cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The United States' Individual and Corporate Income Tax : Future Reform possibilities

In this tax policy article, Professor McNulty reviews many of the broader tax reform issues presenting themselves in the United States after the major efforts made in 1986. After a brlef description of the US tax system, he focuses on the most prominent individual income tax policy problems and proposed solutions, with the author’s own recommendations, including some for major structural reforms. Then he turns to the corporate income tax, its place in the US iucome tax system and its relation to the individual income tax. He compares the ’classical’ unintegrated US taxes with the Australian shareholder imputation credit system and with other forms drawn from the US international and domestic tax regimes and US tax policy literature, including the new US Passive Foreign Investment Company model and the expanded S Corporation election for closely-held corporations. Finally, he summarises his conclusions and overviews the package. Readers will gain a sense of the ongoing tax policy debate in the US and will find parallels with both reform discussions and recent legislation in Australia.
Activity Based Costing for Component-Based Software Development

Component-based software development is a promising set of technologies designed to move software creation from its current, labor-intensive, craft-like approach to a more modern, reuse-centered style. However, a lesson learned from previous radical software process innovations is that a strong technology alone is generally insufficient for successful adoption. In order for gains to be realized from such technologies the management practices surrounding the implementation of the new technology must also change. It is with this view that we propose the adoption of a complementary management approach called activity based costing (ABC) to allow organizations to properly account for and recognize the gains from a component-based approach. ABC enables a management environment where appropriate incentives are created for the development and reuse of software components. Data from a large software vendor who has experience with ABC in a traditional software development environment are presented, along with a chart of accounts for a modern, component-based model.
Periodically poled silicon

Bulk centrosymmetric silicon lacks second-order optical nonlinearity χ(2) - a foundational component of nonlinear optics. Here, we propose a new class of photonic device which enables χ(2) as well as quasi-phase matching based on periodic stress fields in silicon - periodically-poled silicon (PePSi). This concept adds the periodic poling capability to silicon photonics, and allows the excellent crystal quality and advanced manufacturing capabilities of silicon to be harnessed for devices based on χ(2)) effects. The concept can also be simply achieved by having periodic arrangement of stressed thin films along a silicon waveguide. As an example of the utility, we present simulations showing that mid-wave infrared radiation can be efficiently generated through difference frequency generation from near-infrared with a conversion efficiency of 50% based on χ(2) values measurements for strained silicon reported in the literature [Jacobson et al. Nature 441, 199 (2006)]. The use of PePSi for frequency conversion can also be extended to terahertz generation. With integrated piezoelectric material, dynamically control of χ(2)nonlinearity in PePSi waveguide may also be achieved. The successful realization of PePSi based devices depends on the strength of the stress induced χ(2) in silicon. Presently, there exists a significant discrepancy in the literature between the theoretical and experimentally measured values. We present a simple theoretical model that produces result consistent with prior theoretical works and use this model to identify possible reasons for this discrepancy.
The neural mechanisms involved in the generation of three types of respiratory activities in the transverse slice preparation of mice

