cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Chronic Stress Moderate Age Differences in Emotional Well-Being? Testing Predictions of Strength and Vulnerability Integration.

Objective The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) theory posits boundary conditions, such as chronic stress, which place constraints on positive emotional aging. We examine SAVI's prediction that higher levels of chronic stress will attenuate favorable age gradients for multiple indices of well-being. Method We used cross-sectional data from a diverse systematic probability sample of adults (n=260, ages 25 to 65). Multiple regression analysis was used to examine age gradients and test age x chronic stress interactions on five measures of well-being relevant for SAVI's prediction: positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, emotional distress, and rumination. Results Age was unrelated to well-being unless individual differences in health limitations were statistically controlled, in which case older age was associated with more favorable levels of well-being. Chronic stress significantly interacted with age for negative affect, emotional distress, rumination and life satisfaction; examination of the interactions indicated that age was no longer associated with more favorable levels of well-being at higher levels of chronic stress. Discussion Our findings support a key prediction of SAVI by demonstrating that high levels of chronic stress present a boundary condition for favorable age-gradients on well-being. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the 'paradox' of well-being.
Mapping Data-Driven Individualized Neurobehavioral Phenotypes in Heavy Alcohol Drinkers.

Objective Recent findings have examined the factor structure and associated correlates of three neurofunctional domains, Executive Function, Incentive Salience, and Negative Emotionality in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorders in a clinical sample. The current study sought to replicate and extend prior work by testing this three-factor model, utilizing both exact and similar phenotypic measures, as well as novel measures, in a non-treatment seeking sample. Methods Self-report measures of alcohol addiction, impulsivity, behavior, and exposure to early-life stress were collected as part of baseline assessments for alcohol imaging and pharmacotherapy studies in 335 individuals. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine model structure and fit. A multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) model identified predictors of latent factors identified by CFA. Results Results supported an intercorrelated model with three factors: Executive Function, Incentive Salience, and Emotionality. All factors were associated with current AUD and Incentive Salience was uniquely associated with past 30-day drinking frequency. MIMIC results identified multiple significant predictors of these latent factors, including history of alcohol use disorder, positive family history of alcohol dependence, earlier age of first drink, and a history of childhood emotional abuse and physical neglect. Conclusions Our results support an intercorrelated three-factor model of neurofunctional domains in alcohol use models, consistent with published findings (Kwako et al., 2019). Because childhood physical neglect was a significant predictor of all latent factors, these results also highlight the significant negative impact of childhood neglect on later addiction development.
Fiber density and matrix stiffness modulate distinct cell migration modes in a 3D stroma mimetic composite hydrogel

The peritumoral stroma is a complex 3D tissue that provides cells with myriad biophysical and biochemical cues. Histologic observations suggest that during metastatic spread of carcinomas, these cues influence transformed epithelial cells, prompting a diversity of migration modes spanning single cell and multicellular phenotypes. Purported consequences of these variations in tumor escape strategies include differential metastatic capability and therapy resistance. Therefore, understanding how cues from the peritumoral stromal microenvironment regulate migration mode phenotypes has prognostic and therapeutic value. Here, we utilize a synthetic stromal mimetic in which matrix fiber density and bulk hydrogel stiffness can be orthogonally tuned to investigate the contribution of these two key matrix attributes on MCF10A migration mode phenotypes, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasive potential. We developed an automated computational image analysis framework to extract migratory phenotypes from fluorescent images and determine 3D migration metrics relevant to metastatic spread. Using this analysis, we find that matrix fiber density and bulk hydrogel stiffness distinctly contribute to a variety of MCF10A migration modes including amoeboid, single mesenchymal, multicellular clusters, and collective strands. Taking advantage of the tunability of this material platform, we identify a combination of physical and soluble cues that induces distinct heterogeneous migration modes originating from the same MCF10A spheroid and use this setting to examine a functional consequence of migration mode in apoptotic resistance. We find that cells migrating as part of collective strands are more resistant to staurosporine-induced apoptosis than either disconnected multicellular clusters or individual invading cells. Improved models of the peritumoral stromal microenvironment that help elucidate relationships between matrix attributes and cell migration mode can contribute to ongoing efforts to identify efficacious cancer therapeutics that address migration plasticity-based therapy resistances.
Bacterial, Archaea, and Viral Transcripts (BAVT) Expression in Gynecological Cancers and Correlation with Regulatory Regions of the Genome

