and inhibits expression of PAX3-FOXO1 targets and multiple oncogenic pathways including MYC, E2F and NOTCH. In addition, the combination of 17-DMAG with conventional chemotherapy or the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy. In summary, we have identified geldanamycin and 17-DMAG as dual KDM/Hsp90 inhibitors and 17-DMAG is efficacious against PAX3-FOXO1-driven rhabdomyosarcoma.
The effects of dual plating on the vascularity of the distal femur.

Aims Dual plating of distal femoral fractures with medial and lateral implants has been performed to improve construct mechanics and alignment, in cases where isolated lateral plating would be insu...
Fatigue, Pain, Sleep Difficulties, and Depressive Symptoms in Mexican Americans and Chinese Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

Fatigue, pain, sleep difficulties, and depressive symptoms are common in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, most studies of diabetes symptoms are not conducted with Mexican- or Chinese Americans. We aim to compare the symptoms between the two ethnic groups and examine the predictors of fatigue. This is a secondary analysis of two datasets (72 Mexican Americans and 134 Chinese Americans with T2DM). The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms guided variable selection. We used χ2 tests to compare symptoms (measured by the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised and CES-D) between the two ethnic groups, and logistic regression to predict fatigue. Compared to Chinese Americans, Mexican Americans reported more fatigue, sleep difficulties, and pain. Depressive symptoms (OR = 6.13, p < 0.001) and medium acculturation (OR = 2.45, p = 0.017) significantly predicted fatigue. The two ethnic groups demonstrated differences in symptoms. Fatigue and related symptoms should be further evaluated in Mexican- and Chinese Americans with T2DM.
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Induced Rash and Mucositis: A Longitudinal Perspective and Proposed Management Criteria.

Purpose To evaluate the natural history and ophthalmologic morbidity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae–induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) and propose a treatment algorithm. Design Retrospective, interventional case series. Methods Retrospective chart review of all MIRM patients examined by the department of ophthalmology at a tertiary children's hospital. Diagnosis was established clinically concomitant with either positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM or PCR testing from January 1, 2010, until December 31, 2019. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, long-term ocular sequelae, and duration and type of ophthalmic intervention. Results There were 15 patients (10 male and 5 female) aged 10.9 ± 4.2 years who had primary episodes of MIRM; of those, 4 had multiple episodes. All patients required topical steroid treatment, 3 required amniotic membrane transplantation, and 1 patient underwent placement of a sutureless biologic corneal badage device. There were no patients who suffered visual loss, but 1 was left with mild symblephara near the lateral canthus in each eye and 2 others had scarring of the eyelid margins and blepharitis. Conclusions The ocular morbidity is significantly less in MIRM than in other closely related syndromes such as erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. However, these patients still require close observation and a low threshold for intervention to avoid permanent ophthalmic sequelae and possible blindness.
Noteworthy Collections: North Carolina

We report seven collections of upright chickweed, Moenchia erecta (Caryophyllaceae), from Guilford County, North Carolina. These appear to be the first reports of this species in the state, the first collections in the southeast since 1958, and the first collections east of the Mississippi River since 1993.
Compact curved-edge displacement sensor-embedded spindle system for machining process monitoring

Abstract Spindle dynamic conditions such as stiffness, damping, runout, and resonance frequencies are the most important factors to determine the quality of the machined part. Thus, spindle dynamic characterization to in-situ identify the spindle behavior is crucial to achieve high dimensional accuracy during the machining. This paper presents a new class of dimensional sensors, the so-called curved-edge sensors (CES), capable of spindle dynamic characterization and in-situ spindle condition monitoring while machining. Unlike conventional dimensional sensors such as capacitive proves or eddy current probes whose sensitivities are sensitive to the curvature of the target surface and lateral motion of the spindle, CES is not sensitive to those effects that CES can be used for spindle metrology, providing more accurate dimensional information available for spindle dynamic characterization. In this study, two-axis CES were embedded inside the aerostatic spindle system not to disturb the spindle system while machining a part, even under working fluid conditions. The CES showed the sensitivity 0.301 and 0.304 V/μm along the X and Y axes, and the linearity was 0.06 % and 0.05 % in full scale, respectively. In addition to the calibration, bandwidth, noise level, and reliability of CES were characterized. Also, the spindle runouts at different speed conditions were characterized by CES, and the cutting forces were in-situ estimated by multiplying 3 × 3 spindle stiffness matrix and the measured displacement.
Leading Remotely in a Time of Crises: Relationships with Emotional Intelligence

Leaders around the world have been thrust into leading remotely, using virtual platforms and other various technologies to communicate and stay engaged with their employees and teams during this cu...
Dissolved organic matter production from herder application and in-situ burning of crude oil at high latitudes: Bioavailable molecular composition patterns and microbial community diversity effects.