The transverse medullary slice preparation of mice expresses three distinct types of fictive respiratory activity patterns, that are generated within the pre-Botzinger complex [1]. Under normoxic conditions these patterns include both fictive eupneic and sigh activity. Sighs occur at a lower frequency than eupnea. Respiratory neurons in the pre-Botzinger complex that are active during eupneic activity also burst during the sigh. The sigh burst was selectively blocked by DL-AP5 (50 μM) and low concentrations of cadmium (4 μM). In contrast, the generation of eupneic bursts was not abolished at these concentrations. Thus, although there is an overlap between the neural populations underlying the generation of both activities our data suggest that different burst generating mechanisms underlie eupneic and sigh bursts. During prolonged hypoxic conditions sigh and eupneic activity cease and the respiratory network continues to generate a rhythmic activity, which we refer to as fictive gasping. The duration and rise time of integrated inspiratory activity decreases significantly during the transition from fictive eupnea to gasping. Further, phasic synaptic inhibition in expiratory neurons is suppressed and post-inspiratory neurons are transiently activated in phase with inspiratory activity. We postulate that the same neuronal network in the pre-Botzinger complex generates both eupneic and gasping activity via a network reconfiguration that involves a selective suppression of synaptic inhibition. This suppression leads to changes in the shape of inspiratory activity, a suppression of phasic hyperpolarization in expiratory neurons, and an inspiratory activation of post-inspiratory neurons. In the presentation, we will discuss the interaction of pacemaker and network properties in the generation of the frequency, shape, and amplitude of the different respiratory activities. We will present evidence indicating that non-NMDA, NMDA, glycinergic, GABAer-gic and electric synaptic mechanisms are all essential for the generation of fictive eupneic activity. In contrast, synaptic inhibitory mechanisms appear not to be essential for the generation of gasping activity.
Responding to requests for dialysis for severely demented and brain injured patients

Nephrologists, like all physicians, need to offer their patients all reasonable treatment options, but only the reasonable options. When dialysis is (or is not) a reasonable option is an important ethical issue. The justification for dialysis, like any life-sustaining treatment, is that it prolongs life for a patient who either wishes to live or, if cognitively impaired, would (in the opinion of others) likely benefit from extending their life. This article focuses on patients with advanced dementia or severe and irreversible brain injury who are no longer capable of enjoying life, and hence gain no benefit from dialysis. I present guidelines for withholding and withdrawing dialysis and offer suggestions designed to help nephrologists avoid causing harm when the patient’s family demands that dialysis be performed.
Feature based passive acoustic detection of underwater threats

Stevens Institute of Technology is performing research aimed at determining the acoustical parameters that are necessary for detecting and classifying underwater threats. This paper specifically addresses the problems of passive acoustic detection of small targets in noisy urban river and harbor environments. We describe experiments to determine the acoustic signatures of these threats and the background acoustic noise. Based on these measurements, we present an algorithm for robustly discriminating threat presence from severe acoustic background noise. Measurements of the target's acoustic radiation signal were conducted in the Hudson River. The acoustic noise in the Hudson River was also recorded for various environmental conditions. A useful discriminating feature can be extracted from the acoustic signal of the threat, calculated by detecting packets of multi-spectral high frequency sound which occur repetitively at low frequency intervals. We use experimental data to show how the feature varies with range between the sensor and the detected underwater threat. We also estimate the effective detection range by evaluating this feature for hydrophone signals, recorded in the river both with and without threat presence.
Abstract 3180: A fast solution to NGS library preparation with low nanogram DNA input

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Next generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly impacted cancer genetics, enabling a comprehensive characterization of genomic abnormalities in the cancer genome at very high resolution. By delivering massive DNA sequences at unprecedented speed and cost, NGS promises to make personalized genome-based diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy a reality in the foreseeable future. To date, library construction with clinical samples has been a challenge, primarily due to the limited quantities of sample DNA available. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a fast library preparation method using novel NEBNext reagents and adaptors. This method enables library construction from a minimal quantity of DNA (< 5 ng), and can be used for both intact and fragmented DNA. Moreover, the workflow is compatible with multiple NGS platforms. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3180. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3180
An exploratory study to investigate cognitive-motivational variables as predictors of health behaviours in adolescents

Objective This study examines the relation between cognitive-motivational variables and self-reported health behaviours among adolescents.Design Cross-sectional survey of adolescents via questionnaires delivered in classrooms.Setting One large junior high school and two senior high schools located in the Memphis area.Method Data from 257 7th to 12th graders were used to determine their practice of health behaviours as well as their perceptions of health status and vulnerability, optimism and rebelliousness/risk taking.Results Adolescent males and females who were less rebellious and had better health perceptions reported healthier behavioural practices. A stronger significant inverse relationship between perceived vulnerability and health behaviour scores was found for females. Optimism was significantly and positively correlated with health behaviour scores only among females. Adolescents in lower grades obtained higher health behaviour scores than adolescents in higher grades. Males had higher rebelliou...
Measuring the error of localization