Bacteria, archaea, and viruses are associated with numerous human cancers. To date, microbiome variations in transcription have not been evaluated relative to upper female genital tract cancer risk. Our aim was to assess differences in bacterial, archaea, and viral transcript (BAVT) expression between different gynecological cancers and normal fallopian tubes. In this case-control study we performed RNA sequencing on 12 normal tubes, 112 serous ovarian cancers (HGSC) and 62 endometrioid endometrial cancers (EEC). We used the centrifuge algorithm to classify resultant transcripts into four indexes: bacterial, archaea, viral, and human genomes. We then compared BAVT expression from normal samples, HGSC and EEC. T-test was used for univariate comparisons (correcting for multiple comparison) and lasso for multivariate modelling. For validation we performed DNA sequencing of normal tubes in comparison to HGSC and EEC BAVTs in the TCGA database. Pathway analyses were carried out to evaluate the function of significant BAVTs. Our results show that BAVT expression levels vary between different gynecological cancers. Finally, we mapped some of these BAVTs to the human genome. Numerous map locations were close to regulatory genes and long non-coding RNAs based on the pathway enrichment analysis. BAVTs may affect gynecological cancer risk and may be part of potential targets for cancer therapy.
Past, Present, and Future: Biological Control of Spider Mites on California-Grown Avocados

Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker and Abatiello (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a foliar pest of avocado, Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae), and both species are native to Mexico. Damaging O. perseae populations can occur in areas of the world where the Hass cultivar is grown commercially, including California (USA), Costa Rica, Spain and Israel. In California, the efficacy of biological control agents, including well studied predators such as Euseius hibisci (Chant) and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), for management of O. perseae populations in commercial orchards, is limited. This situation differs from the successful biological control of introduced heterospecifc tetranychids on California avocados during previous decades. Using California avocados as a model system, potential key factors responsible for the limitations of O. perseae biological control are discussed. One key factor that accounts for the prevalence of O. perseae infestations in California is the increasing distribution of avocado cultivars that are highly susceptible to O. perseae. Other attributes contributing to cultivar susceptibility could potentially include the limited searching ability of predators for O. perseae. Additionally, some life history traits of phytoseiids that have been used to target O. perseae populations likely restrict their utility as effective biological control agents of this pest. Future research directions for improving O. perseae biological control strategies are discussed. Among these is the prospect of using members of the family Stigmaeidae that occur naturally on avocado but whose potential as biological control agents has not been well studied.
Selecting for High Carbohydrate Production in Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus Corniculatus L.) Through Direct and Indirect Evaluation

SummaryThe nectar of 190 accessions of Lotus was examined directly using Robert's spectrophotometric: method of carbohydrate analysis. Nectar carbohydrates of L. corniculatus, L. tenuis and L. caucasicus were indirectly evaluated by measuring their floret receptacle. A 14-fold difference in nectar carbohydrates was found between the lowest and highest carbohydrate producers in the original Lotus population. All three floret indices proved valuable as indicators of nectar production for the three species examined. Receptacle volume was the best indicator of carbohydrate production for 2 out of the 3 species tested.
Long-QT Syndrome and Therapy for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

ADHD Therapy in LQTSIntroduction Stimulants are the mainstay therapy for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are associated with adrenergic side effects. There are limited data on the clinical course of patients treated for ADHD who have long-QT syndrome (LQTS), for which β-blockade is the goal of therapy. Methods LQTS patients from the Rochester-based LQTS Registry (open-enrollment between 1979 and 2003; follow-up from 1979 to present) treated with stimulant or nonstimulant ADHD medications (n = 48) were compared to a 2:1 age-, gender-, and QTc-duration matched LQTS control group not exposed to ADHD medications (n = 96). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate risk of cardiac events (syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death) in LQTS patients treated with ADHD medications. Results During a mean follow-up of 7.9 ± 5.4 years after initiation of ADHD medication at a mean age 10.7 ±7.3 years, there was a 62% cumulative probability of cardiac events in the ADHD treatment group compared to 28% in the matched LQTS control group (P < 0.001). Time-dependent use of ADHD medication was associated with an increased risk for cardiac events (HR = 3.07; P = 0.03) in the multivariate Cox model adjusted for time-dependent β-blocker use and prior cardiac events. Subgroup gender analyses showed that time-dependent ADHD medication was associated with an increased risk in male LQTS patients (HR = 6.80, P = 0.04). Conclusions LQTS patients treated with ADHD medications have increased risk for cardiac events, particularly syncope, and this risk is augmented in males. The findings highlight the importance of heightened surveillance for LQTS patients on ADHD medications.
Low-Dimensional Dynamical Model of a Turbulent Boundary Layer over a Compliant Surface: Preliminary Results

