cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coefficients of Response Homogeneity and Congruence

Two coefficients (H and C) for evaluating the homogeneity or congruence of a set of n ratings or scores are described. Tests for determining the statistical significance of the coefficients in small and large samples are also provided. These procedures may be used to determine the consistency of measurements made of n persons or situations on one characteristic or the consistency of measurements made of one person or situation on n characteristics. A computer program is available for calculating the coefficients and evaluating their statistical significance for given data sets.
The normative purpose of economic ‘science’: Rediscovery of an eighteenth century method

The necessity of abstraction is self-evident. By its very nature, intellectual activity involves coming to terms with a chaos of observations through the imposition of an order which is itself an artifact of the mental process. In this activity, a selective strategy must be used. Irrelevances must be blotted out, where these consist of observations that tend to disprove, qualify, or overly complicate the sought-for mental picture. Any theory is abstracted from the reality perceived by the senses, and theory derives its potential value precisely because it is so abstracted. From this perspective, it follows that any theory, any model, can, and indeed must, be able to tolerate a certain amount of dissonance with perception before it loses its relative superiority over potential alternatives. This perspective suggests that there may well be many possible mental orders or constructs that can ‘explain’ a particular set of ‘facts’ within the tolerated range of ‘error.’ Which particular order chosen depends on many elements, including the tastes of the analyst, intellectual habits and fashions of the times, and the extent of congruence with the reality that is perceived (congruence that embodies predictive power as an important part). We leave as basically ‘mysterious’ the causal linkage between changes in these elements and a switching of mental orders (paradigms). In this paper, we are interested in one particular abstraction, one that is familiar to all economists. We are concerned with the model of man that is used in economic theory the model of man that actually takes its name from the discipline, home economicus. Our purpose is to develop a specific justification for that abstraction
Isolation of substances from human vaginal secretions previously shown to be sex attractant pheromones in higher primates.

Fractionation of vaginal secretions from sexually excited human females by partitioning and chromatographic procedures demonstrates the presence of shortchain fatty acids seen as crucial pheromonal components in previous higher primate studies. In addition, the appearance of these short-chain fatty acids suggests a possible correlation of the rise and fall of hormone levels during the female menstrual cycle.
Productivity and Habitat Modeling of Wood Storks Nesting in North and Central Florida

Abstract Rainfall, surface water levels, location within the state, and area and types of habitats (n = 29) surrounding wood stork Mycteria americana colonies in North and Central Florida were analyzed at 10-km, 20-km, and 30-km radii around each colony to examine their relationship with fledging rate and number of nests during 2003–2005. Seven variables within 10 km, 14 variables within 20 km, and 6 variables within 30 km of colonies were correlated with fledging rates. Fledging rate and number of nests were significantly associated with both wetland and nonwetland area and habitats. Among all the variables, fledging rate was most strongly associated with rainfall during the preceding 12–24 mo. Both larger colonies and colonies in North Florida had higher fledging rates. Although some variables had a positive association and other variables had a negative correlation with fledging rates, results were not consistent across all three radii, which suggests that the effects of hydrologic and habitat variab...
Suppression of Gαs synthesis by simvastatin treatment of vascular endothelial cells.

These studies explore the effects of statins on cyclic AMP-modulated signaling pathways in vascular endothelial cells. We previously observed (Kou, R., Sartoretto, J., and Michel, T. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284, 14734–14743) that simvastatin treatment of endothelial cells leads to a marked decrease in PKA-modulated phosphorylation of the protein VASP. Here we show that long-term treatment of mice with simvastatin attenuates the vasorelaxation response to the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, without affecting endothelin-induced vasoconstriction or carbachol-induced vasorelaxation. We found that statin treatment of endothelial cells dose-dependently inhibits PKA activation as assessed by analyses of serine 157 VASP phosphorylation as well as Epac-mediated Rap1 activation. These effects of simvastatin are completely reversed by mevalonate and by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, implicating geranylgeranylation as a critical determinant of the stain response. We used biochemical approaches as well as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) methods with a cAMP biosensor to show that simvastatin treatment of endothelial cells markedly inhibits cAMP accumulation in response to epinephrine. Importantly, simvastatin treatment significantly decreases Gαs abundance, without affecting other Gα subunits. Simvastatin treatment does not influence Gαs protein stability, and paradoxically increases the abundance of Gαs mRNA. Finally, we found that simvastatin treatment inhibits Gαs translation mediated by Akt/mTOR/eIF4/4EBP. Taken together, these findings establish a novel mechanism by which simvastatin modulates β-adrenergic signaling in vascular wall, and may have implications for cardiovascular therapeutics.
Variation in alanine dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase during the synchronous development of chlamydomonas