We describe a procedure to measure the error of localization on the skin. The procedure, which provides for rapid measurement of the error of localization and rapid analysis of the data, uses a digitizing tablet interfaced with a computer. A photocopy of the part of the body to be tested is placed on the digitizing tablet. The subject localizes the stimulus by touching the pen of the digitizing tablet to the photocopy. The location of the pen contact is stored, and the error of localization is determined by the computer. A graphic representation of each subject’s test area can be stored. Both stimulus and response locations can be displayed on this graphic representation. The procedure also allows the same sites on the skin to be tested over a period of weeks or months.
The Experiences of First-Year Music Teachers: A Literature Review.

The purpose of this literature review is to examine research focused on first-year music educators in an effort to present recommendations for preservice music teacher education and research. The three bodies of literature presented include the following: challenges faced by beginning music teachers, views of beginning music teachers concerning their preservice preparation, and beginning music teacher induction and mentoring. This comprehensive review of literature will assist researchers in determining the direction of future inquiries.
A Large-Stage Photoelectric Planimeter for Leaves

A number of possible designs of photoelectric planimeters are examined with special attention to uniformity of response over the stage area. A design is developed in which four photocells are positioned to make their total response uniform over a large stage. The principle is illustrated by the construction of one such instrument.
The anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the internal auditory canal

It has been proposed that compression of the auditory and vestibular nerve trunks by vascular loops might be the cause of otherwise unexplained hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, as well as Meniere's disease. We studied the human temporal bone histological collection at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary to determine whether audiovestibular symptoms could be correlated with the presence of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery within the internal auditory canal. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery loops were found within the internal auditory canals of 12.3% of 1327 temporal bones, about half the number found when preparations with intact brains are studied. This difference can be attributed to avulsion of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery during removal of the brain at autopsy. There were 5 cases of unexplained unilateral hearing loss with anterior inferior cerebellar artery loops: 3 in the opposite ear and 2 in both ears. There were 2 cases with unilateral unexplained tinnitus with anterior inferior cerebellar artery loops: 1 in the involved ear and 1 in the opposite ear. A case with bilateral tinnitus had an anterior inferior cerebellar artery loop in 1 ear. There were 29 cases of vertigo with no peripheral histopathological correlate or central nervous system disorder; anterior inferior cerebellar artery loops were found in the internal auditory canals of 7 (12.5%) of the 56 ears in this group, which is not significantly different from the 12.3% incidence recorded for the entire collection. In 23 cases of unilateral Meniere's disease, there were anterior inferior cerebellar artery loops in the hydropic ears in 3, the opposite ear in 1, and both ears in 1. We can find no correlation between unexplained hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or Meniere's disease and the presence of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the internal auditory canal.
Principal Information Theoretic Approaches

(2000). Principal Information Theoretic Approaches. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 95, No. 452, pp. 1349-1353.
A one-dimensional theory for viscoelastic fluid jets, with application to extrudate swell and draw-down under gravity

Abstract A model is derived for a viscoelastic fluid jet based on a one-dimensional directed curve idealization. It incorporates the general influences on the free surface geometry of surface tension, inertia viscosity, elasticity and gravity. The model is applied to the special case of an axisymmetric torsionless jet, and the observed fluid jet phenomena of extrudate swell and draw-down under gravity are described. In particular: (a) When gravity is neglected in the model, the jet outer radius asymptotically approaches a final value which depends on the radius and velocity of the jet at the nozzle, the stress state in the fluid at the nozzle, certain material constants characterizing the fluid, and surface tension; (b) When gravity is included, the jet swells to a maximum radius, then necks down to zero radius at infinity. Some planned future applications of the model and these special solutions are indicated.
Critical Incidents in Multicultural Training: An Examination of Student Experiences.