In this paper we are reporting preliminary results of an ongoing research project that aims at getting an improved understanding of the interaction between wall-generated turbulence and compliant surface coatings. We are pursuing an integrated approach using analysis, low-dimensional modeling, and direct numerical simulations, with a view towards the reduction of turbulent sound production and turbulent drag. By Galerkin projection of the Navier-Stokes equations onto special sets of basis functions that describe the structure of the near-wall flow, we have constructed low-dimensional models for the dynamics of the flow. The resulting flow equations are coupled to sets of linear oscillators describing damped mass-spring systems that represent the dynamics of the wall in Fourier space. First results from an investigation of these models show a reduction in bursting frequency which is strong evidence for turbulent drag reduction, in agreement with experimental results from other groups.
A data-driven multi-field analysis of nanocomposites for hydrogen storage

This paper focuses on computational parameter identification associated with heat and mass diffusion macro-behavioral models of hydrogen storage systems from a continuum multiphysics perspective. A single wall nanotube (SWNT) based composite pellet is considered as our representative finite continuum system. The corresponding partial differential equations (PDEs) governing the spatio-temporal distribution of temperature and hydrogen concentration are formulated. Analytical solutions of the system of coupled PDEs are constructed and utilized in the context of inverse analysis. The corresponding non-linear optimization problem is formulated in order to determine the unknown parameters of the model, based on an objective function and constraints consistent with experimentally acquired data along with the physical and utilization requirements of the problem. Behavioral simulation results are presented in an effort to demonstrate the applicability of the methodology. Finally, we indicate potential extensions of this methodology to multi-scale and manufacturing process optimization.
Structure-Property Relationships in Hydrogels

The structure and properties of a specific hydrogel are extremely important in selecting which materials are suitable for the specific application. Knowledge of the structure-property relationship is, then, fundamental to tailor hydrogel properties to their final goal.
Emerging Self - Concept

fundamental in psychology. What is knowledge about oneself made of and where does it come from? The aim of this chapter is to discuss recent progress in infancy research that sheds a new light on these questions. The issue of whether self knowledge fi nds its root in language development is fi rst considered. On the basis of recent empirical evidence, I will then assert that self knowledge does not depend exclusively on language development. Infancy research demonstrates that self knowledge is expressed at an implicit level long before children become symbolic and competent talkers. The main idea running through the chapter is that at the origin of explicit and conceptual self knowledge (i.e., self concept) is an implicit knowledge about the self developing in the preverbal child. My focus is on the nature of early implicit self knowledge and its link to later emerging explicit self knowledge. In general, I will try to show that infants from birth, and particularly from 2 months of age, develop two types of implicit self knowledge. On one hand, infants develop implicit knowledge about their own body via self exploration and self produced action on objects. On the other, they develop specifi c knowledge about their own affective dispositions via interaction and reciprocation with others. The origins of these two types of implicit self knowledge are respectively perceptual and social . Prior to this presentation, let me briefl y situate the origins of self knowledge in relation to language and the emergence of symbolic functioning by the second year of life.
On the use of spatial regularization strategies to improve calibration of distributed watershed models

[1] Hydrologic models require the specification of unknown model parameters via calibration to historical input-output data. For spatially distributed models, the large number of unknowns makes the calibration problem poorly conditioned. Spatial regularization can help to stabilize the problem by facilitating inclusion of additional information. While a common regularization approach is to apply a scalar multiplier to the prior estimate of each parameter field, this can cause problems by simultaneously changing both the mean and the variance of the distribution. This paper explores a multiple-criteria regularization approach that facilitates adjustment of the mean, variance, and shape of the parameter distribution, using prior information to constrain the problem while providing sufficient degrees of freedom to enable model performance improvements. We also test simple squashing functions to help in maintaining conceptually reasonable parameter values throughout the spatial domain. We apply the method to three basins in the context of the Distributed Model Intercomparison Project (DMIP2), obtaining considerable performance improvements at the basin outlet. However, the prior parameter estimates are found to give much better performance at the interior points (treated as ungauged), suggesting that the spatial information has not been properly exploited. The results also suggest that basin outlet hydrographs may not be particularly sensitive to spatial parameter variability and that an overall basin mean value may be sufficient for flow forecasting at the outlet, although not at the interior points. We discuss weaknesses in our study approach and suggest diagnostically more powerful strategies to be pursued.
The end-of-life experience: modifiable predictors of caregivers' bereavement adjustment.