Abstract Chemical herders and in-situ burning (ISB) are designed to mitigate the effects that oil spills may have on the high latitude marine environment. Little information exists on the water solubilization of petroleum residues stemming from chemically herded ISB and whether these bioavailable compounds have measurable impacts on marine biota. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of Siltech OP40 and crude oil ISB on a) petroleum-derived dissolved organic matter (DOMHC) composition and b) seawater microbial community diversity over 28 days at 4 °C in aquarium-scale mesocosms. Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed increases in aromaticity over time, with ISB and ISB+OP40 samples having higher % aromatic classes in the initial incubation periods. ISB+OP40 contained a nearly 12-fold increase in the number of DOMHC formulae relative to those before ISB. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified differences in microbial alpha diversity between seawater, ISB, OP40, and ISB+OP40. Microbial betadiversity shifts were observed that correlated strongly with aromatic/condensed relative abundance and incubation time. Proteobacteria, specifically from the genera Marinomonas and Perlucidibaca experienced −22 and +24 log2-fold changes in ISB+OP40 vs. seawater, respectively. These findings provide an important opportunity to advance our understanding of chemical herders and ISB in the high latitude marine environment.
Therapeutic Targeting of Akt/mTOR Signaling in Fktn-deficient Muscle

Secondary dystroglycanopathies are a subset of muscular dystrophy caused by improper glycosylation of α-dystroglycan (αDG). Hypoglycosylation of αDG prevents it from binding to laminin and other ex...
Psychosocial Aspects of Selecting Animal Species for Physical Abuse

Identification of psychosocial factors in selecting animals for abuse is relevant to mankind's relationship to the world of animals and to the psychology of human aggression. A major study of animal abuse involving 152 male subjects resulted in the identification of 23 subjects who have histories of substantial animal abuse. In attempting to identify psychosocial factors that may affect recurrent abusers' choices of animals to mistreat, findings are presented under four thematic questions: (1) Are animals selected for abuse because they are perceived to be dangerous? (2) Is there a relationship between method of abuse and type of animal selected for cruelty? (3) Are some types of animals more likely than others to evoke predisposing attitudes and abusive behaviors? (4) What kind of relationships do abusers have with the animals they choose to mistreat?
Using genetic search to refine knowledge-based neural networks

An ideal inductive-learning algorithm should exploit all available resources, such as computing power and domain-specific knowledge, to improve its ability to generalize. Con-nectionist theory-refinement systems have proven to be effective at utilizing domain-specific knowledge; however, most are unable to exploit available computing power. This weakness occurs because they lack the ability to refine the topology of the networks they produce, thereby limiting generalization, especially when given impoverished domain theories. We present the REGENT algorithm, which uses genetic algorithms to broaden the type of networks seen during its search. It does this by using (a) the domain theory to help create an initial population and (b) crossover and mutation operators specifically designed for knowledge-based networks. Experiments on three real-world domains indicate that our new algorithm is able to significantly increase generalization compared to a standard connectionist theory-refinement system, as well as our previous algorithm for growing knowledge-based networks.
Discrete Green's functions for products of regular graphs

Discrete Green's functions are the inverses or pseudo-inverses of combinatorial Laplacians. We present compact formulas for discrete Green's functions, in terms of the eigensystems of corresponding Laplacians, for products of regular graphs with or without boundary. Explicit formulas are derived for the cycle, torus, and 3-dimensional torus, as is an inductive formula for the $t$-dimensional torus with $n$ vertices, from which the Green's function can be completely determined in time $O(t n^{2-1/t}\log{n})$. These Green's functions may be used in conjunction with diffusion-like problems on graphs such as electric potential, random walks, and chip-firing games or other balancing games.
Creating, Consuming, and Connecting: Examining the Relationship Between Social Media Engagement and Loneliness

