cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cauchy problem for the scalar wave equation is well defined on a class of spacetimes with closed timelike curves.

We study the massless scalar wave equation on a class of asymptotically flat, static spacetimes with closed timelike curves (CTC's), in which all future-directed CTC's traverse one end of a handle (wormhole) and emerge from the other end at an earlier time. Existence of smooth, asymptotically regular solutions is proved for smooth data with finite energy given in ${\mathit{scrI}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. The proof requires a generalized spectral decomposition for a non-Hermitian operator. We also prove that this solution is unique among solutions that die off in time.
Gonadotoxic effects of 2-hexanone and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane on the enzymatic activity of rat testicular 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

In this study the gonadotoxic effects of 2-hexanone administered as a pretreatment and/or 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane administered as a challenge on the activity of several key steroidogenic enzymes in the rat testis were examined. Despite the absence of an effect when either treatment was administered individually, the pretreatment/challenge combination inhibited the steroidogenic capacity of the rat testis. The specific activity of testicular 17 alpha-hydroxylase was significantly reduced (P less than 0.05), with respect to the control, following the pretreatment/challenge combination. There were no significant differences between the control and the individual treatments. The inhibition of 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity occurred in the absence of significant differences in testis weight and testicular protein content. This inhibition of testicular steroidogenic enzyme activity was specific as the activity of another testicular enzyme, namely C17,20-lyase, was not affected by any treatment. The decline in rat testicular 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity 18 h after the 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane challenge precedes the reported alterations in the seminiferous epithelium following this same treatment. The results of the present study indicate that the steroidogenic cell of the testis, i.e. the Leydig cell, is a potential site for the primary toxic effects of these agents in the rat testis.
HEB heterodyne focal plane arrays: a terahertz technology for high sensitivity near-range security imaging systems

We have achieved the first demonstration of a low-noise heterodyne array operating at a frequency above 1 THz (1.6 THz). The prototype array has three elements, consisting of NbN hot electron bolometer (HEB) detectors on silicon substrates. We use a quasi-optical design to couple the signal and local oscillator (LO) power to the detector. We also demonstrate, for the first time, how the HEB detectors can be intimately integrated in the same block with monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) IF amplifiers. Such focal plane arrays can be increased in size to a few hundred elements using the next generation fabrication architecture for compact and easy assembly. Future HEB-based focal plane arrays will make low-noise heterodyne imaging systems with high angular resolution possible from 500 GHz to several terahertz. Large low-noise HEB arrays are well suited for real-time video imaging at any frequency over the entire terahertz spectrum. This is made possible by virtue of the extremely low local oscillator power requirements of the HEB detectors (a few hundred nanowatts to a microwatt per pixel). The operating temperature is 4 to 6 K, which can be provided by a compact and mobile cryocooler system, developed as a spin-off from the space program. The terahertz HEB imager consists of a computer-controlled optical system mounted on an elevation and azimuth scanning translator which provides a two-dimensional image of the target. We present preliminary measured data at the symposium for a terahertz security system of this type.
More efficient unconditional tests for exchangeable binary data with equal cluster sizes

Abstract We consider exact unconditional procedures for testing independence of exchangeable binary data with equal-sized clusters. The approximate unconditional approach is recommended as a basic procedure. The exact unconditional procedure based on estimation followed by maximization is recommended for the small number of clusters.
The fossil record of drilling predation on barnacles

Abstract The fossil record of drilling predation has been studied in detail for a few major invertebrate groups (bivalves, gastropods, brachiopods, and echinoids), while other prey (e.g., scaphopods, serpulids, decapods, and barnacles) have been largely neglected. Herein, we report on drilling predation using an extensive collection of Cretaceous–Quaternary barnacles (> 50,000 specimens). In total, 312 drill holes of predatory origin were found in Eocene–Holocene wall and opercular plates of balanomorph and scalpellomorph barnacles. The drilled specimens originated from localities in the USA, Jamaica, Panama, The Netherlands, Belgium, Antarctica, South Africa, Chile, and Venezuela, suggesting that drilling predation on barnacles was a worldwide phenomenon during the Cenozoic. Muricid gastropods are the inferred producers of the majority of the drill holes; two drill holes were likely caused by octopods. Drilling frequencies lack major temporal trends and appear low (
Synchrotron radiation x-ray microdiffraction study of Cu interconnects.