BACKGROUND The objective of the current study was to determine the best set of predictors of psychological disorders, regrets, health-related quality of life, and mental health function among bereaved caregivers of patients with cancer, thereby identifying promising targets for interventions to improve bereavement adjustment. METHODS Coping with Cancer is a longitudinal study of patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers who were enrolled from 2002 to 2008. The main outcome measure was bereavement adjustment of 245 caregivers (eg, depression, anxiety, and regrets) 6 months after the loss of the patient. The Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders determined whether caregivers met the criteria for major depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder. Changes in health-related quality of life and mental health function from baseline to after the patient's death were assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36). RESULTS Greater than 50% of the caregivers reported regret about the cancer patient's end-of-life care; better patient quality of death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.88) reduced the risk of bereavement regret. The incidence of major depressive disorder or anxiety among the bereaved caregivers was 12.6% and was less likely for caregivers with better mental health before the loss of the patient (adjusted odds ratio, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.004-0.25). Better patient quality of death also predicted improved caregiver health-related quality of life (adjusted standardized beta, .28; P < .001). The completion of a do-not-resuscitate order was found to be predictive of improved mental health from before the death of the patient to after the death (adjusted standardized beta, .29; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Reducing caregiver distress, encouraging advance care planning by patients, and improving patients' quality of death appear to be promising targets of interventions to improve caregiver bereavement adjustment. Cancer 2014;120:918–925. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Noise-shaping D/A converters for /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulation

Delta-sigma (/spl Delta//spl Sigma/) data converters are highly sensitive to any signal-band conversion noise introduced by their internal DACs. To circumvent this problem, multibit DACs recently have been developed that use digital techniques to cause the conversion noise to reside primarily outside the signal-band. Such noise-shaping DACs have the potential to significantly increase the present precision limits of /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ data converters. This paper extends the practicality of the approach by presenting extremely hardware-efficient 1st and 2nd-order noise-shaping multi-bit DACs. A simple theoretical explanation of the conversion noise-shaping phenomenon is also provided.
Lithium-Activated Resonances in Alkali Halide Alloys

Infrared-active lattice resonant modes have been observed as absorption lines in the far-infrared spectral region for a large number of lattice-defect systems. (1) Many of these absorption lines have been identified with the quasi-localized lattice modes which occur when the lattice impurity has a stable equilibrium position at the normal lattice site. (2) in particular, uniaxial stress experiments on the sharp absorption line centered at 16. 2 cm-1 in KBr:Li+ indicate that the lithium impurity in this system occupies the normal lattice site. (3) More recent studies of the stress-induced frequency shifts for the lattice resonant modes in Ki:Ag+ (17. 3 cm-1) and NaCl:Cu+ (23.4 cm-1) show similar characteristics. (4) in all these cases there is strong evidence for a singlet ground state being involved in the I. R. transition because the absorption strengths or integrated intensities in the various polarizations remain constant for frequency splittings which are large compared to the sample temperature of 2°K. Under these conditions, a degenerate ground state would produce dichroism resulting from thermal population effects.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Haemoglobin M Milwaukee

Analysis of the NMR spectra of haemoglobin M Milwaukee confirms that ligand binding to the α haems changes the quaternary structure.
Research Note: 5-Azacytidine-Induced Increase in Plasma Prolactin Levels of Immature Turkeys

Abstract Immature female turkeys (7 wk old) were treated with 5-azacytidine, a cytidine analog that has been shown to inhibit cytosine methylation in eukaryotic DNA. Such methylation has been repeatedly implicated in the control of specific gene expression in higher vertebrates. Turkeys administered 5-azacytidine (5 mg/kg) by intravenous injection daily for 5 days exhibited elevated (P
Aminoacid and protein conjugates with biologically active purines

Condensation products of amino acids and proteins with biologically active purines have been obtained to study their potential tumor inhibitory activity and as models for the preparation of conjugates with tumor specific antibodies. Among the new compounds are 2-glycinyl-6-methylmercaptopurine (5), 2-glycinyl-6-mercaptopurine (6), 2-glycinyl-6-chloropurine (16), 2-glycinyl-6-hydroxylaminopurine (18), 2-glycinylpurine (8) and 2-glycinyl-6-methylpurine (7). 9-Alkylpurines led to new purine derivatives, such as 6-chloro-9H-purine-9-acetic acid (22) and 6-hydroxylamino-9H-purine-9-acetylhydroxamic acid (23). These derivatives were coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) to yield conjugates. The amino acid-purines 6-cysteinyl (27) and 6-glutathionyl-S-purine 3-oxide (28) were obtained from 6-chloropurine 3-oxide (26). Other protein-purine 3-oxide conjugates were obtained with 6-mercaptopurine 3-oxide (29) and 6-bromomethylpurine 3-oxide (33).
Evolution of the γ/γ′ interface width in a commercial nickel base superalloy studied by three-dimensional atom probe tomography

The compositional width of the γ/γ′ interface in a commercial nickel base superalloy has been determined using three-dimensional atom probe tomography. Initially, on formation during continuous cooling, the primary γ′ precipitates exhibit a sharp interface while the secondary γ′ precipitates exhibit a substantially diffuse interface. On subsequent isothermal aging, the interface width increases for the primary γ′ precipitates while it decreases for the secondary γ′ precipitates, reaching a near-equilibrium width for both types of interfaces after prolonged aging.
On the reliability of 13C metabolic modeling with two-compartment neuronal-glial models