Abstract Gametic differentiation in Chlamydomonas reinhardti is induced by the removal of ammonium (the nitrogen source) from the culture medium. Some of the major routes of ammonium incorporation into amino acids were therefore studied. The presence of alanine dehydrogenase ( l -alanine:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.4.1.1) and glutamate dehydrogenase ( l -glutamate:NAD(P) oxidoreductase, EC 1.4.1.3) was demonstrated in C. reinhardti and C. moewusii . It was observed that the activity of both enzymes underwent reproducible variations during synchronous vegetative development. The changes in activity of alanine dehydrogenase were inversely related to the respiration rate and to the specific activity of glutamate dehydrogenase. On the other hand, the specific activity of alanine dehydrogenase was directly proportional to the amount of alanine synthesized from 14 CO 2 by photosynthesis in vivo . Upon the removal of ammonium ( i.e the induction of gametogenesis) the variations in the activity of alanine dehydrogenase observed in the normal life cycle were markedly affected.
Chemometric Data Analysis Using Artificial Neural Networks

The on-line measurement of chemical composition under different operating conditions is an important problem in many industries. An approach based on hybrid signal preprocessing and artificial neural network paradigms for estimating composition from chemometric data has been developed. The performance of this methodology was tested with the use of near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectra from both laboratory and industrial samples. The sensitivity-of-composition estimation as a function of spectral errors, spectral preprocessing, and choice of parameter vector was studied. The optimal architecture of multilayer neural networks and the guidelines for achieving them were also studied. The results of applications to FT-Raman data and NIR data demonstrate that this methodology is highly effective in establishing a generalized mapping between spectral information and sample composition, and that the parameters can be estimated with high accuracy.
Paramagnetic Meissner effect in Nb disks

Abstract Further details of the zero-field-cooled-magnetization and field-cooled-magnetization results on Nb disks exhibiting the paramagnetic Meissner effect (PME) are described. These studies indicate that two well-defined temperatures can be associated with features in the magnetization results. The higher characteristic temperature Tu is correlated with appearance of the paramagnetic moment and is strongly dependent upon the process used in forming the disk-shaped geometry of these Nb samples. The lower temperature Tp is associated with the “intrinsic coupling” of the interior Nb platelets. These latest results are shown to be consistent with the flux compression model for the appearance of the PME.
Chlorsulfuron influence on garden pea reproduction

The influence of chlorsulfuron on the reproduction of green pea (Pisum sativum) was examined by exposing plants at 3 different stages of development to 3 different exposure levels (46, 92, and 180 mg ha-' ; corresponding to 2 x 10 -3 , 4 x 10 -3 , and 8 x 10 -3 of the recommended field application rates for small grain crops). Reproduction was only influenced by the two higher rates. The most susceptible stage of development was when plants possessed 6 expanded leaves and one visible flower bud. At that stage, an application rate of 180 mg ha-' (0.8% of the recommended field rate) reduced the seed yield of treated plants to 1% of that of the control plants without severely altering the height or appearance of mature plants. When correspondingly low application rates of atrazine, glyphosate, and 2,4-D were administered at this same developmental stage there were no effects on either growth or reproduction. Thus, chlorsulfuron had an influence on plant reproduction that was not produced by other herbicides administered at low levels.
In-Custody Therapeutic Community Substance Abuse Treatment: Does It Have an Impact on Custody Personnel?:

This study explores the impact of working in correctional settings on custody personnel, examining in particular the differences between quality of professional life issues in substance abuse treatment environments versus general custody settings. The article describes research findings regarding the relationship between differing professional environments and subjective perceptions of physical and psychological health for custody personnel working in Substance Abuse Treatment units located in three separate prisons: the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) at California State Prison, Corcoran; California Rehabilitation Center; and R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. To carry out this study, the authors surveyed 120 custody staff members from treatment units and general population facilities, using three instruments. Also examined were a number of documented indicators of well-being, including inmate disciplinary problems, inmate random urinalysis results, staff sick leave, and occupational injuries....
High efficiency multicrystalline silicon solar cells

A detailed investigation of quality enhancement techniques, such as PECVD SiO2/SiN deposition and forming gas anneal (FGA) for defect passivation, and A1 treatment for defect and impurity gettering, was conducted on several promising multicrystalline Si materials. The PECVD SiO2/SiN coating increased the bulk lifetime by a factor of 1.3 to 1.7, and decreased the surface recombination by a factor of 5–22, depending upon the multicrystalline material. FGA in conjunction with A1 treatment improved the EFG sheet Si cells efficiency by 5.3% absolute, with 2.6% improvement resulting from the FGA alone, 1.5% from A1 gettering alone, and 1.2% from A1 diffusion and FGA interaction. Cells fabricated on various multicrystalline materials were in the efficiency range of 14.0–17.7% with highest efficiency on cast silicon from Osaka Titanium Corporation.
Use of Microindentation to Characterize the Mechanical Properties of Articular Cartilage: Comparison of Biphasic Material Properties Across Length Scales