We have used synchrotron radiation x-ray microdiffraction to study the microstructure and strain variation of copper interconnects. Different types of local microstructures have been found in different samples. Our data show that the Ti adhesion layer has a dramatic effect on Cu microstructure. On site electromigration test has been conducted and strain profile along the same interconnect line was measured before and after this electrical stressing. Cu fluorescence scan was used to find the mass variations along the line. Voids and hillocks can be clearly identified in this scan. x-ray micro-diffraction was used to measure the strain change around the interesting regions.
Collector probe measurements of ohmic conditioning discharges in TFTR

Abstract Special limiter conditioning techniques using low density deuterium or helium discharges have produced enhanced plasma confinement in TFTR. Measurements with a rotatable collector probe have been made to increase our understanding of the boundary layer during these conditioning sequences. A set of silicon films behind slits facing in the ion and electron drift directions was exposed to four different D + and He 2+ discharge sequences. The amounts of deuterium and impurities trapped in the surface regions of the samples have been measured by different analytical techniques, including nuclear reaction analysis for retained deuterium, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy for carbon and metals, and Auger electron spectroscopy for carbon, oxygen and metals. Up to 1.9 × 10 −17 cm −2 of deuterium was detected in codeposited carbon layers with D/C generally in the range of the bulk saturation limit. Radial profiles and ion drift/electron drift asymmetries are discussed.
Experimental study of high-Z gas buffers in gas-filled ICF engines

ICF power plants, such as the LIFE scheme at LLNL, may employ a high-Z, target-chamber gas-fill to moderate the first-wall heat-pulse due to x-rays and energetic ions released during target detonation. To reduce the uncertainties of cooling and beam/target propagation through such gas-filled chambers, we present a pulsed plasma source producing 2-5 eV plasma comprised of high-Z gases. We use a 5-kJ, 100-ns theta discharge for high peak plasma-heating-power, an electrode-less discharge for minimizing impurities, and unobstructed axial access for diagnostics and beam (and/or target) propagation studies. We will report on the plasma source requirements, design process, and the system design.
Introduction to the REA 25th Anniversary Special Section

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Frederik Gailly, Wim Laurier, and Geert Poels on the Resource-Event-Agent (REA) model, another by Tod Sedbrook and Richard I. Newmark on automation in the REA model, and one by A. Faye Borthick, Paul L. Bowen, and Gregory J. Gerard on the use of the REA model in semantic web technologies.
New role for an established drug? Bisphosphonates as potential anticancer agents

As a result of their ability to effectively reduce the risk of skeletal-related events, bisphosphonates (BPs) were incorporated into clinical practice over a decade ago, leading to a new treatment paradigm for patients with skeletal involvement from advanced cancer. BPs are now a well-established treatment option in this setting. Our review of the literature found that in addition to maintaining bone health in patients with malignant bone lesions and patients at risk for cancer therapy-induced bone loss, emerging preclinical and clinical data suggest that BPs may also have anticancer activity. Later generation, nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs), such as zoledronic acid (ZOL), inhibit the mevalonate pathway, subsequently inhibiting a number of cellular functions in bone-resorbing osteoclasts. In addition, N-BPs inhibit cancer cell proliferation, viability, motility, invasion and angiogenesis; induce cancer cell apoptosis; and act in synergy with antineoplastic agents. N-BPs, especially ZOL, may be useful as anticancer agents. As evidence continues to emerge, another shift in cancer treatment paradigms, in which N-BPs are considered for their anticancer activity as well as palliative effects, may be approaching.
To hatch or not to hatch? Egg hatch response to larval density and to larval contact in a treehole mosquito.

. 1 We investigated the effect on egg hatch of exposure to: (1) varying larval density, and (2) larval contact in Aedes triseriatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). For 2 days in the laboratory we submerged eggs into a treehole water medium containing 0 (control), 4, 12 or 24 larvae that could either contact the eggs directly or were separated from them by a screen. Following treatment, abundance of microorganisms on the egg surfaces, a food source for newly hatched larvae and a proposed hatching stimulus, was assessed by counts made from serial dilutions of samples. 2 We discovered a complex hatching response to larval contact and to larval density, and an interaction between these two factors in their effect on microbial growth. Hatching was inhibited in the 0-larva control, even though microorganisms grew abundantly on the eggs. Hatch rate, as well as microbial counts, were high for eggs in direct contact with 4 larvae. As density increased in the larval contact treatment, microorganisms disappeared from the egg surfaces and hatch rate declined. 3 When protected from larval grazing, eggs supported numerous microbial colonies irrespective of larval density. In contrast to the contact treatment group, egg hatch increased with increasing larval density. These observations suggest that the combination of microbial growth and a larval factor stimulates hatch. This hatching response may have evolved because both abundant microorganisms and numerous larvae reflect a habitat of good quality.
Folic acid and cognition in older persons

