cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Wrist Activity for Monitoring Sleep/Wake in Demented Nursing-Home Patients

Actigraphy is applicable for studying sleep in populations who are unable to tolerate traditional sleep-recording techniques, such as nursing-home patients who are infirm and demented. This study examined whether actigraphy can accurately reflect sleep/wake activity in this population by testing the reliability of a wrist-activity monitor, the Actillume, against traditional sleep measurements and against observations of nursing-home patients. Data from the Actillume are presented as two variables, the sum (total of all activity movements within the prescribed epoch) and the maximum activity (the largest or maximum movement recorded during the prescribed epoch), and by electroencephalogram (EEG). One difficulty in making comparisons was that the EEG records showed diffuse slowing, making it extremely difficult to score sleep/wake activity and making it difficult to use the EEG as a "gold standard". Nevertheless, the correlation for total sleep time from EEG and Actillume was r = 0.91 (p < 0.001) for sum activity and r = 0.81 for maximum activity (p < 0.005). Correlations for percent sleep were r = 0.78 (p < 0.01) for maximum activity and r = 0.61 for sum activity. The comparison of sleep/wake determined by the Actillume vs. observations resulted in a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 90%. We conclude that the Actillume is the most feasible technique for studying sleep and wake activity in demented nursing-home patients.
Regulation of the trafficking and function of G protein-coupled receptors by Rab1 GTPase in cardiomyocytes.

Abstract G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in regulating cardiac growth and function under normal and diseased conditions. It has been well documented that the precise function of GPCRs is controlled by intracellular trafficking of the receptors. Compared with the extensive studies on the events of the endocytic pathway, molecular mechanism underlying the transport process of GPCRs from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Golgi to the cell surface and regulation of receptor signaling by these processes in cardiac myocytes remain poorly defined. This chapter describes the methods to characterize the function of Rab1 GTPase, which modulates protein transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus, in the trafficking and signaling of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), α1‐adrenergic receptor (AR), and β‐AR, and in hypertrophic growth in response to agonist stimulation in neonatal cardiac myocytes.
Immunocytochemical localization of a Manduca sexta gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in insect central and peripheral nervous systems. Although much work has focused on the downstream targets of GABA, signal termination at insect GABAergic synapses has received very little attention. One of the major mechanisms of terminating synaptic transmission involves transport of the neurotransmitter molecules into presynaptic neurons or surrounding glia. Here we report the immunolocalization of a GABA transporter in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (MasGAT), using an affinity-purified antibody developed to the C-terminus. This is the first demonstration of an insect neurotransmitter transporter immunolocalization study. Results showed strong staining in the neuropil regions of embryonic, larval, and pharate adult central nervous system. Expression pattern in the pharate adult brain mostly mimicked that observed for GABA, with staining in parts of the optic and antennal lobes, mushroom body, lateral protocerebrum, and central complex. Certain longitudinal and lateral connectives of ganglia were observed to have immunostained fibers representing axons. These data support the view that GABA is involved in visual and olfactory processing in the insect brain.
Analysis of EF-hand-containing proteins in Arabidopsis

In plants, calcium (Ca2+) has emerged as an important messenger mediating the action of many hormonal and environmental signals, including biotic and abiotic stresses. Many different signals raise cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt), which in turn is thought to regulate cellular and developmental processes via Ca2+-binding proteins. Three out of the four classes of Ca2+-binding proteins in plants contain Ca2+-binding EF-hand motif(s). This motif is a conserved helix-loop-helix structure that can bind a single Ca2+ ion. To identify all EF-hand-containing proteins in Arabidopsis, we analyzed its completed genome sequence for genes encoding EF-hand-containing proteins. A maximum of 250 proteins possibly having EF-hands were identified. Diverse proteins, including enzymes, proteins involved in transcription and translation, protein- and nucleic-acid-binding proteins and a large number of unknown proteins, have one or more putative EF-hands. Phylogenetic analysis identified six major groups that contain some families of proteins. The presence of EF-hand motif(s) in a diversity of proteins is consistent with the involvement of Ca2+ in regulating many cellular and developmental processes. Thus far, only 47 of the possible 250 EF-hand proteins have been reported in the literature. Various domains that we identified in many of the uncharacterized EF-hand-containing proteins should help in elucidating their cellular role(s). Our analyses suggest that the Ca2+ messenger system is widely used in plants and that EF-hand-containing proteins are likely to be the key transducers mediating Ca2+ action.
The frequency and reliability of cortical activity using a novel strategy to present pressure pain stimulus over the lumbar spine.