Summary Objective Small scale mechanical testing techniques offer new possibilities for defining changes in mechanical properties that accompany the morphological, histological, and biochemical abnormalities of osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of this study was to investigate the use of microindentation in characterizing the biphasic material properties of articular cartilage. Direct comparisons of the biphasic properties ( E , k and ν ) determined using microindentation were made to those determined on the same specimens using standard macroscale testing techniques. Methods Deep-zone bovine articular cartilage specimens ( n =10) were tested in macroscale confined and unconfined compression. For microindentation testing, the biphasic properties were determined by conducting finite element simulations of the microindentation experiments for different combinations of values of biphasic properties and identifying the combination yielding the best match to each microindentation curve. Paired t -tests were performed to compare each of E , k and ν between the macro- and microscale. Results The microscale values for E , k and ν were 0.74 (0.53, 0.95)MPa, 0.66 (0.022, 0.110)×10 −16 m 4 /Ns, and 0.16 (0.08, 0.24), respectively. A significant difference between the macro- and microscale measurements was observed for k ( P E or ν ( P =0.88, 0.16). Conclusions The agreement in Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio between the results of the microindentation and macroscale tests supports the use of microindentation for characterization of some of the biphasic material properties of articular cartilage. The observed differences in permeability between macro- and microscales are consistent with evidence in the literature of a length-scale dependence to this property.
Alloy disorder effects on the electronic properties of III-V quaternary semiconductor alloys

A coherent-potential-approximation (CPA) formalism for the treatment of III-V quaternary semiconductor alloys with two disordered sublattices is developed. This formalism is applied to the alloys ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$, ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{Sb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$, ${\mathrm{In}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$, and ${\mathrm{In}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{Sb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$, and results are presented for the CPA densities of states, self-energies, band-bowing parameters, and energy-gap variations with composition. Deviations from the virtual-crystal approximation (VCA), which are indications of the effects of alloy disorder, are found to be more significant for the alloys ${\mathrm{In}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{Sb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ and ${\mathrm{In}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ than for ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{Sb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$. As expected, the amount of disorder as measured by the magnitudes of the self-energy shifts, bowings, and differences between the CPA and VCA energy gaps is stronger at certain alloy compositions than others. Comparison is also made of the experimental energy gap of ${\mathrm{In}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ lattice matched to InP, with calculated VCA and CPA energy gaps.
Characterization of sea ice cover, motion and dynamics in Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula

Abstract As part of the U.S. GLOBEC Southern Ocean Program, data from two automatic weather stations (AWSs) on small islets and upward-looking acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) and an upward-looking sonar (ULS) on sub-surface moorings have been analyzed to produce time series of atmospheric forcing, sea ice thickness, sea ice and ocean velocities, and sea ice momentum balances within Marguerite Bay and at mid-shelf on the central west Antarctic Peninsula continental shelf for the austral winter–spring seasons of 2001 and 2002. Both years had roughly seven months of nearly complete sea ice cover, but ice onset was about two months earlier in 2002 than 2001 mostly due to extremely cold surface air temperatures in Marguerite Bay during May–June 2002. Sea ice draft was quite variable, but generally thickened with time, reaching ∼2–3 m by the end of September before thinning. In October, 2002, a polynya was observed at one site within Marguerite Bay that lasted for 4 days. The sea ice motion and dynamics in Marguerite Bay were analyzed when sea ice draft was greater than 2 m. Wind stress during these periods was predominantly southward and southeastward. Wind stress, sea ice, and near-surface water motion were partially correlated, with sea ice motion greater than water motion. Large wind stress and sea ice and water motions occurred during short energetic events of a few days or shorter; however, the rms wind stress, sea ice, and water velocities were small, about 0.3 N m−2, 8–16 cm s−1, and 5–7 cm s−1, respectively. Mean sea ice motion was southward, but quite small, of order 2 cm s−1, while mean near-surface water motion was not statistically different from zero. The dominant sea ice momentum balance was between wind and internal ice stresses on time scales of several days and longer, with water stress, Coriolis, and tilt terms playing secondary roles. The mean southward wind stress was balanced, within uncertainty, by the mean northward internal ice stress. The strong and variable internal ice stresses were likely due to the onshore winds, the thickness of the sea ice, and the nearby coastline.
A multicenter prospective analysis of 14,000 carotid endarterectomies