Folic acid supplementation has drawn much attention in recent years for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. In this review, the authors describe how current evidence does not support the use of folic acid supplements to protect against cognitive decline. Although a few studies suggest that folic acid supplementation may provide neuroprotection among persons who are folate deficient, there is also data to indicate that supplementation in persons without folate deficiency may pose a risk to neurological function. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in old age and may not be easy to recognise. Folic acid supplementation may mask the anaemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and, therefore, may delay treatment while allowing progression of neurological symptoms. Whether or not folic acid supplementation exacerbates neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is not clear. Further studies are needed to determine the possible risks and benefits of folic acid supplementation in older persons.
Assessing Counselors’ Self-Efficacy in Suicide Assessment and Intervention

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs Standards state that counseling students must be adequately trained in suicide assessment and intervention. To evaluate how well students or practicing counselors are prepared, there is a need to measure self-efficacy specific to the tasks required in suicide assessment and intervention. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the validity evidence for the Counselor Suicide Assessment Efficacy Survey (CSAES), a measure of self-efficacy related to suicide assessment and intervention. CSAES was studied for use in measuring the outcomes of suicide assessment curricular and professional development. Detailed results of reliability and validity studies are reported.
Digital simulation of paper machine dynamics

This paper presents a technique for simulation of the stock preparation and Fourdrinier dynamics which is flexible, convenient, and detailed enough to allow the user to study physical process modifications and transient response dur ing upsets and "furnish" (fibers with different character istics, fillers, dyes, etc.) changes and to evaluate simplified mathematical models and control schemes.The technique uses digital simulation in a block diagram form, each block of which corresponds to one type of physical unit in the process (e.g., cleaner or tanks). Simu lation of a particular process then involves specification of the particular parameters of each physical unit together with the way in which they are interconnected. Individual components of the furnish may be traced through the whole process.A complete wet-end configuration, including the white water recovery system, is simulated using the technique described in the paper, and typical results obtained during grade changes and disturbances are presented.
Thermal cook–off response of confined PBX 9501

The thermal cook–off response of energetic materials (ignition resulting from direct, bulk thermal heating) is important from a safety point of view, but also challenges our understanding of these materials. Explosives are not designed to be cooked off, and, especially in the case of slow cook–off, by the time the material ignites it is substantially different, both chemically and physically, from its original state. In attempting to model such a process numerically, it has generally been assumed that combustion proceeds, from an ignition point, in a more or less planar manner, as has been observed many times in pristine energetic materials at room temperature. To investigate directly the spread of reaction following cook–off in one such energetic material (PBX 9501), small discs of PBX 9501 were heated with a confining glass or sapphire window through which the early stages of the combustion process could be observed directly by high–speed photography. The resulting combustion was found to vary with temperature of ignition, but in all cases was quite different to the laminar burn model. The results of these tests are presented, together with some possible explanations of the behaviour and discussion of the implications to modelling this response.
Winnie the Pooh and Psoriasis Too: An Isomorphic Response of Guttate Psoriasis in a Tattoo

Since Koebner's first observance of the isomorphic response of psoriasis in a tattoo in 1872, a paucity of written reports has appeared in the literature describing this phenomenon, although it appears to be common knowledge among dermatologists. We report a strep-induced guttate psoriasis isomorphic response in a Winnie the Pooh tattoo in a 19-year-old.
The Influence of Low versus High Carbohydrate Diet on a 45-min Strenuous Cycling Exercise

To examine the effects of a 3-day high carbohydrate (H-CHO) and low carbohydrate (L-CHO) diet on 45 min of cycling exercise, 12 endurance-trained cyclists performed a 45-min cycling exercise at 82 +/- 2% VO2peak following an overnight fast, after a 6-day diet and exercise control. The 7-day protocol was repeated under 2 randomly assigned dietary trials H-CHO and L-CHO. On days 1-3, subjects consumed a mixed diet for both trials and for days 4-6 consumed isocaloric diets that contained either 600 g or 100 g of carbohydrates, for the H-CHO and the L-CHO trials, respectively. Muscle biopsy samples, taken from the vastus lateralis prior to the beginning of the 45-min cycling test, indicated that muscle glycogen levels were significantly higher (p < .05) for the H-CHO trial (104.5 +/- 9.4 mmol/kg wet wt) when compared to the L-CHO trial (72.2 +/- 5.6 mmol/kg wet wt). Heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, oxygen uptake, and respiratory quotient during exercise were not significantly different between the 2 trials. Serum glucose during exercise for the H-CHO trial significantly increased (p < .05) from 4.5 +/- 0.1 mmol x L(-1) (pre) to 6.7 +/- 0.6 mmol x L(-1) (post), while no changes were found for the L-CHO trial. In addition, post-exercise serum glucose was significantly greater (p < .05) for the H-CHO trial when compared to the L-CHO trial (H-CHO, 6.7 +/- 0.6 mmol x L(-1); L-CHO, 5.2 +/- 0.2 mmol x L(-1)). No significant changes were observed in serum free fatty acid, triglycerides, or insulin concentration in either trial. The findings suggest that L-CHO had no major effect on 45-min cycling exercise that was not observed with H-CHO when the total energy intake was adequate.
Vibration feedback models for virtual environments