Abstract Background The blocked stimulus presentation strategy, in fMRI study designs, is an important means to study brain function related to a particular stimulus. Specifically, applying pressure stimuli perceived as painful to different anatomical regions has been used to improve our understanding of central sensitization, which is an important clinical phenomenon in chronic pain. New method This paper introduces a novel MR-compatible device used to apply pressure pain stimuli to the lumbar spine of 13 subjects in the supine position. We present the frequency of individuals and within-subject reliability of cortical activity in the following brain regions: the primary somatosensory cortex, insula and anterior cingulate cortex bilaterally. Results Using the novel MR-compatible device, a high frequency of individuals showed cortical activity within the a priori brain regions. There was good to excellent run-to-run reliability for peak voxel, while cluster size was less reliable. We found a higher than expected association between stimulus presentation and movement artifacts. Comparison with existing method(s) Unlike previous methods, the current strategy can apply pressure stimuli to subjects over the lumbar spine while they lay supine. Previous methods required subjects to lay prone. Conclusions This strategy could be used for evaluating pressure stimuli related central sensitization associated with back pain.
Social Class and the Exercise of Parental Authority

The conditions under which middle- and working-class parents punish their pre-adolescent children physically, or refrain from doing so, appear to be quite different. Working-class parents are more likely to respond in terms of the immediate consequences of the child's actions, middle-class parents in terms of their interpretation of the child's intent in acting as he does. This reflects differences in parents' values: Working-class parents value for their children qualities that assure respectability; desirable behavior consists essentially of not violating proscriptions. Middle-class parents value the child's development of internalized standards of conduct; desirable behavior consists essentially of acting according to the dictates of one's own principles. The first necessarily focuses on the act itself, the second on the actor's intent.
Image system communications

This paper discusses the communication requirements to support the IBM ImagePlus™ system. The analysis and approach discussed are based on the experience gained in installing the initial ImagePlus systems at several business enterprises.
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and Linear Algebra

The first widely accepted proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra was published by Gaus in 1799 in his Ph.D. thesis, although to current standards this proof has gaps. Argand gave a proof (with only small gaps) in 1814 which was based on a flawed proof of d’Alembert of 1746. Many more proofs followed, including three more proofs by Gaus. For a more about the history of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, see [5, 6]. Proofs roughly can be divided up in three categories (see [3] for a collection of proofs). First there are the topological proofs (see [1, 8]). These proofs are based on topological considerations such as the winding number of a curve in R around 0. Gaus’ original proof might fit in this category as well. Then there are analytical proofs (see [9]) which are related to Liouville’s result that an entire non-constant function on C is unbounded. Finally there are the algebraic proofs (see [4, 10]). These proofs only use the facts that every odd polynomial with real coefficients has a real root, and that every complex number has a square root. The deeper reasons why these proves work can be understood in terms of Galois Theory. For a linear algebra course, the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra is needed, so it is therefore desireable to have a proof of it in terms of linear algebra. In this paper we will prove that every square matrix with complex coefficients has an eigenvector. This is equivalent to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. In fact we will prove the slightly stronger result that any number of commuting square matrices with complex entries will have a common eigenvector. The proof is entirely within the framework of linear algebra, and unlike most other algebraic proves of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, it does not require Galois Theory or splitting fields. Another (but longer) proof using linear algebra can be found in [7].
Maternal response to high‐risk obstetric telemedicine consults when perinatal prognosis is poor

This is a qualitative descriptive study evaluating the maternal response after the woman has learned her pregnancy has a poor prognosis via telemedicine rather than in a traditional, face-to-face, consultation method. In general, telemedicine was positively viewed by the participants; however, the experience may be markedly improved by implementing several simple changes in the overall consultative process.
Direct comparison of the response of bicyclic sultam and lactam dienes to photoexcitation. Concerning the propensity of differing bond types to bridgehead nitrogen for homolytic cleavage.

A convergent strategy has allowed access to bridgehead sultam 9 and the related carboxamides 10 and 11. The synthetic routing proceeds via the coupling of a suitably constructed dienamine to either o-iodobenzenesulfonyl choride or o-iodobenzoyl chloride to generate the amides. The application in sequence of ring-closing metathesis and an intramolecular Heck reaction gave rise to advanced tricyclic intermediates. The final two steps involved bromination in liquid bromine and proper 2-fold dehydrobromination. The latter maneuver was best achieved with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in DMSO at elevated temperature. While the irradiation of 9 led principally via SO2−N bond homolysis and [1,5] sigmatropic rearrangement to generate 37, 10 proceeded via disrotatory cyclization to the exo cyclobutene 39, and 11 resisted photoisomerization. The inertness of 11 may stem from its distorted structural features which force its conjugated diene double bonds to be rigidly oriented 32° out-of-plane. The unique ability of th...
Effects of pentanol isomers on the phase behavior of phospholipid bilayer membranes