This study examined critical incidents in graduate students' multicultural counseling training. Trainees (N = 59) were asked to describe a critical incident and their multicultural training environment by responding to a critical incident protocol and the Multicultural Environment Inventory-Revised (D. B. Pope-Davis, W. M. Liu, J. Nevitt, & R. L. Toporek, 2000). Results and implications of the study are discussed. Este estudio examino incidentes criticos en los estudiantes graduados de entrenamiento de asesoramiento multicultural. Le pidieron a los aprendices (N = 59) a describer un incidente critico y su ambiente multicultural del entrenamiento respondiendo a un protocolo del incidente critico y El Ambiente Multicultural Inventario-Revisado (D. B. Pope-Davis, W. M. Liu, J. Nevitt, & R. L. Toporek, 2000). Los resultados y las implicaciones del estudio se discuten.
Culture and empowerment in the Deaf community: An analysis of internet weblogs

Although deafness is traditionally conceptualized as a medical problem or disability, about 500 000 deaf people in the United States identify as members of an ethno-linguistic minority that takes pride in being Deaf. This study examined 416 Internet weblog posts authored by nine Deaf bloggers to describe aspects of Deaf culture and individual and community level empowerment strategies expressed in weblogs. Results highlight aspects of American Deaf culture, such as the value placed on American Sign Language and equal treatment of D/deaf and hearing people. Findings also provide evidence of expressions of Deaf culture such as the use of humour and supporting the community that have been less emphasized in previous literature. Community level empowerment strategies evident in posts included disseminating information, rallying the involvement of members and advocating for social justice. Overlap between expressions of Deaf culture and empowerment strategies were also found. Present results inform a growing literature on empowerment strategies that occur without intervention by professionals. Implications of the study for community research and action are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Evaluation of Lake Trout Reproductive Habitat on Clay Banks Reef, Northwestern Lake Michigan

Abstract The extinction of the native populations of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Lake Michigan in about 1956 has been followed by a decades-long attempt to reestablish self-sustaining populations of this valuable species in habitats it formerly occupied throughout the lake. One of the most recent management strategies designed to facilitate recovery was to make a primary management objective the establishment of sanctuaries where stocked lake trout could be protected and self-sustaining populations reestablished. In the present study we employed habitat survey and mapping techniques, field and laboratory bioassays, egg traps, sediment traps, and gill nets to examine the potential for successful natural reproduction by stocked lake trout on Clay Banks Reef in the Door-Kewaunee sanctuary in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan. Our study revealed (1) there was suitable habitat on the reef to support the production of viable fry, (2) spawner abundance on the reef was the highest recorded in the Great Lakes, and (3) eggs taken from spawners on the reef and held on the reef in Plexiglas incubators hatched and produced fry that survived through swim-up. We conclude that Clay Banks Reef has the potential to support successful natural reproduction by stocked lake trout.
Epigenetic Silencing Mediates Mitochondria Stress-induced Longevity

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play complex roles in aging, having both damaging effects and signaling functions. Transiently elevating mitochondrial stress, including mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), elicits beneficial responses that extend lifespan. However, these adaptive, longevity-signaling pathways remain poorly understood. We show here that Tel1p and Rad53p, homologs of the mammalian DNA damage response kinases ATM and Chk2, mediate a hormetic mtROS longevity signal that extends yeast chronological lifespan. This pathway senses mtROS in a manner distinct from the nuclear DNA damage response and ultimately imparts longevity by inactivating the histone demethylase Rph1p specifically at subtelomeric heterochromatin, enhancing binding of the silencing protein Sir3p, and repressing subtelomeric transcription. These results demonstrate the existence of conserved mitochondria-to-nucleus stress-signaling pathways that regulate aging through epigenetic modulation of nuclear gene expression.
The insertion of sulfur dioxide into palladium–methyl bonds: the synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of an unusual [(dppp)PdOS(Me)O]2[BAr′4]2 dimer