Abstract Introduction: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is a prospectively gathered risk-adjusted database which randomly samples data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system, and 14 participating private hospitals. Utilizing the NSQIP database, this study was undertaken to identify the incidence of morbidity and mortality in the contemporary surgical practice of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: NSQIP data were examined for all patients under going CEA as a primary operation during the 2000–2003 period. This database captures over 150 variables utilizing trained nurse reviewers. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to identify variables associated with a composite of 30-day mortality, stroke or cardiac event. Results: 13,811 patients comprised the study population, 95% were male and 91% were from the VA sector. The average age was 68.5 ± 0.1 years, and 57.9% of the patients were symptomatic. The overall mortality, stroke and cardiac event rates were 2.1%, 1.7% and 1.1% respectively, giving a composite outcome of 4.0%. The combined stroke and death rate was 3.4%. The following variables impacted the composite outcome: age, pack-years of smoking, renal insufficiency, diabetes, previous stroke, history of TIA, hypoalbuminemia and ASA class. Conclusions: The NSQIP database provides a powerful tool to examine the outcome of CEA in current surgical practice. Identification of variables portending a poor outcome may be helpful in selecting patients for non-surgical interventional therapies. Given that the majority of the patients in this study were symptomatic, the results compare favorably to the randomized CEA trials.
New phosphate glass/polymer hybrids—Current status and future prospects

The physical modification of polymer structure and properties via polymer blending and reinforcement is a common practice in the plastics industry and has a large economic advantage over synthesizing new polymeric materials to fulfill new material needs. In this context, a new class of inorganic glass/organic polymer hybrids with enhanced benefits has been recently developed by blending low-Tg phosphate glasses with polymeric materials in the liquid state, to afford new hybrid materials with significant improvements in properties that are impossible to achieve from classical polymer blends and composites. Because of their facile synthesis and desirable characteristics, these phosphate glass/polymer hybrid materials may be model systems for exploring feasibility of new routes for driving inorganic glasses and organic polymers to self-assemble into useful materials. Conceptually, it may even be possible to use block copolymers, with one block being miscible with Pglass, to perform self-directed assembly of nanostructured hybrids, where the Pglass is confined solely to one phase. This article reviews some new insights into the structural dynamics, melt rheology, molecular relaxation processes, and phase behavior of a few representative examples of these unique hybrid materials with prescribed rheological properties, macromolecular structure and function. The unanswered questions are discussed to guide future research directions, and facilitate progress in this emerging area.
Ultrathin integrated ion metal plasma titanium and metallorganic titanium nitride liners for sub 0.18 μm W based metallization schemes for >500 MHz microprocessors

While it is believed that Copper Metallization will emerge as a mainstream interconnect scheme for sub 0.18 μm technology node, a significant number of leading semiconductor manufacturers have extended W based Interconnect schemes to sub 0.18 μm technology node. This extension of W based interconnects has placed a significant emphasis on the development of ultra-thin, low resistivity, conformal Titanium and Titanium Nitride liners. Furthermore, these conformal liners need to be deposited at low temperatures in order to integrate with a variety of promising low-k dielectric materials. While numerous deposition technologies (Ion Metal Plasma, Longthrow, Hollow Cathode sputtering) have been investigated for depositing Titanium and Titanium Nitride liners, integrated Ion Metal Plasma (IMP) Titanium and Metallorganic CVD (MOCVD) TiN has emerged as the most promising technology for depositing these ultra thin conformal liners. This study will specifically address the results of integrating IMP Ti and MOCVD TiN on a high vacuum system. Results of design of experiments (DOEs) used for process characterization and optimizing device parametric such as contact and via resistance will be discussed, in particular with respect to unlanded via schemes. Finally, Cost of Ownership (COO) calculations will be presented in comparison to conventional PVD technologies. In , the integration of IMP Ti and MOCVD TiN enables the deposition of a highly cost effective, low resistivity, ultra-thin, and low-temperature liners for sub 0.18 μm technology node thereby enabling > 500 MHz microprocessor technology.
Breast cancer, obesity and hormonal imbalance: a worrisome trend.

During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the USA [101]. It currently exceeds 30% in most age and sex groups [1]. This trend is worrisome, not only owing to the une...
The full-cube topology: properties and routing

Abstract This paper presents the Full-Cube, a versatile cube network built by merging the Cube and Complementary-Cube (Co-Cube) networks. Compared to the Hypercube, the Full-Cube has double the number of links while maintaining the same number of nodes. Some of the properties of a 2n-node Full-Cube are: an [ n 2 ] diameter, O(n2n) link cost, considerably more redundant paths connecting any two nodes than the Hypercube leading to a higher tolerance of link faults, and a significantly larger number of partitions into subcubes. Furthermore, for practical hypercube sizes, the average internode distance of the cube, which directly affects the message communication time, is shown to be reduced by approximately 20–35% in the Full-Cube. Like the Hypercube, the Full-Cube offers extendability and a fixed node complexity, and simple distributed one-to-one and multicast routing algorithms. We discuss the properties of the Full-Cube and present distributed routing algorithms for one-to-one and multicast communication.
Developmental differences in the response of cytosolic free calcium to potassium depolarization and cardioplegia in cardiac myocytes