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to analyze the thermotropic phase behavior of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers in the presence of pentanol isomers. The concentration of each pentanol isomer needed to induce the interdigitated phase was determined by the appearance of a biphasic effect in the main transition temperatures, the onset of a hysteresis associated with the main transition from the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase, and the disappearance of the pretransition. Lower threshold concentrations were found to correlate with isomers of greater alkyl chain length while branching of the alkyl chain was found to increase biphasic behavior. The addition of a methyl group to butanol systems drastically decreased threshold concentrations. However, as demonstrated in the DPPC/neopentanol system, branching of the alkyl chain away from the -OH group lowers the threshold concentration while maintaining a biphasic effect.
Detection and quantification of Karenia mikimotoi using real-time nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with internal control RNA (IC-NASBA)

Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is an isothermal method used to amplify RNA and has been used for clinical, environmental, and food testing applications. Quantification of RNA by realtime NASBA occurs by comparing time to positive (TTP) fluorescence values, similar to threshold cycle (Ct) values in PCR, of unknown samples to a standard curve of known RNA titers. Incorporation of an internal control RNA molecule (IC-RNA) has been used to increase precision and accuracy of real-time NASBA and also serves as an indicator of NASBA inhibition. A real-time IC-NASBA assay was developed targeting the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) large-subunit gene (rbcL )o f the harmful algal bloom (HAB) causing dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi. This assay is sensitive to one K. mikimotoi cell and 1 � 10
Drug Development Portfolio and Spending Practices after Mergers and Acquisitions

The recent volume of merger and acquisition activity in the biopharmaceutical industry has been high and is expected to accelerate in 2009 and 2010 due to global economic conditions. In order to understand changes following merger and acquisition (M&A) in clinical research investment and activity, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development analyzed development pipeline and spending data for 24 of the largest independent M&As occurring between 1998 and 2004 that each exceeded $1 billion in transaction value. Organizations that had experienced a merger or acquisition were evaluated across three time periods and compared with industry benchmarks: 2 years prior to an M&A announcement, and 2 years and 4 years after the transaction was announced. The results indicate that following a transaction, companies initially limit R&D spending growth to accommodate integration challenges, uncertainty, and instability. However, 4 years post-transaction M&A companies rapidly increase R&D spending across a significantly consolidated portfolio of late-stage (phase 2 and 3) development projects. Due to resource constraints and integration uncertainty, phase 1 and 3 product attrition rates for M&A companies are higher than the industry average. Statistically significant differences are observed in development pipeline and spending practices between small and large acquirers and between companies undergoing mergers versus acquisitions. The results of the study offer biopharmaceutical executives and financial professionals insights into better forecasting of drug development productivity and resource requirements following M&A transactions.
Molecular Approaches To Neural Coding

Information processing in the nervous system is based essentially on the existence of highly organized specific connections. While innate information is coded in terms of prewired circuits, learned information probably involves the creation of new connections between the existing pathways to establish an acquired circuit, representing the memory trace. The persistence of these circuits can be best explained by the formation of specific molecular markers. One of these coded substances has been isolated, identified as a pentadecapeptide and reproduced by synthesis.
Sources of variance affecting receipt of aggression.

36 boys and 33 girls from a suburban high school and 24 boys and 22 girls from an inner-city high school rated the frequency with which four other peopie hit or kicked them during the year. The four people were a brother, sister, nonfamily male (with whom they fought most during the year), and nonfamily female (with whom they fought most during the year). When responses were dichotomized into “hit” versus “not hit” by a particular person during the year, there was no effect of environment (suburban vs inner-city). The percentage of boys reporting being hit by girls was higher than the percentage of girls reporting being hit by girls. People with siblings were more likely to report being hit by them than by a nonfamily member (although frequency of contact might account for this finding).
Trophoblast lineage cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Abstract Background During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm attaches to the endometrial epithelium and continues to differentiate into all trophoblast subtypes, which are the major components of a placenta. Aberrant trophoblast proliferation and differentiation are associated with placental diseases. However, due to ethical and practical issues, there is almost no available cell or tissue source to study the molecular mechanism of human trophoblast differentiation, which further becomes a barrier to the study of the pathogenesis of trophoblast-associated diseases of pregnancy. In this study, our goal was to generate a proof-of-concept model for deriving trophoblast lineage cells from induced pluripotency stem (iPS) cells from human fibroblasts. In future studies the generation of trophoblast lineage cells from iPS cells established from patient’s placenta will be extremely useful for studying the pathogenesis of individual trophoblast-associated diseases and for drug testing. Methods and results Combining iPS cell technology with BMP4 induction, we derived trophoblast lineage cells from human iPS cells. The gene expression profile of these trophoblast lineage cells was distinct from fibroblasts and iPS cells. These cells expressed markers of human trophoblasts. Furthermore, when these cells were differentiated they exhibited invasive capacity and placental hormone secretive capacity, suggesting extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. Conclusion Trophoblast lineage cells can be successfully derived from human iPS cells, which provide a proof-of-concept tool to recapitulate pathogenesis of patient placental trophoblasts in vitro.
The effect of a contraceptive theme on response to erotica