Vibrations can significantly enhance touch perception for virtual environment applications with minimal design complexity and cost. In order to create realistic vibrotactile feedback, we collected vibrations, forces, and velocities during various tasks executed with a stylus: tapping on materials, stroking textures, and puncturing membranes. Empirical models were fit to these waveforms and a library of model parameters was compiled. These models simulated tasks involving simultaneous display of forces and vibrations on a high-bandwidth force-feedback joystick. Vibration feedback adds little complexity to virtual environment algorithms. Human subjects interacting with the system showed improved execution and perception when performing surface feature discrimination tasks.
Emergence and Kinetics of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cells in the Intestines of Macaques during Primary Infection

In this report, three Mamu-A*01+ rhesus macaques were examined to compare the emergence of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific CD8+ T cells in the intestines and blood in early SIV infection using a major histocompatibility complex class I tetramer complexed with the Gag181–189 peptide. Fourteen days after intravenous inoculation with SIVmac251, large numbers of SIV Gag181–189-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in the intestinal mucosa (3.1 to 11.5% of CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes) as well as in the blood (3.1 to 13.4%) of all three macaques. By 21 days postinoculation, levels of tetramer-binding cells had dropped in both the intestines and blood. At day 63, however, levels of SIV Gag181–189-specific CD8+ T cells in the intestines had rebounded in all three macaques to levels that were higher (8.6 to 18.7%) than those at day 21. In contrast, percentages of tetramer-binding cells in the peripheral blood remained comparatively stable (2.5 to 4.5%) at this time point. In summary, SIV Gag181–189-specific CD8+ T cells appeared in both the intestinal mucosa and peripheral blood at a comparable rate and magnitude in primary SIV infection. Given that the intestine is a major site of early viral replication as well as the site where most of the total body lymphocyte pool resides, these data indicate that it is also an early and important site of development of antiviral immune responses.
People with Disabilities Get Ready: Curtis Mayfield in the 1990s

This article breaks with precedent by emphasizing disability’s role in the life and work of Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) and by arguing that his experience of quadriplegia had both positive and difficult dimensions. Analysis focuses on Mayfield’s representation by journalists and other writers in the 1990s, and on how Mayfield answered their portrayals as an interview subject and as a musician with his final studio album New World Order (1996). Considered within the whole of Mayfield’s career, quadriplegia is revealed as one among many difficulties that he answered with critical positive thinking and powerful music.
Carbachol induces secretion in a mast cell line (RBL‐2H3) transfected with the ml muscarinic receptor gene

The possibility that the ml muscarinic receptor subtype can induce release of intracellular granules and transmitters was studied by transfecting a cultured mast cell line, RBL-2H3 cells, with the ml receptor gene. Comparisons were made between carbachol- and antigen-induced activation of various secretory responses. Like antigen, carbachol stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and release of arachidonic acid with concomitant dose-dependent secretion of granular contents. Carbachol also stimulated a biphasic increase in intracellular calcium, as measured by single cell fura-2 measurements. Although the kinetics of the carbachol-induced rise in intracellular calcium differed from that induced by antigen, they both utilized the same intracellular pool of calcium, and the second phase of the rise in intracellular calcium was dependent on extracellular calcium in both cases. Thus, the ml muscarinic receptor activates release of granules by a mechanism ostensibly similar to that of antigen.
Management of HIV in resource limited settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review addresses recent developments in management of the HIV epidemic in resource limited settings (RLS). Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) by an estimated 2.5 million persons in RLS from 2002 to the end of 2007 was enabled by the combination of inexpensive rapid diagnostics and therapy for HIV and the mobilization of substantial resources from the developed world. RECENT FINDINGS: Rates of retention in care and immunological responses to ART in RLS appear to be similar to those in developed countries. Higher rates of death within 3 months of starting ART in RLS than in developed countries are not fully understood and must be addressed. Improved management of opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis is being vigorously pursued in part because patients must survive their initial opportunistic infection to benefit from ART. Prevention of reactivation of latent tuberculosis with isoniazid and simplified treatment of cryptococcal meningitis with high-dose fluconazole are among the highest priorities. The optimal timing for starting ART during opportunistic infections remains unclear with starkly conflicting findings in two studies and may vary among specific opportunistic infections. SUMMARY: Given the massive resources that are available for implementation of ART and HIV care in RLS research to optimize their impact is urgently needed.
Power in Global Health Agenda-Setting: The Role of Private Funding; Comment on “Knowledge, Moral Claims and the Exercise of Power in Global Health”