Several biochemical and functional characteristics of immature myocardium suggest a diminished capacity to regulate intracellular Ca2+ during stress. In particular, cellular calcium overload has been postulated as an important pathogenetic mechanism accounting for suboptimal functional recovery following cardioplegia in immature myocardium. Using intracellular Fura-2 fluorescence as Ca2+ indicator, we measured cytosolic free calcium ([Cai]) in single myocytes and cell suspensions derived from both juvenile (4 weeks post-partum) and mature (6-12 months post-partum) New Zealand white rabbits. Resting [Cai] in juvenile heart cells (26 +/- 3 nM) were approximately 50% of that found in adult myocytes (55 +/- 5 nM). In addition, on exposure to increasing concentrations of extracellular potassium ([Kex]), adult but not juvenile myocytes exhibited increases in [Cai]. These two observations underscore developmental differences in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Of particular clinical relevance is the [Cai] response to cardioplegia containing 16 mM [Kex]: neither group demonstrated the expected [Cai] increase in response to potassium depolarization. The lack of [Cai] response to cardioplegia was most likely due to the high levels of Mg2+ (32 mM) contained in cardioplegic solutions. We conclude that cellular calcium overload does not occur following exposure to cardioplegia alone. Accordingly, these findings do not account for recognized developmental differences in functional recovery from "myocardial protection".
Material Attributes of Personal Living Spaces

We introduce the concept of Personal Living Space (PLS). More than a bedroom but less than a house, PLSs typically nestle within larger residential settings, affording primary territory for a designated individual. Common examples include rooms in family households, dormitories, or residential centers. We document modal portraits of one particular form of PLS, providing a snapshot at the cusp of the twenty-first century of the material residue found in North American college students' accommodations. Next, we marshal an environmental psychological approach to explore the meanings conveyed by the attributes and item contents of PLSs, focusing on three personal characteristics of residents: gender, ethnicity, and personality. This analysis is guided by residue theory in personality psychology and the interpretation of instrumental (or use) meaning in the study of material culture.
On-orbit depot architectures using contingency propellant

Abstract This paper introduces new concepts of on-orbit propellant depots for human space exploration based on contingency propellant. The proposed architecture is useful in that it does not require separate depot filling missions, whereas conventional depot architectures require large “prior investment” type missions for depot filling before gaining the returns. Two concepts for this type of depots are shown: “steady-state” architecture and “stockpiling” architecture. In the “steady-state” mode, the depot always keeps the contingency propellant in orbit as well as the reused habitat module. In each mission, the vehicles collect the habitat and the contingency propellant from the depot in orbit on its way to the destination, perform the maintenance for the habitat, and leave the habitat and the unused contingency propellant in orbit on its way back. In the “stockpiling” mode, on the other hand, the habitat module is reused in the same way, but the depot accumulates propellant so that a later mega-mission can carry larger payload. Numerical results show the usefulness of the proposed architectures.
Correspondence between a phase-field theory and a sharp-interface theory for crystal growth

A matched asymptotic analysis is used to show that, under certain constitutive hypotheses and a particular scaling, a recently developed phase-field theory corresponds to a sharp-interface theory for crystal growth that accounts for orientation dependence in the crystalline surface energy density as well as orientation and surface normal velocity dependence in the crystalline surface mobility.
Efimov effect and spin-polarized hypernuclear-atom systems

Evidence is cited which supports the belief that Efimov states should exist in trimers of spin-polarized \ensuremath{\Lambda} and \ensuremath{\Sigma}-hypernuclear tritium. Macroscopic samples of the two hypernuclear-atom systems should also manifest most of the properties of helium.
Tumor Suppressor Menin Regulates Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1) is an inherited tumor syndrome characterized by development of tumors in multiple endocrine organs. The gene mutated in MEN1 patients, Men1, encodes a nuclear protein, menin. Menin interacts with several transcription factors and inhibits their activities. However, it is unclear whether menin is essential for the repression of the expression of endogenous genes. Here, using menin-null cells, we show that menin is essential for repression of the endogenous IGFBP-2, a gene that can regulate cell proliferation. Additionally, complementation of menin-null cells with wild-type menin, but not with a MEN1 disease-related point mutant, restores the function of menin in repressing IGFBP-2. Consistent with this, the promoter of IGFBP-2 is repressed by wild-type menin, but not by a MEN1-related point mutant. Menin also alters the structure of the chromatin surrounding the promoter of the IGFBP-2 gene, as demonstrated by the deoxyribonuclease I hypersensitivity assay. Furthe...
Seismic excitation by the space shuttle Columbia