Undergraduate students (60 males, 60 females) viewed a sexually explicit movie in which a couple engaged in intercourse. Different themes were introduced by prefacing the film with information varying the filmed couple's apparent marital status (single, married) and contraceptive practices (no information, no contraception, contraception via the pill). After viewing the movie, subjects filled out a questionnaire assessing their own affective reactions plus their perceptions and evaluations of the couple. Male subjects reported the greatest positive affect when the film couple was described as single and using contraception, but they also perceived the stimulus couple as caring the least for one another when they were using contraceptives. In contrast, females perceived contraceptive use as positive evidence of mutual caring. These sex differences in reacting to contraceptive use were discussed in terms of the relatively greater tendency of males to separate love and sex than is true for females.
Cyclopentadithiophene-Based Organic Semiconductors: Effect of Fluorinated Substituents on Electrochemical and Charge Transport Properties

Thiophene-based semiconductors are often hole conductors that have been converted to electron-transporting materials by incorporation of electron-withdrawing groups at terminal positions, such as fluorinated substituents. This conversion of an otherwise p-type material to n-type material is often attributed to the lowering of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level due to the increased electron affinity in the molecule. Yet, it is not clear if lowering of LUMO energy level is a sufficient condition for yielding n-type material. Herein, we report small-molecule semiconductors based on cyclopentadithiophene (CPD), which can be orthogonally functionalized at two different positions, which allows us to tune the frontier orbital energy levels. We find that simply lowering the LUMO energy level, without inclusion of fluoro groups, does not result in conversion of the otherwise p-type material to n-type material, whereas incorporation of fluorinated substituents does. This indicates that char...
Using an Assistive Technology Toolkit to Promote Inclusion

Although the use of assistive technology for young children is increasing, the lack of awareness and the lack of training continue to act as major barriers to providers using assistive technology. This article describes an assistive technology toolkit designed for use with young children with disabilities that can be easily assembled and implemented by early childhood professionals. Specifically, we will describe assistive technology tools that support young children’s participation in their daily activities that involve movement and sensory needs, communication, and interaction with materials and offer strategies on how to implement these devices. An assembled toolkit that allows young children with disabilities immediate access to experiences that lead to acquisition of skills they need to learn and grow is discussed.
Chromosome 4q deletion syndrome: Narrowing the cardiovascular critical region to 4q32.2–q34.3

The 4q deletion syndrome is a rare chromosome deletion syndrome with a wide range of clinical phenotypes. There is limited clinical phenotype and molecular correlation for congenital heart defects (CHDs) reported so far for this region primarily because many cases are large deletions, often terminal, and because high-resolution array has not been reported in the evaluation of this group of patients. CHDs are reported in about 60% of patients with 4q deletion syndrome, occurring in the presence or absence of dHAND deletion, implying the existence of additional genes in 4q whose dosage influences cardiac development. We report an 8-month-old patient with a large mid-muscular to outlet ventricular septal defect (VSD), moderate-sized secundum-type atrial septal defect (ASD), thickened, dysplastic pulmonary valve with mild stenosis and moderate pulmonic regurgitation, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Illumina CytoSNP array analysis disclosed a de novo, heterozygous, interstitial deletion of 11.6 Mb of genomic material from the long arm of chromosome 4, at 4q32.3–q34.3 (Chr4:167236114–178816031; hg18). The deleted region affects 37 RefSeq genes (hg18), including two provisional microRNA stemloops. Three genes in this region, namely TLL1 (Tolloidlike-1), HPGD (15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase), and HAND2 (Heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2), are known to be involved in cardiac morphogenesis. This report narrows the critical region responsible for CHDs seen in 4q deletion syndrome. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Editorial overview: Ecology: Beyond a taxonomically driven approach for describing pattern and process in complex insect communities.

despite generating counterintuitive expectations that shatter held perceptions, for example, that herbivores may sometimesincrease plant ﬁtness.Jani Heino and Barbara L Peckarsky continue along the same line in thesecond review, demonstrating that a traditional food web approach isalso insufﬁcient for understanding stream insect community structure.
Study of polymerization processes in acid and base catalyzed silica sol-gels