Metabolic modeling of 13 C NMR spectroscopy ( 13 C MRS) data using two-compartment neuronal-glial models enabled non-invasive measurements of the glutamate-glutamine cycle rate (V NT ) in the brain in vivo. However, the reliability of such two-compartment metabolic modeling has not been examined thoroughly. This study uses Monte-Carlo simulations to investigate the reliability of metabolic modeling of 13 C positional enrichment time courses measured in brain amino acids such as glutamate and glutamine during [1- 13 C]- or [1,6- 13 C 2 ]glucose infusion. Results show that the determination of V NT is not very precise under experimental conditions typical of in vivo NMR studies, whereas the neuronal TCA cycle rate V TCA(N) is determined with a much higher precision. Consistent with these results, simulated 13 C positional enrichment curves for glutamate and glutamine are much more sensitive to the value of V TCA(N) than to the value of V NT . We conclude that the determination of the glutamate-glutamine cycle rate V NT using 13 C MRS is relatively unreliable when fitting 13 C positional enrichment curves obtained during [1- 13 C] or [1,6- 13 C 2 ]glucose infusion. Further developments are needed to improve the determination of V NT , for example using additional information from 13 C- 13 C isotopomers and/or using glial specific substrates such as [2- 13 C]acetate.
The Inverse Scattering Series For Tasks Associated With Primaries: Depth Imaging And Direct Non-linear Inversion of 1D Variable Velocity And Density Acoustic Media

This paper presents the first analysis, and direct depth imaging and inversion algorithms for tasks associated with primaries for a vertically varying velocity and density acoustic medium. The method is derived from the inverse scattering series, and, hence, assumes the actual subsurface properties governing the propagation of waves is neither known nor determined. The terms in the series that correspond to tasks for imaging-only and inversion-only are identified and separated. Tests with analytic data indicate significant added value, beyond linear estimates, in terms of both the proximity to actual properties and the increased range of angles over which the improved estimates are valid.
The Commander in Chief and the Courts

The Bush administration claims to have sweeping, inherent, and unchecked war powers to conduct its war against terror. These claims are inconsistent with the text of the Constitution, the Framers' intent, and the practice of the early leaders of the Republic. Judicial decisions in the first few decades after the Constitution's adoption affirmed the Framers' narrow view of executive war powers. This article will address the extent of the president's inherent powers to prosecute a war, whether Congress can regulate and limit the president's commander-in-chief power, and the role of the courts in deciding whether the president has overstepped his power in conducting warfare.
Gravitational waves from long-duration simulations of the dynamical bar instability

Compact astrophysical objects that rotate rapidly may encounter the dynamical ``bar instability.'' The bar-like deformation induced by this rotational instability causes the object to become a potentially strong source of gravitational radiation. We have carried out a set of long-duration simulations of the bar instability with two Eulerian hydrodynamics codes. Our results indicate that the remnant of this instability is a persistent bar-like structure that emits a long-lived gravitational radiation signal.
Affinity maturation without germinal centres in lymphotoxin-α-deficient mice

Affinity maturation by somatic hypermutation is thought to occur within germinal centres. Mice deficient in lymphotoxin-alpha (LT alpha-/- mice) have no lymph nodes or Peyer's patches, and fail to form germinal centres in the spleen. We tested whether germinal centres are essential for maturation of antibody responses to T-cell-dependent antigens. LT alpha-/- mice immunized with low doses of (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl-ovalbumin (NP-OVA) showed dramatically impaired production of high-affinity anti-NP IgG1. However, LT alpha-/- mice immunized with high doses of NP-OVA, even though they failed to produce germinal centres, manifested a high-affinity anti-NP IgG1 response similar to wild-type mice. Furthermore, when LT alpha-/- mice were multiply immunized with high doses of NP-OVA, the predominantly expressed anti-NP VH gene segment VH186.2 showed somatic mutations typical of affinity maturation. Thus, B-cell memory and affinity maturation are not absolutely dependent on the presence of germinal centres.
Epidermal growth factor induced apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent evidence suggests that EGF induced signal transduction pathways which govern cell proliferation and cell cycle progression also mediate antiproliferative effects leading to increased apoptosis in cells that express high levels of epidermal growth factor receptors. Treatments designed to increase apoptosis have potential to change the natural progression of cancer and eventually lead to its successful control.
Glutathione peroxidase from bovine lens: a selenoenzyme.