The migratory insertion of sulfur dioxide into the palladium(II)–methyl bond of [(dppp)Pd(Me)(OEt2)]BAr′4 [Ar′ = C6H3(CF3)2-3,5] to yield a unique dimeric eight-membered palladacycle was followed by NMR spectroscopy, and the product characterised by X-ray crystallography.
Anomeric Free Energy of d-Mannose in Water: A Comparison of Free Energy Perturbation, Potential of Mean Force, and MC(JBW)/SD Simulations

The anomeric free energy difference between the α (axial) and β (equatorial) anomers of d-mannose was calculated using standard free energy methods (free energy perturbation (FEP) and potential of ...
Using a Spread Sheet Program to Model the Interaction of Low-Frequency Electric Fields with Inhomogeneous, Irregularly Shaped Objects

This paper describes the use of an ordinary business spread sheet program to calculate, using a two-stage finite difference method, the electric fields and current densities produced inside irregularly shaped models of the upper arm and forearm. The limb interiors are inhomogeneous, being represented as realistic cross-sections of bone and muscle.A spread sheet forms a two-dimensional array. Each cell of the sheet can correspond to a physical element of space. Equations entered into the cells then represent the relationships among the potentials of the corresponding spatial elements.The model is validated for a two-layer, lossy dielectric cylinder. Good agreement is obtained between the numerical and analytical solutions in this case except near the boundaries of the outer layer. The electric field within the limb depends on the shape and orientation of the limb relative to the applied field. The flow of current around the less conductive bones in the forearm can be observed.
Coupling between time reversal and the space-time symmetries of the de Sitter universe

We discuss timelike reflections through spacelike hyperspheres in a de Sitter universe of positive curvature as the natural generalization of timelike reflections through spacelike hyperplanes in the flat Minkowski universe. Taking into account the well-known problem concerning the eigenvalue spectrum of the generator of time displacements in the de Sitter universe we derive equations of motion for linear as well as antilinear operators of motion reversal on spacelike hyperspheres. It is shown that the entire connected component of the homogeneous de Sitter group SO(1,4) may be constructed for either operator.
A phase-I trial of the epidermal growth factor receptor directed bispecific antibody MDX-447 without and with recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in patients with advanced solid tumors.

MDX-447 is a bispecific antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the high affinity Fc receptor (FcγRI). Preclinical data suggest that co-administration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) may enhance the tumor cytotoxicity of bispecific antibodies. In group 1, patients received MDX-447 intravenously (IV) weekly. Dose levels of MDX-447 evaluated in group 1 were 1, 3.5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 mg/m2. In group 2, patients received MDX-447 IV weekly with G-CSF (3 mcg/kg/day) subcutaneously (days −3 to +2, 5–9, 12–16, etc.). Dose levels of MDX-447 evaluated in group 2 were 1, 3.5, 7, 10, and 15 mg/m2. Sixty-four patients with advanced solid tumors were treated. Forty-one patients received MDX-447 alone (group 1); 23 patients received MDX-447 + G-CSF (group 2). Hypotension was the predominant dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in both treatment groups, with seven patients experiencing ≥grade 3 events. MDX-447 half-life (T1/2) ranged from 1.9 to 8.4 h, with no obvious differences between the two treatment groups. MDX-447 binding to neutrophils and peak levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were higher in group 2. The MTD for MDX-447 alone was 30 mg/m2. When G-CSF was given with MDX-447, treatment was not well tolerated and group 2 was closed early because of safety concerns, with the last patient being treated at the 7 mg/m2 dose level. There were no objective complete or partial responses in either group. MDX-447 alone was generally well tolerated, but did not achieve objective tumor responses. The MTD for MDX-447 alone was 30 mg/m2 weekly. Co-administration of G-CSF with MDX-447 precluded meaningful dose escalation.
The inhibition of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase by lactones