The editorial by Jeremy Shiffman, “Knowledge, moral claims and the exercise of power in global health”, highlights the influence on global health priority-setting of individuals and organizations that do not have a formal political mandate. This sheds light on the way key functions in global health depend on private funding, particularly from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Climate change and individual responsibility: Agency, moral disengagement and the motivational gap

In spite of the fact that climate change is one of the most important threats of our time, the last twenty years have been marked by inaction at all levels. At the individual level in particular, t...
Effect of Latency on Pursuit Problems.

We model the pursuit problem as a set of distributed agents communicating over a network subject to latency. Latency has serious deleterious effects on solving the pursuit problem. In this paper, we present a simple, yet effective way of dealing with latency that yields very good performance. Our method disperses predators within a region in which the prey may move that accounts for network latency.
Perturbations of vortex ring pairs

We study pairs of coaxial vortex rings starting from the action for a classical bosonic string in a three-form background. We complete earlier work on the phase diagram of classical orbits by explicitly considering the case where the circulations of the two vortex rings are equal and opposite. We then go on to study perturbations, focusing on cases where the relevant four-dimensional transfer matrix splits into two-dimensional blocks. When the circulations of the rings have the same sign, instabilities are mostly limited to wavelengths smaller than a dynamically generated length scale at which single-ring instabilities occur. When the circulations have the opposite sign, larger wavelength instabilities can occur.
Limb Regeneration in the Fiddler Crab, Uca pugilator: Hormonal and Growth Factor Control1

This paper summarizes recent work on various aspects of hormonal control of regeneration in the crustacean, Uca pugilator. Hormonal control in this crab is effected by means of the crustactean steroid hormones, the ecdysteroids. New evidence is presented supporting a role for the retinoid hormones, all-trans retinoic acid and 9-cis retinoic acid, in the control of regeneration in these animals. The possible role of fibroblast growth factors in organization of the limb blastema is explored and the similarities between vertebrate and invertebrate control of regeneration are discussed.
High-Resolution Global Analysis of the Influences of Bas1 and Ino4 Transcription Factors on Meiotic DNA Break Distributions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Meiotic recombination initiates with DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) made by Spo11. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, many DSBs occur in “hotspots” coinciding with nucleosome-depleted gene promoters. Transcription factors (TFs) stimulate DSB formation in some hotspots, but TF roles are complex and variable between locations. Until now, available data for TF effects on global DSB patterns were of low spatial resolution and confined to a single TF. Here, we examine at high resolution the contributions of two TFs to genome-wide DSB distributions: Bas1, which was known to regulate DSB activity at some loci, and Ino4, for which some binding sites were known to be within strong DSB hotspots. We examined fine-scale DSB distributions in TF mutant strains by deep sequencing oligonucleotides that remain covalently bound to Spo11 as a byproduct of DSB formation, mapped Bas1 and Ino4 binding sites in meiotic cells, evaluated chromatin structure around DSB hotspots, and measured changes in global messenger RNA levels. Our findings show that binding of these TFs has essentially no predictive power for DSB hotspot activity and definitively support the hypothesis that TF control of DSB numbers is context dependent and frequently indirect. TFs often affected the fine-scale distributions of DSBs within hotspots, and when seen, these effects paralleled effects on local chromatin structure. In contrast, changes in DSB frequencies in hotspots did not correlate with quantitative measures of chromatin accessibility, histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation, or transcript levels. We also ruled out hotspot competition as a major source of indirect TF effects on DSB distributions. Thus, counter to prevailing models, roles of these TFs on DSB hotspot strength cannot be simply explained via chromatin “openness,” histone modification, or compensatory interactions between adjacent hotspots.
Ultralow oxygen treatment for control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on harvested table grapes

Exported organic table grapes from the U.S. are currently fumigated with methyl bromide to control quarantined pests such as western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). An alternative treatment which is compatible with organic products is needed. In this study, controlled atmosphere with ultralow oxygen (ULO) treatment was studied to control thrips on harvested table grapes. ULO treatments with < 0.01 ppm oxygen at 3.3 °C for 1, 2, and 3 days were tested for thrips control. The 3-day ULO treatment achieved complete control of thrips. The treatment was also applied to Thompson seedless and Flame seedless grape varieties and grape quality was evaluated two weeks after the treatment. The ULO treatment had no negative impact on the visual quality of grapes. There were no significant differences in overall grape quality or premium quality berries between the ULO treatment and the control. The results indicated that the ULO treatment was effective and safe to control western flower thrips on table grapes and had a potential for commercial use.
Computational Approaches to Model Evaluation