Abstract Glutathione peroxidase was purified 12 000-fold to homogeneity from the bovine lens. Purification utilized ammonium sulfate, acetic acid and zinc sulfate precipitations, and covalent chromatography on activated Thiolsepharose 4B. The specific activity of the purified enzyme is 1600 and its estimated molecular weight is 140 000. It is a selenoenzyme, containing 4 mol of selenium per mol of enzyme. Its pH maximum is 7·9. The apparent K m s for glutathione, tert-butylhydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide and H 2 O 2 are 2·9, 0·54, 0·65 and 0·045 m m , respectively. Iodoacetic acid irreversibly inhibits both the reduced and oxidized forms of the enzyme, whereas p -chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid only inhibits the oxidized form and N -ethyl maleimide, the reduced form.
Rook placements and cellular decomposition of partition varieties

In this paper, we study the geometric implication of rook length polynomials introduced in the author's thesis. We introduce the idea of partition varieties. These are certain algebraic varieties which have CW-complex structures. We prove that the cell structure of a partition variety is in one-to-one correspondence with rook placements on a Ferrers board defined by a corresponding partition. This correspondence enables one to characterize the geometric attachment between a cell and the closure of another cell combinatorially. The main result of this paper is that the Poincare polynomial of cohomology for a partition variety is given by the corresponding rook length polynomial.This paper serves as a transition of our studies from combinatorial aspects to the geometric aspects. To make the transition accessible, we give three appendices on the known results on Grassmann manifolds and flag manifolds which are used frequently. One appendix is on a technical lemma on embeddings of manifolds.
When less is more: EO's influence upon funds raised by young technology firms at IPO

Abstract This study examines the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the amount of capital raised by a young technology firm at the time of its initial public offering (IPO). We draw on signaling theory and an exploration–exploitation theoretical perspective to develop insights concerning the influence of EO upon IPO valuation. Results indicate a negative relationship between EO, as signaled within the firm prospectus, and IPO value. Moreover, top management team (TMT) external board activities are found to moderate the EO–IPO value relationship. With TMT external board activities, a more pronounced negative relationship is indicated. However, without TMT external board activities, stronger EO signals are found to positively impact the amount of funds raised at IPO. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Mechanism of Concentric Eyewall Replacement Cycles and Associated Intensity Change

AbstractTo understand the mechanisms responsible for the secondary eyewall replacement cycles and associated intensity changes in intense tropical cyclones (TCs), two numerical experiments are conducted in this study with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. In the experiments, identical initial conditions and model parameters are utilized except that the concentration of ice particles is enhanced in the sensitivity run. With enhanced ice concentrations, it is found that the secondary eyewall forms at an increased radius, the time required for eyewall replacement is extended, and the intensity fluctuation is relatively large. The enhanced concentrations of ice particles at the upper tropospheric outflow layer produces a noticeable subsidence region (moat) surrounding the primary eyewall. The presence of the moat forces the secondary eyewall to form at a relatively large radius. The axisymmetric equivalent potential temperature budget analysis reveals that the demise of the inner eyewall is pr...
p53-Dependent and p53-Independent Induction of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 by Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage and Hypoxia

IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3, the principal carrier of IGFs in the circulation, contributes to both endocrine and autocrine/paracrine growth control; it can be induced by GH, cytokines, retinoic acid, and tumor suppressors. Induction of IGFBP-3 by the tumor suppressor p53 has been shown in various models that directly manipulate p53 activity. However, the physiologic settings under which this induction occurs have not been established. DNA damage and hypoxia are two important physiologic activators of p53. We have demonstrated for the first time that IGFBP-3 is an in vivo target of p53 in response to ionizing radiation. This effect was tissue specific. Furthermore, we demonstrated that genotoxic drugs could increase IGFBP-3 protein levels and secretion in tumor cell lines in a p53-independent manner. Finally, we have established that IGFBP-3 induction under hypoxic conditions is independent of p53 in tumor cell lines derived form multiple tissue types. Thus, IGFBP-3 is induced by physiologic conditions that also induce p53, although p53 is not always required. Because IGFBP-3 can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in IGF-dependent and IGF-independent manners, its induction by DNA damage and hypoxia suggest IGFBP-3 plays a role in the physiologic protection against aberrant cell growth.
Self-administration of barbiturates and benzodiazepines: A review

Studies of barbiturate and benzodiazepine self-administration are categorized by species and route of administration. Reinforcement, defined as self-administration of drug greater than of a non-drug control, has been demonstrated most often in studies employing the IV route, and there has been greater reliability in this result for a given drug among barbiturates rather than among benzodiazepines. Most studies of PO self-administration in rodents have not demonstrated reinforcement, despite a number of behavioral manipulations to induce drug intake. Studies of PO barbiturate self-administration in monkeys have demonstrated reinforcement but recent studies of PO benzodiazepine self-administration in baboons have not, although physical dependence was demonstrated. Reinforcement via the IG route has not been reliably demonstrated. Behavioral variables, including interreinforcement interval and drug self-administration history, appear to be important determinants of whether or not reinforcement will be demonstrated, particularly among the benzodiazepines; but the range of conditions under which behavioral and pharmacological variables interact to promote or lessen the likelihood of self-administration of these drugs remains to be determined experimentally.
Cultivating Civic Competence: Simulations and Skill-Building in an Introductory Government Class