β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase (2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-hexoside acetamidodeoxy-hexohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.52), from commercial bovine serum albumin, was inhibited by glucoheptonolactone, d- and l-gluconolactone, d-galactonolactone, d-fuconolactone, l-arabonolactone, d-ribonolactone, l-mannolactone and l-ascorbic acid. The kinetics of inhibition of the hydrolysis of 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetylglucosaminide (MU-GlcNAc) and 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-N-acetylgalactosaminide (MU-GalNAc) with both the purified enzyme and rat liver lysosomes was examined in detail. The lactones corresponding to both N-acetylamino sugars were competitive in nature. Employing MU-GlcNAc as substrates, both d-gluconolactone and l-ascorbic acid gave “mixed” type inhibitions. With MU-GalNAc as substrates, these two compounds were found to be non-competitive inhibitors.
Flavin Content of Intracellular Compartments of Pancreatic Islets Compared with Acinar Tissue and Liver

The flavin contents of pancreatic islets and acinar tissue, whole pancreas, and liver of the rat were measured fluorometrically. Spectrofluorometric scanning of extracts of islets proved that they contained flavins. The spectra showed excitation peaks at approximately 370 and 445 nm and an emission peak at 530 nm; these values are identical to those of authentic flavins. Pancreatic islets contained 3 times as much flavin as whole pancreas or acinar tissue and 20% more than liver. Forty-six percent of the total islet flavin was in the cytosolic compartment compared with about only 11–12% in whole pancreas or liver. The results raise the question of whether islet cytosol contains a flavin-requiring enzyme important for hormone release. (Endocrinology 108: 1899, 1981)
Circular Dichroism and Magnetic Circular Dichroism Studies of the Reduced Binuclear Non-Heme Iron Site of Stearoyl-ACP Δ9-Desaturase: Substrate Binding and Comparison to Ribonucleotide Reductase

Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein (stearoyl-ACP) Δ9-desaturase (Δ9D) catalyzes the insertion of a cis double bond between the 9 and 10 positions of the stearoyl-ACP to convert it to oleoyl-ACP. The binuclear non-heme iron active site of the fully reduced enzyme (reduced Δ9D) and its substrate-bound form (stearoyl-ACP Δ9D) have been studied using a combination of circular dichroism (CD) and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) to probe their geometric and electronic structures. CD and MCD in the near-IR region probe the ligand-field d−d transitions of the ferrous sites. Variable-temperature variable-field (VTVH) MCD combined with a spin-Hamiltonian analysis including the zero-field splitting (ZFS) of both irons and the exchange coupling (J) between the irons due to bridging ligation is used to probe their ground-state properties. These ground- and excited-state results indicate that the active site of reduced Δ9D has two equivalent 5-coordinate irons in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. They are weakly antif...
Building assessment with subpixel accuracy using satellite imagery

This paper describes a semi-automated building assessment method (SABAM) for estimating building edges with sub-pixel accuracy. The semi-automated approach is based on an earlier manual point method which determined building height using shadow length analysis. The manual method was then semi-automated using a sub-pixel edge detection algorithm to obtain more precise building edges and reduce human interpretation. Edge locations have been evaluated to within 1/100th of a pixel using gradient descent.
Conformational analysis of a flexible oligosaccharide using residual dipolar couplings.

We present a new approach to the analysis of the conformational and the motional properties of an oligosaccharide, methyl 3,6-di-O-(α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside. The approach relies on an order matrix analysis of residual dipolar couplings in the solution state. By combining a number of different types of couplings, 1DCH, 2DCH, and DHH, an order matrix is solved for each ring of the trimannoside. The resulting order parameters indicate the internal motion at the α (1,3) linkage to be limited, while significant motion is suggested at the α (1,6) linkage. Two structures for the trimannoside were determined by aligning the order tensor principal axes obtained from two different orienting media, bicelles and phage. The very similar conformations at the α (1,3) linkage of these two structures confirm that the internal motion at the α (1,3) linkage is small and the conformation is a good representation of a single preferred structure. The different conformations at the α (1,6) linkage suggest that th...
Competitive (AP7) and non-competitive (MK-801) NMDA receptor antagonists differentially alter glucose utilization in rat cortex.