Seismic stations in southern California recorded the atmospheric shock waves generated by the space shuttle Columbia on its return to the Edwards Air Force base on 13 August 1989 (Fig. 1). In addition to the shock wave, the broad-band IRIS–TERRAscope station at Pasadena recorded a distinct pulse with a period of ~2–3 seconds, which arrived 12.5 seconds before the shock wave (Fig. 2). This pulse was also recorded at the University of Southern California, near downtown Los Angeles, where it arrived 3 seconds after the shock wave. The origin of this pulse could not be readily identified. We show here that it was a seismic P wave excited by the motion of high-rise buildings in downtown Los Angeles, which were hit by the shock wave. The proximity of the natural period of the high-rise buildings to that of the Los Angeles basin enabled efficient energy transfer from shock wave to seismic wave.
Use of botulinum toxin type A and type B for spasticity in upper and lower limbs

Spasticity involves a rate-dependent increase in resistance to passive stretch of muscle and can have functional implications in the affected limb muscles. It may accompany diffuse or localized cerebral or spinal pathology. Possible causes include anoxia, toxic and metabolic encephalopathies, localized tumors, cysts, trauma, brain injuries, vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory or degenerative disease. Spasticity of cerebral origin often can be noted in conjunction with other motor disorders, such as dystonia or rigidity. In the presence of these disorders, with the resulting disinhibition of motor reflexes, chemodenervation can be helpful in improving active and passive limb movement. Botulinum toxin (BT) decreases muscle activity and dampens the effect of spasticity. BT inhibits muscle activity by acting at the neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. Because regeneration of membrane receptors occurs slowly, the effect of BT can last 8 to 16 weeks. Denervation potentials in muscle are induced by BT injection but are not seen until 2 weeks after injection of the toxin. It can take that long for the toxin to be effective.
Influence of alloy type on marginal adaptation and final residual mercury

Marginal adaptation and residual marginal mer­ cury content of fine-cut and microcut alloys used in restorations are investigated under laboratory and clinical conditions. Recent evidence1 has indicated that microcut and fine-cut alloys behave differently in regard to marginal adaptation and residual marginal mer­ cury content. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if this difference occurs with a large number of alloys in a laboratory study, and if this difference also occurs in restorations con­ densed under simulated clinical conditions by practicing dentists.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Children's Placement Preferences Longitudinally

ABSTRACT Perceptions of permanency from the child's perspective can aid in giving voices to children impacted by foster care, thus promoting their personal sense of empowerment. This research represents a longitudinal assessment of how children living in foster care perceive permanency; specifically, their placement preferences while living in temporary foster care. Analyses were conducted on a subset of 2,671 children from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). Utilizing attachment and social capital constructs, children's preferences were predicted using Generalized Ordered Logistic regression analyses. Results demonstrated differences in children's perceptions and preferences for permanency at three waves of data collection.
On the effect of X rays on the color of elemental sulfur - Implications for Jupiter's satellite Io

Absorption features arose at 0.42 and 0.52 microns when spectral reflectance measurements were conducted for elemental sulfur allotrope mixtures produced by the exposure of the cyclooctal S(8) allotrope of sulfur to X-rays; while these features due to the presence of short-chain molecules are stable at low temperatures, they fade upon warming of the sample. The hypothesis that X-rays in the Jovian environment would cause other allotropic forms of sulfur to revert to S(8) is contradicted by the fact that these features are not present in S(8) at the same temperature that had not been exposed to X-rays.
David Sehat, The Myth of American Religious Freedom

(2012). David Sehat, The Myth of American Religious Freedom. Political Theology: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 504-506.
The telosome/shelterin complex and its functions

The telomeres that cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes serve a dual role in protecting the chromosome ends and in intracellular signaling for regulating cell proliferation. A complex of six telomere-associated proteins has been identified - the telosome or shelterin complex - that is crucial for both the maintenance of telomere structure and its signaling functions.
A Chaperone Pathway in Protein Disaggregation HSP26 ALTERS THE NATURE OF PROTEIN AGGREGATES TO FACILITATE REACTIVATION BY HSP104

Cellular protein folding is challenged by environmental stress and aging, which lead to aberrant protein conformations and aggregation. One way to antagonize the detrimental consequences of protein misfolding is to reactivate vital proteins from aggregates. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hsp104 facilitates disaggregation and reactivates aggregated proteins with assistance from Hsp70 (Ssa1) and Hsp40 (Ydj1). The small heat shock proteins, Hsp26 and Hsp42, also function in the recovery of misfolded proteins and prevent aggregation in vitro, but their in vivo roles in protein homeostasis remain elusive. We observed that after a sublethal heat shock, a majority of Hsp26 becomes insoluble. Its return to the soluble state during recovery depends on the presence of Hsp104. Further, cells lacking Hsp26 are impaired in the disaggregation of an easily assayed heat-aggregated reporter protein, luciferase. In vitro, Hsp104, Ssa1, and Ydj1 reactivate luciferase:Hsp26 co-aggregates 20-fold more efficiently than luciferase aggregates alone. Small Hsps also facilitate the Hsp104-mediated solubilization of polyglutamine in yeast. Thus, Hsp26 renders aggregates more accessible to Hsp104/Ssa1/Ydj1. Small Hsps partially suppress toxicity, even in the absence of Hsp104, potentially by sequestering polyglutamine from toxic interactions with other proteins. Hence, Hsp26 plays an important role in pathways that defend cells against environmental stress and the types of protein misfolding seen in neurodegenerative disease.
Childhood obesity predicts adult metabolic syndrome: the Fels Longitudinal Study