I examine the impact of simulations on student learning and on the growth of civic competence in an introductory American government class. By civic competence, I refer to an individual's skill and ability to make sense of vast amounts of political information; to work with others (and in civil opposition to other people's ideas) where appropriate; and to develop effective strategies for political action. The simulations I describe here are successful in building political skills for students, albeit with some limitations seen across sex and racial lines. Students emerge from the class more confident in how well they can handle the tasks that effective civic participation requires. What is more, I show that their feelings of confidence are driven largely by the skills they have attained and not by the objective political knowledge they have gained. These results provide strong evidence that we ought to reconsider how we teach students in the introductory American government class.
Scattering of fast neutrons from natural uranium

Abstract The elastic and inelastic scattering of fast neutrons from natural uranium is studied. The incident neutron energy is varied from 0.3 to 1.5 MeV. Time-of-flight techniques are utilized to determine the energy spectrum of scattered neutrons. The differential elastic scattering cross section is determined at incident neutron energy intervals of ≲ 50 keV. The cross sections for the inelastic excitations of residual nuclear levels at 45±3, 150±5, 630±20, 720±20, 930±30, 1000±30 and 1050±30 keV are measured. The differential cross section for inelastic scattering to the 45 keV level is essentially symmetric about 90 degrees. The remaining inelastic groups are emitted isotropically. All cross sections are determined relative to the known elastic scattering cross section of carbon. The experimental results are compared with Hauser-Feshbach theory and possible evidence for direct interaction processes is discussed.
Walking the fiscal tightrope: local government budgeting and fiscal stress

This paper discusses the components of local government budget processes and their relationship to fiscal stress. While many cities and counties are suffering from stressful fiscal situations, leading in some cases to bankruptcy filings or other severe measures, their budgets have to be balanced, unlike the federal government and some state governments. Using survey data from a large number of jurisdictions, this paper shows how local governments have developed budget processes which respond to these changing fiscal situations. Governments use computers, collect and analyze many different types of information, and use budgetary information for other management purposes in order to improve productivity. Budget processes are providing good information to local government decision makers which is helping them respond constructively to the fiscal crises of the 1990s.
Definite clause programs are canonical (over a suitable domain)

For each first-order languageL with a nonempty Herbrand universe, we construct an algebraC interpreting the function symbols ofL that is a model of the Clark equality theory with languageL and is canonical in the sense that for every definite clause programP in the languageL,T P C ? ? is the greatest fixed point ofT P C . The universe of individuals inC is a quotient of the set of terms ofL and is, a fortiori, countable ifL is countable. If ? contains at least one function symbol of arity at least 2, then the graphs of partial recursive functions onC, suitably defined, are representable in a natural way as individuals inC.
An overview of the antifungal properties of allicin and its breakdown products – the possibility of a safe and effective antifungal prophylactic

Reports about the safe and successful intravenous (i.v.) use of garlic derivatives in China against invasive fungal infections have been made, but little has been done to seriously investigate the in vivo use of these derivatives in the West. Laboratories have demonstrated impressive in vitro MICs using allitridium, one of these derivatives, against a range of medically important fungi. In addition, it has been demonstrated that allitridium shows in vitro synergy with amphotericin B, one of the main i.v. antifungal agents. Some of the breakdown products of allicin, the main parent antifungal compound in garlic, have been investigated for their general antimicrobial, anticancer and anticholesterol properties, and it appears that there is a common mode of action that underlies these activities. It appears that these small molecules have the ability to cross cell membranes and combine with sulfur-containing molecular groups in amino acids and proteins, thus interfering with cell metabolism. It has been suggested that the reason human cells are not poisoned by allicin derivatives is that they contain glutathione, a sulfur-containing amino acid that combines with the allicin derivative, thus preventing cell damage. In addition to their biochemical mechanism, these derivatives appear to stimulate cellular immunity, an important ability lacking in conventional antifungal chemotherapy. These derivatives appear to be safe, cheap, wide-spectrum and immunostimulatory, as well as possibly synergistic with conventional antifungal therapy, making them ideal candidates for investigation into their use as prophylactic antifungal agents.
RADIOACTIVITY INDUCED IN APOLLO 11 LUNAR SURFACE MATERIAL BY SOLAR FLARE PROTONS.