This study explores the relationship between social media attitudes and behaviors and loneliness among college students. The study looks at the interaction of loneliness with three popular social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), as well as how often those students create and/or consume content within each platform. A survey administered to 432 undergraduates at two universities in the Pacific Northwest identified a significant relationship between social media attitudes and behaviors and offline loneliness. In particular, as students’ affinity for Twitter and Instagram increased, their self-reported loneliness decreased. Similarly, the more they both created and consumed content within Twitter and Instagram, the more reported loneliness decreased. No significant correlations among attitudes, behaviors and loneliness were found for Facebook usage.
Coping with variability: Examples of tracer use in root function studies

Spatial and temporal variability is an inevitable element in most field ecological studies. Belowground, this temporal variability and spatial patchiness is also to be expected, even though it may be less immediately apparent. Thus, assessment of root system phenomena such as production or nutrient uptake in the heterogeneous soil environment is a problem requiring intensive sampling combined with some manner of coping with the variability. Improved resolution from increased sample size often reaches a point of diminishing gains and unreasonable costs. Furthermore, practical constraints often limit the number of samples that can be taken. Use of tracers, such as radioactive isotopes, provides numerous advantages for nondestructively tracking some belowground processes. Because this can be done nondestructively, the same plants or plots can be followed through time which reduces the variability in the determinations. This chapter will portray two examples of the use of tracers in root system function research and discuss these in relation to alternative approaches.
Do Household Savings Encourage Entrepreneurship? Household Wealth, Parental Wealth, and the Transition in and Out of Entrepreneurship

Using data from three different surveys, we report several important facts about entrepreneurship and household savings. Moreover, we show that the propensity to become a business owner in the United States is a non-linear function of wealth. The relationship between wealth and entry into entrepreneurship is essentially flat over the majority of the wealth distribution. It is only at the top of the wealth distribution - after the 95th percentile - that a positive relationship can be found. Segmenting businesses into industries with high and low starting capital requirements, we find no evidence that wealth matters more for businesses requiring higher initial capital. We also exploit the regional variation in house prices as an instrument for liquidity. Households who lived in regions where housing prices appreciated strongly were no more likely to start a business than households in other regions. Not only household wealth but also parental wealth has not effect on business formation. Moreover, wealth has no effect on business survival. Thus, while liquidity constraints may be important for some households, they are not a major impediment to small business formation and business success in the United States.
Concurrent validity of the early screening profiles and the differential ability scales with an at-risk preschool sample

The relationship between the Early Screening Profiles (ESP; Harrison, 1990) and the Differential Ability Scales (DAS; Elliott, 1990a) was studied. The participants were 94 (57 males, 37 females) at-risk preschoolers ranging in age from 3 years 6 months to 5 years 11 months (M= 4 years 7 months; SD= 6.3 months). The sample included 72 Caucasians, 21 African Americans, and one Hispanic. This study found that the DAS GCA (General Conceptual Ability) mean score was significantly lower than the ESP Total Screening mean score. However, a strong relationship (r= .78) was found between the ESP Total Screening and DAS GCA scores, indicating that the ESP is a good predictor of cognitive ability among at-risk preschoolers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An optimization algorithm for pulse-frequency modulated control systems

A technique is presented for optimizing open-loop plants driven by PFM inputs. Ft. determines both the optimal amplitude and time of occurrence of the input pulses. It can be applied to linear or non-linear plants, to a large class of objective functionst to any number of input pulses, and for fixed or free end times. A step-by-step algorithm and a numerical example are given to demonstrate the technique.
Detecting structural variants involving repetitive elements: capturing transposition events of IS elements in the genome of Escherichia coli