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by I.J. Myung, volume 4, pp. 2453–2457, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Crimes in America: Too Much of a Good Thing

This short article explains how the present American overcriminalization violates biblical principles of justice.
Ascocarps of Aspergillus and Penicillium

A morphological study of the ascocarps of 29 strains of Aspergillus and Penicillium indicates that these forms comprise five genera of the Eurotiaceae. The perfect stages of Aspergillus are include...
Delayed Disadvantage: Neighborhood Context and Child Development

Neighborhood effects scholarship suggests that neighborhoods may impart different effects across the early life-course because children’s interactions with neighborhood actors and institutions evolve across the stages of child development. This paper expands our understanding of neighborhood effects on cognitive and non-cognitive development across childhood and early adolescence by capitalizing on thirteen waves of restricted and never-before-used longitudinal data from the NLSY Child and Young Adult (1986–2010) sample. The findings from within-child fixed-effects interaction models suggest that while younger children are immune to neighborhood effects on their cognitive development, older children consistently suffer a steep penalty for growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods. This neighborhood disadvantage penalty persists among older children despite alternative age constructs. Further, the results are robust to various adjustments for observed and unobserved sources of bias, model specifications, and also manifest as cumulative and lagged effects.
Nature of WOx Sites on SiO2 and Their Molecular Structure–Reactivity/Selectivity Relationships for Propylene Metathesis

Supported WOx/SiO2 catalysts were investigated for propylene metathesis as a function of tungsten oxide loading and temperature. The catalysts were synthesized by incipient-wetness impregnation of an aqueous ammonium metatungstate solution onto the silica support and calcined at elevated temperatures to form the supported tungsten oxide phase. In situ Raman spectroscopy under dehydrated conditions revealed that below 8% WOx/SiO2, only surface WOx sites are present on the silica support: dioxo (O═)2WO2 and mono-oxo O═WO4. The in situ XANES analysis showed that dioxo surface WO4 sites were the dominant surface WOx sites on SiO2 (>90%). The isolated nature of the surface WOx sites was confirmed with in situ UV–vis spectroscopy. The surface WOx sites are activated by exposure to propylene at elevated temperature that removes oxygen from these sites. The activation process produces a highly active surface WOx site that can perform olefin metathesis at ∼150–250 °C. For 8% WOx/SiO2 and higher tungsten oxide load...
Conducting Economic Impact Studies Using Undergraduate Business Students: A Tale of Two Experiences

This paper explores the use of economic impact studies as an experiential learning tool for undergraduate business students. Economic impact studies measure the economic benefits of a multitude of activities such as community redevelopment, and expansions of existing facilities. Students engaged in such studies apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom while providing a service to a client. Accordingly, it is students of junior and senior standing that are best suited for these studies. Nonprofit social service agencies and smaller businesses are the most appropriate clients. They gain access to expertise and service in a cost effective manner.
Culturally Competent Faculty

Emergency Medicine (EM) faculty caring for multicultural patients traditionally serve dual roles: as role models for EM residents, medical students, and other health professionals and as practitioners involved in clinical encounters, decisions, and outcomes for culturally diverse patients. The objectives for this chapter are to define the concept of culturally competent faculty, review the current literature, and delineate educational interventions aimed at improving cultural competency skills. Results of our literature search show that there are only limited publications examining the role of EM faculty caring for multicultural patients. Current educational interventions consist of implementation of cultural competency curricula for faculty, and establishment of faculty development programs specific for cultural diversity. Recommendations for improving EM faculty’s skills on cultural competency include: expanding the role of EM faculty as patient advocates interfacing with local community; incorporating cultural competency curricula as an integral part of EM residency training by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME); and implementing a special Faculty Development Program (FDP) to integrate cultural competency training across all EM residency training programs.
Monitoring results analysis on disinfection quality of nurseries and kindergartens in Huairou district of Beijing in 2011