Abstract Raman spectroscopy has been employed in conjunction with 29 Si NMR and the molybdenum chemical technique to study the polymerization process of silica sol-gels under pH conditions ranging from 1 to 9. A qualitative correlation between the rate of hydrolysis and the size of the resulting polymeric particles has been tentatively proposed. The extent to which the relative Raman intensity simultaneously proves information regarding particle dimensions, shape and degree of condensation has been discussed. A quantitative comparison between the monomer concentration as determined by the molybdenum chemical technique and by 29 Si NMR has been provided.
Quasispecies diversity determines pathogenesis through cooperative interactions in a viral population

An RNA virus population does not consist of a single genotype; rather, it is an ensemble of related sequences, termed quasispecies. Quasispecies arise from rapid genomic evolution powered by the high mutation rate of RNA viral replication. Although a high mutation rate is dangerous for a virus because it results in nonviable individuals, it has been hypothesized that high mutation rates create a 'cloud' of potentially beneficial mutations at the population level, which afford the viral quasispecies a greater probability to evolve and adapt to new environments and challenges during infection. Mathematical models predict that viral quasispecies are not simply a collection of diverse mutants but a group of interactive variants, which together contribute to the characteristics of the population. According to this view, viral populations, rather than individual variants, are the target of evolutionary selection. Here we test this hypothesis by examining the consequences of limiting genomic diversity on viral populations. We find that poliovirus carrying a high-fidelity polymerase replicates at wild-type levels but generates less genomic diversity and is unable to adapt to adverse growth conditions. In infected animals, the reduced viral diversity leads to loss of neurotropism and an attenuated pathogenic phenotype. Notably, using chemical mutagenesis to expand quasispecies diversity of the high-fidelity virus before infection restores neurotropism and pathogenesis. Analysis of viruses isolated from brain provides direct evidence for complementation between members in the quasispecies, indicating that selection indeed occurs at the population level rather than on individual variants. Our study provides direct evidence for a fundamental prediction of the quasispecies theory and establishes a link between mutation rate, population dynamics and pathogenesis.
Overview of stall/spin technology

A general overview of the current state of the art in stall/spin technology for highly-maneuverable military configurations and light general aviation configurations is presented. The key areas of predictive methods, aerodynamics, and flight controls are discussed, using illustrations of results obtained during recent studies. In addition, some of the more-pertinent near-term and future challenges and opportunities in stall/spin technology are discussed. This survey of the existing technology shows that rapid progress has been achieved in each of the key technical areas during the last decade, especially for military airplanes. However, a significant amount of innovative research is urgently required in order to improve the productivity and capabilities of existing predictive techniques, and to provide the technology required for advanced, unconventional configurations.
Glass paper chromatography and elatography of triglycerides

A degree of reverse phase separation of triglycerides can be obtained with ascending chromatography on uncoated glass paper using a pyridine: water solvent system. The same Rf values result when silica gel coated paper is used. To extend the usefulness of this separation, the glyceryl esters are converted to methyl esters in situ using sodium methoxide. This permits, on silica gel coated paper, glyceryl ester separation in one dimension, eslatography to the methyl esters, and methyl ester separation in the second dimension. In mixtures of lipids such as serum extracts, the lipid groups may be separated in one dimension and the fatty acid methyl esters in the second dimension.
An Inexpensive Thermocouple Probe-Amplifier and its Response to Rapid Temperature Fluctuations in a Mountain Forest

Abstract A sensitive, fast-response temperature probe is important for studying heat flux in the surface layer. This paper describes the construction of an amplifier for use with a fast-response thermocouple probe and presents field data collected with the probe-amplifier assembly. The thermocouple amplifier is based on an Analog Devices AD594CD monolithic thermocouple amplifier with cold junction compensation. The probe uses type E thermocouple wire of extremely small diameter and is available commercially. Laboratory calibration of the amplifier against known temperatures was linear, with a slope new theoretical expectation. The probe amplifier is easy to deploy and responds accurately to rapid temperatures fluctuations. The fine-wire junction is fragile, but inexpensive to repair.
Solvable Groups Satisfying the Two-prime Hypothesis, Part I

In this paper, finite solvable groups satisfying the “\(n\)-prime hypothesis” are considered. Specifically, a bound on the number of irreducible character degrees of such a group is obtained when \(n=2\). The general situation is also considered, and generalizations of the \(n\)-prime hypothesis are analyzed.
Time-resolved PL and TEM studies of MOVPE-grown bulk dilute nitride and bismide quantum well heterostructure