Background Discordant read pairs [1,2] – those deviating either from expected insert size range or correct relative orientation – have served as vital clues to identifying structural variants (SV) in genomes. Collecting discordant read pairs is the first step in SV detection and is often done by sequence alignment. When there are repetitive elements, such as insertion sequence (IS), a class of transposable elements in bacterial genomes, discordant read pairs can have multiple mapping loci – making them more challenging to be placed and interpreted. Instead of resolving such tangled mapping results, many tools simply ignore these mapped read pairs, potentially missing SVs involving repetitive elements.
Solar radiation, lip protection, and lip cancer risk in Los Angeles County women (California, United States)

A population-based case-control study of 74 women with lip cancer diagnosed from 1978 to 1985 in Los Angeles County (California, United States) and frequency matched to 105 controls investigated the risk of solar radiation and protection from lip sunscreening agents to explore the hypothesis that excess incidence of lip cancer seen in men is due partly to lower rates in women, conferred by frequent use of lip protection. We confirm the importance in women of risk factors similar to those found in men, i.e., fair complexion, sun exposure, and smoking. Risk was related strongly to lifetime solar radiation (odds ratio [OR]=13.5 for highest quartile of exposure, 95 percent confidence interval [CI]=4.5–40.6, P trend <0.0001) and time spent outdoors (OR=4.7 for highest quartile of average yearly hours, CI=1.9–12.1, P trend=0.01). Further, among women with high lifetime solar-radiation exposure, those who used lip protection once a day or less had twice the risk of lip cancer than women who used lip protection more than once a day (OR=7.3, CI=1.9–27.2 cf OR=3.2, CI=1.1–9.2). These findings show that solar radiation is a major risk factor for lip cancer and suggest that lip sunscreening is protective, thereby supporting the hypothesis that use of lipstick and other sunscreening agents by women has contributed to their lower incidence of this disease.
Roles of Definitional and Assessment Models in the Identification of New or Second Language Learners of English for Special Education

This article examines the efficacy of current definitional perspectives on learning disabilities (LD) and related assessment models to support appropriate instructional and support services for learners of English with learning-related difficulties. A revised framework for defining LD and an associated assessment model, curriculum-based dynamic assessment (CDA), are proposed. The results of a teacher assessment study are reported to exemplify how this revised framework may be studied. The study examined the following questions: (a) Can curriculum-based dynamic assessments of authentic learning tasks help educators to differentiate between the work of students with limited English proficiency and their peers identified as having LD? (b) What are the characteristics of curriculum-based work samples of limited English proficient students with LD that may predictably differentiate them from their peers without LD?
Kinetochore "memory" of spindle checkpoint signaling in lysed mitotic cells.

The spindle checkpoint prevents errors in mitosis. Cells respond to the presence of kinetochores that are improperly attached to the mitotic spindle by delaying anaphase onset. Evidence suggests that phosphorylations recognized by the 3F3/2 anti-phosphoepitope antibody may be involved in the kinetochore signaling of the spindle checkpoint. Mitotic cells lysed in detergent in the absence of phosphatase inhibitors rapidly lose expression of the 3F3/2 phosphoepitope. However, when ATP is added to lysed and rinsed mitotic cytoskeletons, kinetochores become rephosphorylated by an endogenous, bound kinase. Kinetochore rephosphorylation in vitro produced the same differential phosphorylation seen in appropriately fixed living cells. In chromosomes not yet aligned at the metaphase plate, kinetochores undergo rapid rephosphorylation, while those of fully congressed chromosomes are under-phosphorylated. However, latent 3F3/2 kinase activity is retained at kinetochores of cells at all stages of mitosis including anaphase. This latent activity is revealed when rephosphorylation reactions are carried out for extended times. The endogenous, kinetochore-bound kinase can be chemically inactivated. Remarkably, a soluble kinase activity extracted from mitotic cells also caused differential rephosphorylation of kinetochores whose endogenous kinase had been chemically inactivated. We suggest that, in vivo, microtubule attachment alters the kinetochore 3F3/2 phosphoprotein, causing it to resist phosphorylation. This kinetochore modification is retained after cell lysis, producing a "memory" of the in vivo phosphorylation state.
Intravascular ultrasound assessment of lumen size and wall morphology in normal subjects and patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND Necropsy studies demonstrate that coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequently complex and eccentric. However, angiography provides only a silhouette of the vessel lumen. Intravascular ultrasound is a new tomographic imaging method for evaluation of coronary dimensions and wall morphology. Few data exist regarding intravascular ultrasound in patients with CAD, and no data exist for subjects with normal coronaries. METHODS AND RESULTS We used a multielement 5.5F, 20-MHz ultrasound catheter to examine eight normal subjects and 43 patients with CAD. We assessed the safety of coronary ultrasound and the effect of vessel eccentricity on comparison of minimum luminal diameter by angiography and ultrasound. Normal and atherosclerotic wall morphology and stenosis severity were also evaluated by intravascular ultrasound. The only untoward effect was transient coronary spasm in five patients. At 33 sites in normal subjects, the lumen was nearly circular, yielding a close correlation between angiographic and ultrasonic minimum diameter (r = 0.92). At 90 sites in patients with CAD, ultrasound demonstrated a concentric cross section; correlation was also close (r = 0.93). However, at 72 eccentric sites, correlation was not as close (r = 0.77). For 41 stenoses, correlation between angiography and ultrasound for area reduction was moderate (r = 0.63). In normal subjects, wall morphology revealed a thin (0.30 mm or less) intimal leading edge and subadjacent sonolucent zone (0.20 mm or less). Patients with CAD exhibited increased thickness and echogenicity of the leading edge, thickened sonolucent zones, and/or attenuation of ultrasound transmission. CONCLUSIONS These data establish that intravascular ultrasound is feasible and safe and yields luminal measurements that correlate generally with angiography. Differences between angiographic and ultrasound measures of lumen size in eccentric vessels probably reflect the dissimilar perspectives of tomographic and silhouette imaging techniques. Intravascular ultrasound provides detailed images of normal and abnormal wall morphology not previously possible in vivo.
Structure based design, synthesis, pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and molecular docking studies for identification of novel cyclophilin D inhibitors.

Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a peptidyl prolyl isomerase F that resides in the mitochondrial matrix and associates with the inner mitochondrial membrane during the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. CypD plays a central role in opening the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP) leading to cell death and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Because CypD interacts with amyloid beta (Aβ) to exacerbate mitochondrial and neuronal stress, it is a potential target for drugs to treat AD. Since appropriately designed small organic molecules might bind to CypD and block its interaction with Aβ, 20 trial compounds were designed using known procedures that started with fundamental pyrimidine and sulfonamide scaffolds know to have useful therapeutic effects. Two-dimensional (2D) quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) methods were applied to 40 compounds with known IC50 values. These formed a training set and were followed by a trial set of 20 designed compounds. A corre...
Male acceleration of ovarian development in Drosophila silvestris (Diptera, Drosophilidae): What is the stimulus?

Abstract In the fly Drosophila silvestris the onset of vitellogenesis is accelerated when sexually immature adult females are housed with mature males. We examined the proximate stimuli that could be responsible for this acceleration. This stimulus could be courtship, because mature males will court immature females. By housing females on the opposite side of a divided jar from males, we could isolate females from courtship stimuli, but allow them access to airborne and substrate chemicals. Females housed in that way did not show acceleration. However, when the females were housed on the opposite side of the jar from mature males, but the food dishes were moved daily, some acceleration occurred. When females were housed in undivided jars, with complete access to males, but with the food dishes being replaced by fresh food daily, no acceleration was found. This suggests that some aspect of food that has been exposed to mature males, perhaps a bacterium growing on its surface, is providing a nutritional supplement which allows acceleration of ovarian development.
On Certain Theoretical Aspects Of Relativistic Klystron Amplifiers