Comparison of values of the specific radioactivities reported for lunar surface material from the Apollo 11 mission with analogous data for stone meteorites suggests that energetic particles from the solar flare of 12 April 1969 may have produced most of the cobalt-56 observed.
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients who have comorbid major depression

Many patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) also meet criteria for additional diagnoses such as mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. The presence of severe depression, and major depressive disorder per se, impedes response to treatment for OCD that uses the best available treatments. In this article, the comorbidity data in OCD are reviewed, then the relationship between depression and OCD treatment outcome is reviewed. Next, the derivation and implementation of a treatment program specifically for depressed OCD patients are illustrated with a case example. The article closes with a discussion of implications and directions gleaned from this single case study.
Design and performance of an air collector for industrial crop dehydration

Abstract Test results are reported for the operation of unglazed and single-glazed solar collectors used to heat air to the 90°C (194°F) range. The collectors were constructed of standard black-painted metal decking and were tested in various lengths so that pressure drops and convective heat transfer rates could be varied independent of collector operation temperature. It is shown that the experimental collector performance results with single pass operation are in substantial agreement with standard collector analysis procedures. These results give a firm basis for collector and system optimization.
Insider attack and real-time data mining of user behavior

Early detection of employees' improper access to sensitive or valuable data is critical to limiting negative financial impacts to an organization, including regulatory penalties for misuse of customer data that results from these insider attacks. Implementing a system for detecting insider attacks is a technical challenge that also involves business-process changes and decision making that prioritizes the value of enterprise data. This paper focuses primarily on the techniques for detecting insider attacks, but also discusses the processes required to implement a solution. In particular, we describe a behavior-anomaly-based system for detecting insider attacks. The system uses peer-group profiling, composite feature modeling, and real-time statistical data mining. The analytical models are refined and used to update the real-time monitoring process. This continues in a cyclical manner as the system self-tunes. Finally, we describe an implementation of this detection approach in the form of the IBM Identity Risk and Investigation Solution (IRIS).
The toxicology of ingested lead acetate in ringed turtle doves Streptopelia risoria

Abstract Adult male ringed turtle doves Streptopelia risoria received lead acetate daily by intubation at the following dosage levels: 0, 25, 50 and 75 μg of lead per gramme (equivalent to mg kg −1 ) body weight for 7 days. In the 75 μg g −1 dose level, the dores lost 17% of their original body weight as compared with 5 to 8% in other treatments; however, this effect was not statistically significant. At sacrifice (Day 7) haemoglobin was lower in the 75 μg g −1 treated birds and blood concentrations were greatly elevated (> 300 μ g%). Measurement of the enzyme, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), proved to be a sensitive indication of lead ingestion at 5 h after the first lead dose. At 30 h and 168 h after the beginning of the experiment blood ALAD was also lowered by lead treatment. Lead concentrations in the liver, brain, and kidney were higher in the 75 μg g −1 treatment birds than doves that received 50 or 25 μg of lead per gramme of body weight. Brain lead averaged 12·41 μg g −1 in the 75 μg g −1 lead treatment and seizures were noted in these birds.
The polymeric mucin Muc5ac is required for allergic airway hyperreactivity

In asthma, airflow obstruction is thought to result primarily from inflammation-triggered airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. However, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle-relaxing treatments are often temporary or ineffective. Overproduction of the mucin MUC5AC is an additional disease feature that, while strongly associated pathologically, is poorly understood functionally. Here we show that Muc5ac is a central effector of allergic inflammation that is required for airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine (MCh). In mice bred on two well-characterized strain backgrounds (C57BL/6 and BALB/c) and exposed to two separate allergic stimuli (ovalbumin and Aspergillus extract), genetic removal of Muc5ac abolishes AHR. Residual MCh responses are identical to unchallenged controls, and although inflammation remains intact, heterogeneous mucous occlusion decreases by 74%. Thus, whereas inflammatory effects on ASM alone are insufficient for AHR, Muc5ac-mediated plugging is an essential mechanism. Inhibiting MUC5AC may be effective for treating asthma and other lung diseases where it is also overproduced.
Transmission of patient vital signs using wireless body area networks

Triage is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition when resources are insufficient. Hospitals today are equipped with more and more electronic medical devices. This results in possibly high level of electromagnetic interference that may lead to the failure of medical monitoring devices. Moreover, a patient is usually moved between different hospital settings during triage. Accurate and quick prioritization of patient vital signs under such environment is crucial for making efficient and realtime decisions. In this article, a novel in-network solution to prioritize the transmission of patient vital signs using wireless body area networks is proposed; the solution relies on a distributed priority scheduling strategy based on the current patient condition and on the vital sign end-to-end delay/reliability requirement. The proposed solution was implemented in TinyOS and its performance was tested in a real scenario.