Among several approaches proposed to achieve high-efficiency III-V multi-junction solar cells, the most promising approach is to incorporate a bottom junction consisting of a 1 – 1.25 eV material. In particular, several research groups have studied MBE- and MOVPE-grown 1 – 1.25 eV bulk (In)GaAsN(Sb) dilute nitride lattice matched to GaAs substrates, but it is a challenge to grow dilute nitrides without introducing a number of localized states or defects. Localized states originating from random distributions of nitrogen sites in dilute nitrides behave as highly efficient traps, leading to short minority carrier lifetimes. As our group previously reported, carrier dynamics studies are indispensable in the optimization of dilute nitride materials growth to achieve improved solar cell performance. Also, bismide QW heterostructures have recently received a great deal of attention for applications in solar cells and semiconductor lasers because theoretical studies have predicted reduction in nonradiative recombination in Bicontaining materials. For the present study, we employed time-resolved photoluminescence (TR-PL) techniques to study carrier dynamics in MOVPE-grown bulk (In)GaAsN(Sb) materials nominally lattice matched to GaAs substrates. Compared to our previous samples, our present samples grown using different metalorganic precursors at higher growth temperatures showed a significantly less background C doping density. Carrier lifetimes were measured from such dilute nitride samples with low C doping density at various temperatures between 10K and RT. We also performed preliminary TR-PL measurements on MOVPE-grown bismide QW heterostructures at low temperatures. Carrier lifetimes were measured from as-grown and annealed bismide QW structures consisting of GaAsBi(P) wells and GaAsP barriers. Lastly, TEM cross sections were prepared from both dilute nitride and bismide samples for defect and composition analysis using a high resolution TEM.
"One of the Finest and Most Fruitful Spots in America": An Analysis of Eighteenth-Century Carriacou

Analysis of the 1776 and 1790 agricultural censuses from Carriacou overturns the notion that only farmers with small holdings cultivated cotton in the West Indies. The evidence shows that cotton squeezed out all other crops on Carriacou during the arst phase of the Industrial Revolution. The island's cotton planters were socially diverse; the yeomanry with their small their farms often competed successfully with the owners of the large plantations financed by wealthy metropolitan investors. Despite the viability of the more modest operations in this industry, however, the largest estates offered creditors comparatively lower transaction and information costs. Furthermore, the data from 1790 indicate that the largest estates achieved the highest output per hand, provided that the "gangs" of enslaved laborers were sufaciently monitored by free workers.
EXTENSION OF THE FRACTIONAL STEP METHOD TO GENERAL CURVILINEAR COORDINATE SYSTEMS

Abstract The extension of the fractional step method to three-dimensional, time-dependent incompressible flaws in non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems is presented. A formulation based on block-LU decomposition is combined with a mixed implicit / explicit treatment of the discretized equations. Using local volume fluxes as dependent variables, the block-LU decomposition enables a unique definition of the sequential operations of the fractional step method for general coordinate systems. In this work a semi-direct scheme is developed for solution of the Poisson equation using series expansion along one coordinate direction that is discretized on a uniform, Cartesian grid. Also investigated in this study is solution of a simplified Poisson equation obtained by neglecting cross derivatives in the full Poisson equation. It is shown that for fractional step methods satisfaction of the zero-divergence constraint is still possible using the simplified Poisson equation, but the associated error is larger...
Adjoint methods for multicomponent flow simulation

The focus of the present work is on efficient computation of gradients using adjoint methods. In contrast to finite-difference methods, where the number of forward simulations required to estimate the desired derivatives grows linearly with the number of control variables, adjoint techniques provide all the required derivatives of the objective function in a fraction of the computational time of one forward simulation run. However, from an implementation viewpoint they are significantly more involved than, for example, finite-difference methods. This is due to the fact that the computation of gradients through adjoints requires a deep understanding of the simulation code. While the discrete adjoint formulation is most commonly employed in the reservoir simulation community, little is known about the continuous adjoint formulation, which is usually preferred in aerodynamics. Both continuous and discrete adjoint formulations are discussed in this work, and implemented for a compositional reservoir simulator. They are applied to several optimization problems of practical interest and compared with respect to their efficiency and the quality of the gradients they provide. The computed gradients are then forwarded to standard optimization software packages to determine optimal well settings for maximizing any specified objective function, as the net present value.
Immunogenicity of Cultured Keratinocyte Allografts Deficient in Major Histocompatibility Complex Antigens