This paper addresses several issues which are relevant to the high power klystron amplifier experiments at the Naval Research Laboratory. To a large extent, these issues originate from the DC self field of the intense beam and therefore are not treated in the conventional klystron theory. Among them include electrostatic insulation, limiting current which can flow through a gap in the presence of a biased gap voltage, and the modification of the transit time effects by the beam's space charge. We examine the proper interpretation of magnetic probe measurements of current modulation on an intense beam. Particle simulation of the large diameter beam yields excellent agreement with experiments and theory. Magnetic insulation in the coaxial rf extraction structure is shown to be adequate, in agreement with experimental observations.
Detrimental effects of standard medical therapy in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Objective To evaluate the impact of a nonstandard ventilation strategy on survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Background Despite recent advances, including nitric oxide, CDH remains an unsolved problem with a mortality rate of 35% to 50%. Hyperventilation and alkalization remain common therapies. Methods In 1992, the authors prospectively abandoned hyperventilation and alkalization. Patients are lightly sedated and ventilated with the lowest pressure providing adequate chest movement, and the rate is set to patient comfort. Nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are reserved for life-threatening instability. Surgical repair is delayed 1 to 5 days. Sixty consecutive patients are compared with 29 previous patients treated with hyperventilation and alkalization, 13 before and 16 after the availability of ECMO. Results Overall, 47 of 60 patients (78%) in study era 3 survived compared with 2 of 13 (15%) in the hyperventilation era and 7 of 16 (44%) in the hyperventilation/ECMO era (p Conclusions Nonstandard ventilatory support of patients with CDH has led to significantly improved survival rates. This study sets a survival benchmark and strongly suggests the negative effects of hyperventilation and alkalization.
The Internet and Citizen Communication With Government: Does the Medium Matter?

The Internet offers a new means by which citizens may contact government to express their views or concerns, and it raises interesting empirical and theoretical questions about whether citizen contacts are affected by communication media. This article uses survey data to explore hypotheses about whether means of communication shape contacting activity. It compares Internet-based contacts with traditional contacts, showing statistically significant but for the most part substantively small differences. Effects of technology are of two kinds, those affecting only the likelihood of citizens being active in communicating with government and those affecting the frequency or intensity of communication among those who are active. The article discusses these findings in terms of transitional effects of technology, which arise from uneven distribution of the technology in society, and in terms of inherent effects, which attend to the technology itself. The most important inherent effects involve gender and politic...
Professional ecologists and the education of young children

Efforts to conserve natural habitats and their non-human occupants, a concern of most ecologists and evolutionary biologists, are ultimately futile unless there is a change in concepts and attitudes among decision-makers throughout the general public, from subsistence farmers to presidents of multinational corporations. One way to encourage this change is to upgrade the biological and environmental education that children receive.
Studies on the impact resistance of composite plates

Abstract The influence of filament orientation, volume fraction, and various combinations of filaments have been investigated using impact tests conducted on structural plate configurations.
Small ruminants: digestive capacity differences among four species weighing less than 20 kg

Small ruminants are generally classified as either browsers or frugivores. We compared intake and digestion in one browsing species, the pudu (Pudu pudu), body weight 9 kg, and three frugivorous species, the red brocket (Mazama americana), 20 kg, the bay duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis), 12 kg, and Maxwell's duiker (C. maxwellii), 9 kg. Rations comprised: a commercial grain and alfalfa pellet, a small amount of vegetables, and mixed hay. Across species, neutral-detergent fiber (insoluble fiber) consumed averaged 34.2 ± 2.6% of dry matter (DM) while the crude protein consumed averaged 16.1 ± 0.5% DM. Apparent DM digestion was similar in pudu (75.2 ± 4.7%), brocket (73.2 ± 1.1%), and Maxwell's duikers (73.0 ± 2.8%), and significantly lower (P = 0.0167) in bay duikers (67.1 ± 4.3%). There were significant differences among species in digestibilities of neutral-detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and cellulose, but they did not follow body size differences, since larger species were expected to show higher digestion coefficients for fiber compared to smaller species. The type of fiber fed may have influenced these results. Frugivores may be adapted to a diet of soluble fibers, as might be found in wild fruits, instead of the insoluble fibers in the diet fed. Passage trials were conducted on the two smallest species. The mean transit time for pudu was 29.9 ± 0.8 hr, and for the Maxwell's duiker was 42.2 ± 6.4 hr. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reflections on Consumer Sophistication and Its Impact on Ethical Business Practice

This paper investigates consumer sophistication and its role in the development of proactive public policy. Consumer sophistication is examined in light of several historical shifts in market structure and consumer lifestyles. These shifts create market conditions that foster the emergence of a “Corporate Dilemma” in which unsophisticated consumers reward unethical business practices and punish ethical business behavior. To reduce unethical business practices in the market, this paper proposes that the optimum level of interim government intervention should be based on the level of consumer sophistication in the market.