[Objective] To monitor the disinfection quality of nurseries and kindergartens,systematically analyze the monitoring results,and put forward the concrete measures to improve the disinfection quality.[Methods] 18 nurseries and kindergartens at different levels were collected from Huairou district of Beijing from March to May 2011,and the test items were selected according to the Technical standard for disinfection(2002 edition,Ministry of Health).The monitoring results were analyzed according to the Hygienic standard for disinfection in hospitals(GB 15982-1995),as so to put forward the improving suggestions.The nurseries and kindergartens were rechecked according to the above standards from November to December 2011.The results of two monitoring studies were compared,and were analyzed statistically.[Results] In the first disinfection quality monitoring,the qualified rate of 9 public kindergartens and 9 private kindergartens was respectively 88.5% and 79.8%,and the total qualified rate was 84.2%.After correction,the qualified rate of the public kindergartens and the private kindergartens was respectively 97.3% and 95.9%,and the total qualified rate was 96.6%.The χ2 test showed there was significant difference between two monitoring studies(χ2=221.441,P0.01).[Conclusion] The disinfection quality of the public kindergartens is better than that of the private kindergartens.The improvement of disinfection management level and popularization of disinfection technology knowledge in nurseries and kindergartens can shorten the gap between the public kindergartens and the private kindergartens,and greatly improve the disinfection quality of nurseries and kindergartens at different levels in Huairou district.
Study of the IL-1β in Pigs Experimentally Infected with Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae

The goal of the experiment was to study the influence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on the IL-1β.Eight pigs of 60 days,were randomly divided into 2 groups of 4 each,treated with base control group,infected group.First,do the agglutination experiment of antigen and antibody.Infected group were infected with Mhp.At the 7 th,14 th and 21st day,pigs were sampling,and the level of IL-1β by ELISA was detected.Results showed that infected group,compared with base control group,the level of IL-1β was higher.The level of IL-1β in the 14 th day was higher than that in 7 th day and in 21st day.Mhp can improve the level of IL-1β significantly.The level of IL-1β in 14 th day was the highest.Mhp can be tested and determined with IL-1β.
AN ANALYTICAL METHOD OF RATING SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING STUNTS.

Abstract The purpose of this study was (a) to develop a method for the objective evaluation of the stunts used in synchronized swimming, and (b) to develop a method which would not depend upon experience and training in the judging of synchronized swimming for effective use. Six judges rated 24 subjects on seven selected stunts, using the analytical method of rating synchronized swimming stunts developed in this study. High correlations were obtained on all stunts, but the correlations were higher and showed less variation for those stunts which had the higher total point values. The judges tended to maintain their relative positions in rating, although some judges used a broader range of the rating scale.
Results of injection corticosteroids in treatment of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

Background De Quervain's tenosynovitis is defined as stenosing tenosynovitis of the synovial sheath of tendons of abductor polices longus and extensor pollicis brevis in the first compartment of wrist due to repetitive use. Objective To assess the results of injecting corticosteroids injections for De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Methods 80 patients with disease were included in this study. All had a mean of 5.87 weeks of treatment of the condition with NSAIDs and had shown no response. Using Visual analogue scale the severity of tenderness on first dorsal compartment and pain felt on Finkelstein test was recorded. A mixture of 1 ml (40mg) of methylprednisolone acetate and 1 ml of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride was injected in first dorsal compartment of involved wrist. Patients were followed for 28 weeks on monthly basis. Outcome measure was reduction in pain and tenderness on the radial side of wrist and negative Finkelstein test subsequent to injection. Results 65% patients after 1st injection were symptoms free at two weeks, 35% patients were given second injection two weeks after the first. 80% patients at four weeks, 95% patients at six weeks and 98.75% patients were symptom free at 12th week. One patient underwent surgical release. The adverse reaction of steroid was seen in 25% of patients, which were subsided in 20 weeks. Conclusions We conclude that two or three local steroid injections in the first dorsal compartment lead to significant improvement in patients with de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Finding a Better Society: The Work of Lauren Berlant's Cruel Optimism

This is a book critique of Lauren Berlant's 2011 book Cruel Optimism (Duke University Press). In this book, Berlant explores how people in Europe and the United States survive neoliberal postwar restructuring. This review defines the term cruel optimism which Berlant has created to describe the process of survival individuals undertake. Next, this review critiques the shortcomings of Berlant's discussion as well as highlights the important contributions that cruel optimism presents in political and performative literature. Through a detailed discussion of the good life, Berlant introduces a compelling examination of social thought on topics related to sovereignty, slow death, capitalism, and queer theory. Berlant delineates the good life as relating to four areas: promises of upward mobility, job security, political and social equality, and durable intimacy. Berlant draws from examples across disciplines and within numerous genres to make a strong societal critique of why and how people cling to false promise. This review also briefly pinpoints a few drawbacks or challenges to Berlant's book. Ultimately, this review concludes that Berlant's book is valuable call to action in the humanities and social sciences which utilizes numerous historical and cultural sources to paint a troubling critique of individual lives in post-war societies.
Contextual Tracking in Surface Applications: Algorithms and Design Examples