Background: Full-thickness (FT) and cultured keratinocyte (CK) allografts have been used as temporary skin replacements in patients with massive burns, but these grafts are ultimately rejected after restoration of host immunocompetence. Genetic engineering has permitted the creation of knockout (KO) mice deficient in class I or class II major histocompatibility antigens. This study examines the immunogenicity of such grafts to determine if these genetically modified keratinocytes could be used for permanent wound coverage. Methods: Host sensitization to alloantigen was assessed by second-set rejection. CBA mice (n = 111) were primed with flank grafts consisting of FT and CK allografts from normal C57BL/6 donors, FT and CK class I KO allografts, FT and CK class II KO allografts, and CK autografts. Three weeks later, hosts were challenged with normal tail allografts and observed for second-set rejection. Median graft survival was analyzed by X 2 and Wilcoxon rank tests. In the second experiment, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were harvested from CBA mice (n = 28) 3 weeks after flank grafting. CTL effectors were tested on radiolabeled targets at various ratios in a 51 Cr release assay. Dilution curves of CTL activity were compared by analysis of variance. Results: Hosts primed with CK or FT allografts demonstrated accelerated rejection of second-set tail grafts compared with hosts covered with CBA autografts. CK knockout grafts were less immunogenic than FT knockout skin; class II KO allografts were considerably less immunogenic than class I KO allografts. CTL activity against the knockout CK allografts was negligible compared with that of hosts primed with normal allografts or FT knockout allografts. Conclusion: Although full-thickness knockout skin retains substantial immunogenicity, cultured keratinocytes deficient in class II antigens fail to prime for accelerated second-set rejection and do not elicit a CTL response in the graft recipient. This lack of immunogenicity may permit the indefinite survival of allogeneic knockout keratinocytes in patients requiring massive wound excision and coverage.
Vermeer: a tool for tracing and explaining faulty C programs

We present VERMEER, a new automated debugging tool for C. VERMEER combines two functionalities: (1) a dynamic tracer that produces a linearized trace from a faulty C program and a given test input; and (2) a static analyzer that explains why the trace fails. The tool works in phases that simplify the input program to a linear trace, which is then analyzed using an automated theorem prover to produce the explanation. The output of each phase is a valid C program. VERMEER is able to produce useful explanations of non trivial traces for real C programs within a few seconds. The tool demo can be found at http://youtu.be/E5lKHNJVerU.
Valence fluctuations, crystal structure stability and the effects of alloying☆

Abstract The systematics of the effects of alloying on the valence of cerium are discussed. In addition to factors such as the size and valence of the substitute atom and resulting “lattice pressure” and motion of the f level, the possible role of crystal structure stability is examined. In particular, a detailed analysis of both on cerium site and off cerium site alloying of CePd3 suggests that crystal structure stability considerations are of over-riding importance for this system. For the Cu3Au structure, the existence of a maximum number Nmax of electrons per formula unit, which is determined from studies of Zr(Rh,Pd)3, allows one correctly to predict the concentrations at which trivalence and saturated valence occur in six related pseudobinary alloy systems. However, these predictions are based on a model which requires: 1. (a) that in the mixed valence regime the valence of cerium adjusts so that the total number of electrons per cell is constant at Nmax, and 2. (b) that cerium be tetravalent in CeRh3. The latter requirement is in strong disagreement with studies using microscopic probes such as LIII, absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and bremsstrahlung isochromat spectroscopy (BIS). Nonetheless, the predictive ability of the model is striking and cannot be dismissed as merely fortuitous.
The role of the dorsal and median raphe in the inhibition of muricide

Previous work has implicated the putative neurotransmitter serotonin in the inhibition of muricide. This study examined the possibility that the nuclei of the mesencephalic raphe function differentially in the control of this behavior. The results indicate that radiofrequency lesions confined to the dorsal raphe are sufficient to produce muricide in naturally non-killing rats. Lesions of the median raphe do not produce attack. Evidence is presented that suggests that the region of the tegmentum juxtaposed to the dorsal raphe and central gray contains neural mechanisms necessary for the final behavioral components of the attack sequence.
Imperfect Information and Credit Rationing: Comment

In an article in this Journal Jaffee and Russell [1976] developed a model of loan-markets to explain the rationing of credit. It will be shown that they confused competitive supply curves with zero profit curves, and when this is corrected, the competitive model no longer supports the conclusion that credit can be profitably rationed. Borrowers maximize utility by taking out loans L, at interest rate factors R, but on average repay only a fraction A of the debt. The repayment factor declines with increases in total debt:
Microfluidic Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Reactors

In this work, we present a novel microfluidic photocatalytic water-splitting reactor. Optofluidics offers advantages over conventional reactors in terms of improved photon transfer efficiency and mass transfer efficiency and are therefore the ideal platform for photocatalytic reactions. Our device is a planar optofluidic device which we used to study the kinetics of Platinum-Impregnated Titanium Oxide as the oxygen and hydrogen producing photocatalyst redox mediated by Iodide/Iodate species. We deposit our catalysts via a sol-gel method while the platinum co-catalyst is added by wet impregnation via reduction in Sodium Borohydride. The reactions are performed under a 100W Hg lamp and reaction rates are inferred by measuring the depletion of the two Iodine species via UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry. Our results indicate that reaction rates and efficiencies can be enhanced by using an optofluidic platform as opposed to the conventional slurry reactor used in previous experiments for this class of reaction. We believe that the micro-optofluidic platform of our device offers the benefit of measuring the kinetic properties of these class of reactions quickly and cheaply for the goals of further optimization.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Acceptance rates in state–federal vocational rehabilitation of clients with brain injury: Is racial disparity an issue?