Objectives To determine the age of significant divergence in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in adults with and without the metabolic syndrome, and to provide age- and sex-specific childhood values that predict adult metabolic syndrome. Study design Part 1 of this study is a retrospective cohort study of 92 men and 59 women (mean age, 51 years) who had metabolic syndrome and 154 randomly selected adults matched for age and sex who did not have the syndrome. Part 2 is a study of predictive accuracy in a validation sample of 743 participants. Results The first appearance of differences between adults with and without metabolic syndrome occurred at ages 8 and 13 for BMI and 6 and 13 for waist circumference in boys and girls, respectively. Odds ratios (ORs) for the metabolic syndrome at 30 years and older ranged from 1.4 to 1.9 across age groups in boys and from 0.8 to 2.8 across age groups in girls if BMI exceeded criterion values in childhood. The corresponding ORs for waist circumference ranged from 2.5 to 31.4 in boys and 1.7 to 2.5 in girls. These ORs increased with the number of examinations. Conclusions Children with BMI and waist circumference values exceeding the established criterion values are at increased risk for the adult metabolic syndrome.
A ferromagnetic inequality

Abstract The investigation of the monotonicity of correlation as a function on interaction in Ising ferromagnets with integral spin led to the inequality on subgroups and cosets. The mathematics seems similar to that arising in error-correcting codes.
Analysis of Skiing Accidents Involving Combined Injuries to the Medial Collateral and Anterior Cruciate Ligaments

Two types of ligament injuries common in skiing are the isolated ruptures of the anterior cruciate and ruptures of the medial collateral, either with or without rupture of the anterior cruciate. Based on research related to ligament injury mechanics and two-mode release binding function, the purpose of this paper was to critically assess the ability of two-mode release bindings to prevent combined medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Making this assessment entailed several steps. First, I determined the loads typically transmitted by the knee during falls in which combined injuries occurred. Because more than one load was transmitted, the next step was to discern which of the loads was more damaging. Finally, heel-toe type bindings were evaluated for their potential to release in response to damaging loads. I concluded that combined medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament injuries typically occur in forward, twisting-type falls in which the primary loads are external axial and valgus moments. An external axial moment is more damaging than a valgus moment, both to the medial collateral ligament when the joint is intact and to the anterior cruciate ligament when the medial collateral ligament is damaged. Because heel-toe type bindings offer release sensitivity to this moment, the release level of the toepiece in twist is an important factor in the prevention of these injuries.
Solar Forbidden Oxygen, Revisited

Recent large reductions in the solar oxygen abundance, based on synthesis of photospheric O I, OH, and CO absorptions with 3D convection models, have provoked consternation in the helioseismology community: the previous excellent agreement between measured p-mode oscillation frequencies and predictions based on the recommended O of a decade ago (680 parts per million [ppm] relative to hydrogen) unravels at the new low value (460 ppm). In an attempt to reconcile these conflicting results, the formation of pivotal [O I] λ6300, which is blended with a weak Ni I line, has been reconsidered, exploiting an alternative 3D model (albeit only a single temporal snapshot). And while there are several areas of agreement with the earlier [O I] studies of Allende Prieto, Asplund, and others, there is one crucial point of disagreement: the O derived here is significantly larger, 650 ± 65 ppm (although at the expense of a ~30% weaker Ni I line than expected from the recommended nickel abundance). One innovation is a more robust treatment of the solar wavelengths: the balance between the components of the [O I] + Ni I blend is sensitive to velocity errors of only a few hundred m s−1. A second improvement is enforcement of a "continuum calibration" to ensure a self-consistent 3D temperature scale. Because of the renewed agreement between the linchpin tracer [O I] and seismic oxygen, the proposed downward slump of the solar metallicity and the perceived "oxygen crisis" now can be said to rest on less secure footings.
Xenobiotic detoxification pathways in honey bees