In this chapter, contextual information is discussed for improving tracking of surface vehicles. Contextual information generally involves any kind of information that is not related directly to kinematic sensor measurements. This information, termed trafficability, is used to incorporate constraints on the vehicle that ultimately deflect the tracks to areas that provide the highest trafficable regions. For example, local terrain slope, ground vegetation and other factors that put constraints on the vehicles can be considered as contextual information. Both kinematic sensor data and contextual information are tied into the overall tracker design through the use of trafficability maps. Two specific design examples are summarized in this chapter. The first example involves ground tracking of vehicles where the contextual information exploits terrain information to aid in the tracking. The second example involves a sea-based maritime application where the contextual information exploits depth, marked shipping channel locations, and high-value unit information as contextual information. Both examples show that the use contextual information can significantly improve tracking performance.
Antibody responses to T-dependent antigens: contributions of dendritic cells and helper T lymphocytes.

The standard system for the study of antigen-specific, thymus dependent, antibody responses utilizes mouse spleen. B and T lymphocytes (Sephadex G10 nonadherent spleen) are cultured with accessory cells (plastic adherent spleen) and antigen (red cells or TNP/DNP-KLH) for 4-5 days to generate specific IgM PFC. The accessory cells likely induce functioning helper T cells, and the latter cooperate with B lymphocytes during antibody formation.
Surface tension changes of perfusates: Implications for gaseous microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass

L'analyse de la tension de surface est realisee sur des solutions utilisees pour l'amorcage des oxygenateurs a bulle
Using ATTO Dyes To Probe the Photocatalytic Activity of Au–CdS Nanoparticles

Metal–semiconductor nanohybrids (or heterostructures), such as Au–CdS, have become an important class of materials because of their role in photochemical hydrogen production and in other catalytic reactions. Here we report the results of photophysical studies of the interactions of these particles with ATTO dyes (ATTO 590 and 655), which are used as fluorescent probes in a wide range of spectroscopic techniques, most notably super-resolution microscopies. The most important feature of the Au–CdS particles is that they provide the possibility of selective excitation at either their CdS or their Au domains, which absorb preferentially at wavelengths shorter or longer than 500 nm, respectively, thus making possible an excited-state charge transfer reaction from ATTO. Fluorescence quenching of ATTO is dominated by charge transfer to either the CdS domain (λex = 400 nm) or the Au domain (λex = 570 nm). This quenching is quantified by steady-state and time-resolved absorption and fluorescence measurements, and ...
Comparing actuated and bid-based control strategies

In this paper we explore some fundamental differences between control strategies modeled based on economic theory principles as opposed to more traditional control theory principles. More specifically, we explored differences between our bid-based control model and various actuated control models. The comparisons include situations where maximum greens are imposed in actuated control, and situations where they are not. To incorporate these ideas, two bid-based (b1, and b2)and four actuated (a1, a2, a3, and a4) control options are considered. Simulation experiments have been conducted to test these ideas for an intersection with two one-way, one-lane approaches, one eastbound and one northbound. Here are some of the inferences that can be drawn: 1) with actuated control, vehicles on the NB approach, with the larger volumes, always experience higher delays than the EB approach, while the differences between the NB and EB approaches are less significant for bid-based control; 2) Actuated control scenarios where maximum green are imposed (a2, a4) produced lower delay distributions than the scenarios where they are not imposed (a1, a3); 3) it is possible to find a combination of max-greens for a given flow condition that allow the actuated controller to match the performance (at least in terms of delays) of bid-based control; 4)bid-based control produced cycle length distributions that are smaller than those produced by various actuated control models; 5)Actuated control scenarios where maximum green are imposed (a2, a4) produced lower cycle length distributions than the scenarios where they are not imposed (a1, a3).
Dynamic Control Allocation for Damping of Inter-Area Oscillations

Use of actuator redundancy to achieve higher reliability is a widely accepted engineering design technique and is used in this study to build resiliency and ensure power system stability in the presence of high levels of renewables. This paper presents a new design method for fault-tolerant wide-area damping controllers (WADCs) using modal-based control allocation (MB-CA), which coordinates a set of actuators to contribute to damping of inter-area oscillations. In our proposed method, when an actuator fails or is unavailable (e.g., due to communication failure), the supervisory MB-CA distributes the control signals to the remaining healthy actuators based on effects on the modal system, desired control actions, and actuator constraints. Our proposed block offers the benefits of modular design where it is independent of the nominal WADC. The proposed method consists of mainly two design steps. The first step is to design a WADC based on a fault-free model using robust control methods. The second step is to design an MB-CA to manage actuator availability and constraints. To validate the feasibility and demonstrate the design principles, a set of comprehensive case studies are conducted on a modified 192-bus Western Electricity Coordinating Council system. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach in ensuring resiliency to different actuator failures and actuator availability.