Primary objective: To utilize Aday and Andersen's Framework for the Study of Access to examine racial disparity within the State-Federal vocational rehabilitation system, among clients with brain injury. Research questions included: Do pre-disposing characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, marital status and education influence vocational rehabilitation acceptance rates in the US? Do enabling characteristics such as referral source, insurance coverage and primary source of support at application influence vocational rehabilitation acceptance rates in the US? Is there a difference, based on race, in the reason for case closure for vocational rehabilitation services?Methods and procedures: Exhaustive CHAID analysis was conducted with acceptance for rehabilitation as the criterion variable and pre-disposing characteristics as predictor variables. Chi-square analysis was calculated with regard to reason for closure.Main outcomes and results: Descriptive findings are presented. Of the pre-disposin...
Impact of Induction Chemotherapy on Estimated Risk of Radiation Pneumonitis in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction Induction chemotherapy in patients with bulky small cell lung cancer (SCLC) could lead to decreased tumor burden, smaller radiation fields, and less pulmonary toxicity. This study compared radiation therapy (RT) plans based on pre- and postchemotherapy computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with SCLC to estimate the reduced risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP) after receiving chemotherapy. Methods Between 2003 and 2009, 23 patients with stage IV SCLC were treated with chemotherapy alone (no surgery or RT) and had computed tomography scans pre- and post two cycles of platin-based chemotherapy. Simulated RT plans were created as if to deliver 45 Gy to the thoracic disease. The percent of lung receiving ≥20 Gy (V20), mean lung dose, and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) was evaluated in patients who had a partial response (≥30% volumetric reduction) in gross tumor volume. Results One (4.3%) patient had a complete response, 18 (78.3%) had a partial response, and four (17.4%) had stable disease. Among 18 responders, the absolute decrease in V20 was 7.4% (p Conclusion Patients with limited stage SCLC with a V20 ≥35% may benefit from induction chemotherapy as there is an estimated reduction of RP of 10%. This reduction in risk of RP after induction chemotherapy should be weighed against risks and benefits of delaying upfront RT.
The Bounded Membership Problem of the Monoid SL_2(N)

SL2(N) is the set of all 2 × 2 matrices with nonnegative integer entries and determinant 1. The bounded membership problem (BMN) ofSL2(N) is that given a subsetS ofSL2(N), a matrixA eSL2(N), and an integern, whetherA can be represented as a product of at mostn matrices (repetitions are allowed) inS. We prove that BMN is NP-complete, but its randomized version under natural distribution is solvable in average polynomial time. Furthermore, it is proved that if the number of elements ofS is a constant, then BMN is polynomial time computable.
The Dynamics of 1989: Reassessing a Momentous Year

This review essay looks at Stephen Kotkin's acclaimed but controversial book, Uncivil Society. Although some aspects of Kotkin's analysis may be dubious, his approach overall is insightful and convincing. Kotkin gives due weight to mass mobilization, but he rightly focuses on the collapse of will within the Communist establishment.
Effect of colostrum heat treatment and bacterial population on immunoglobulin G absorption and health of neonatal calves

Abstract Improved IgG absorption in calves fed heat-treated colostrum has been attributed to the reduced bacteria content in colostrum after heat treatment. However, at least one study reported that colostrum bacteria content did not affect IgG absorption. The main objective of the current study was a more conclusive test of the combined effects of colostrum bacteria content and heat treatment on IgG absorption. Comparison of conclusions from plasma IgG as measured by radial immunodiffusion and ELISA and comparison of health scores in the first week of life were secondary and tertiary objectives. Colostrum from individual cows was pooled, divided, either heat treated or unheated, and allowed to incubate for bacterial growth or not. The 4 treatments were unheated, low bacteria; unheated, high bacteria; heat-treated, low bacteria; and heat-treated, high bacteria. Plasma samples were collected from bull calves (n=25–27 per treatment) before and 48h after colostrum feeding for IgG and total protein analysis. Fecal, respiratory, and general health scores were assigned daily for the first 7 d. Plasma IgG, total protein, apparent efficiency of IgG absorption, and frequency of illness were analyzed using the MIXED and FREQ procedures in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Plasma IgG values from ELISA were lower than radial immunodiffusion; however, conclusions were similar. Greater colostrum bacteria content reduced total protein, plasma IgG, and efficiency of IgG absorption. Heat treatment tended to improve 48-h plasma IgG as measured by ELISA. Respiratory scores were not affected by colostrum treatment, but calves fed heat-treated, low-bacteria colostrum tended to experience fewer scour days. These results provide conclusive evidence for the benefits of minimizing bacterial contamination in colostrum for feeding calves.