Relative to most other insect genomes, the western honey bee Apis mellifera has a deficit of detoxification genes spanning Phase I (functionalization), II (conjugation) and III (excretion) gene families. Although honeybees do not display across-the-board greater sensitivity to pesticides, this deficit may render them vulnerable to synergistic interactions among xenobiotics. Diet quality, in terms of protein and phytochemical content, has a pronounced influence on tolerance of toxic compounds. Detoxification gene inventory reduction may reflect an evolutionary history of consuming relatively chemically benign nectar and pollen, as other apoid pollinators display comparable levels of cytochrome P450 gene reduction. Enzymatic detoxification in the eusocial A. mellifera may be complemented by behaviors comprising a 'social detoxification system,' including forager discrimination, dilution by pollen mixing, and colony food processing via microbial fermentation, that reduces the number or quantity of ingested chemicals requiring detoxification.
Prediction of Vibrational Relaxation in Hypersonic Expanding Flows Part I: Model Development

A number of experiments in nozzles have indicated that the Landau-Teller vibrational relaxation model fails to accurately predict the relaxation process in expanding flows. In the present study vibrational transition rate equations are solved and the detailed calculations are used to develop a simplified relaxation model. The present simplified relaxation model allows both non-BoItzmann population distributions in vibrationally heating and cooling flows. This simplified model also includes the effect of anharmonicity on vibrational transition rates and energy transfer.
Mechanisms contributing to myocardial accumulation of technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate after coronary arterial occlusion.

The relation between the accumulation of pyrophosphate and technetium-99m in myocardium with reversible and irreversible ischemic injury was studied in dogs subjected to transitory or persistent coronary arterial occlusion. Among four dogs with coronary occlusion maintained for less than 20 minutes, none had either increased MB creatine kinase (CK)* (the “myocardial” CK isoenzyme) activity in serum or a positive 99mTc stannous pyrophosphate image. Seven dogs with coronary occlusion maintained for 30 or more minutes had elevated serum MB CK activity, and five of the seven had positive (abnormal) images. Thus, although false negative images may occur occasionally despite myocardial damage, both increased serum MB CK and abnormal images generally accompanied prolonged coronary occlusion. In contrast, ischemia without infarction was not associated with abnormal images. Both 99mTc and 32P labeled pyrophosphate were accumulated extensively and proportionally in myocardium from zones of infarction, and uptake of both tracers was comparable although modest in isolated mitochondria. Similar results were obtained after myocardial infarction in animals with induced profound leukopenia. Thus, phagocytosis of the radiopharmaceutical agent by leukocytes migrating into the infarct is not an essential mechanism accounting for uptake. These results indicate that abnormal images reflect uptake of pyrophosphate, associated with 99mTc, by irreversibly injured myocardium rather than leukocytic infiltration involved in the inflammatory response in the heart.
Association of foot symptoms with self‐reported and performance‐based measures of physical function: The Johnston County osteoarthritis project

Objective To examine associations of foot symptoms with self-reported and performance-based measures of physical function in a large, biracial, community-based sample of individuals ages ≥45 years. Methods Data from 2,589 Johnston County participants (evaluated in 1999–2004) were used in cross-sectional analyses. The presence of foot symptoms was defined as pain, aching, or stiffness of at least one foot on most days. Physical function was assessed by the total Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score (0, >0 but <1, and ≥1), timed 5 repeated chair stands (completion time <12 seconds, ≥12 seconds, and unable), and 8-foot walk time (<3.35 seconds and ≥3.35 seconds). Separate multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between foot symptoms and physical function measures, controlling for age, race, sex, body mass index, radiographic knee osteoarthritis, radiographic hip osteoarthritis, knee symptoms, hip symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Interaction terms between each of the 3 physical function measures and each demographic and clinical characteristic were examined. Results The prevalence of foot symptoms was 37%. Participants with foot symptoms were more likely than those without symptoms to have higher HAQ scores (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.50–2.12). Among obese participants, those with foot symptoms had longer chair stand (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.87) and 8-foot walk times (adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.21–2.15) than those without symptoms. Conclusion Foot symptoms were independently and significantly associated with 2 of 3 measures of poorer physical function. Interventions for foot symptoms may be important for helping patients prevent or deal with an existing decline in physical function.
Physiological Indices of Bilingualism: Oral-Motor Coordination and Speech Rate in Bengali-English Speakers.

Purpose To examine how age of immersion and proficiency in a 2nd language influence speech movement variability and speaking rate in both a 1st language and a 2nd language. Method A group of 21 Bengali–English bilingual speakers participated. Lip and jaw movements were recorded. For all 21 speakers, lip movement variability was assessed based on productions of Bengali (L1; 1st language) and English (L2; 2nd language) sentences. For analyses related to the influence of L2 proficiency on speech production processes, participants were sorted into low- (n = 7) and high-proficiency (n = 7) groups. Lip movement variability and speech rate were evaluated for both of these groups across L1 and L2 sentences. Results Surprisingly, adult bilingual speakers produced equally consistent speech movement patterns in their production of L1 and L2. When groups were sorted according to proficiency, highly proficient speakers were marginally more variable in their L1. In addition, there were some phoneme-specific effects, mo...