The effects of D,L-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7), a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, and MK-801, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, on regional brain metabolism were studied in unanesthetized, freely moving rats by using the quantitative {sup 14}C2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic procedure. AP7 (338 or 901 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease of metabolic activity throughout most of the regions studied including sensory, motor, and limbic cortices. In contrast, MK-801 (0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of metabolic activity in sensory cortices, and an increase in limbic regions such as the hippocampal stratum lacunosum moleculare and entorhinal cortex. MK-801 also produced a biphasic response in agranular motor cortex, whereby the low dose increased while the high dose decreased labeling. In addition, MK-801 produced heterogeneous effects on regional cerebral metabolism in sensory cortices. Metabolic activity decreased in layer IV relative to layer Va following MK-801 treatment in primary somatosensory (SI) and visual (VI) cortices, suggesting a shift in activity from afferent fibers innervating layer IV to those innervating layer Va. MK-801 administration also decreased metabolic activity in granular SI relative to dysgranular SI, and in VI relative to secondary visual cortex (VII), thus providing a relative sparing of activity in dysgranular SI andmore » VII. Thus, the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist suppressed activity from extrinsic neocortical sources, enhancing relative intracortical activity and stimulating limbic regions, while the competitive NMDA antagonist depressed metabolic activity in all cortical regions.« less
Numerical approximations for stochastic systems with delays in the state and control

The Markov chain approximation numerical methods are widely used to compute optimal value functions and controls for stochastic as well as deterministic systems. We extend them to controlled general nonlinear delayed reflected diffusion models. The path, control and reflection terms can all be delayed. Previous work developed numerical approximations and convergence theorems. But when the control and reflection terms are delayed those and all other current algorithms normally lead to impossible demands on memory. An alternative “dual” approach was proposed by Kwong and Vintner for the linear deterministic system with a quadratic cost function. We extend the approach to the general nonlinear stochastic system, develop the Markov chain approximations and numerical algorithms and prove the convergence theorems. The approach reduces the memory requirement significantly. For the no-delay case, the method covers virtually all models of current interest. The method is robust and the approximations have physical ...
Effects of particle packing on the sintered microstructure

The sintering process is shown to be critically dependent on particle-packing density and porosity uniformity. Sintering experiments were conducted on compacts consisting of monodisperse, spherical TiO2 particles. Densification kinetics and microstructure evolution for two initial packing densities, 55% and 69% of theoretical, were investigated. The lower-density compacts sintered rapidly to theoretical density, yet improved particle-packing density and uniformity significantly enhanced densification.
Slowdown of the Solar Wind in the Outer Heliosphere and the Interstellar Neutral Hydrogen Density

Voyager 2 and Ulysses were at nearly the same latitude in the southern heliosphere at the beginning of 1999 and their radial separation was about 55 AU. The effect of pickup ions should be profound at Voyager's position, especially, the deceleration of the solar wind flow. This unique opportunity allows us to investigate the effect of pickup ions based on direct multi-spacecraft observations. The Ulysses observations were used as input into a 1-dimensional MHD numerical model. We run cases with and without pickup ions in an attempt to estimate the slowdown of the solar wind and the interstellar neutral hydrogen density. The theoretical predictions at the location of Voyager 2 were compared with the observations. For the purpose of this study, we focus on the statistical characteristics rather than detailed structures of the solar wind in the outer heliosphere. We found a decrease of ∼40 km s−1 or ∼10% in the radial velocity near 60 AU. This speed decrease implies an interstellar neutral density of 0.05 cm−3.
Abstract 2185: Identification of novel compounds that preferentially kill repair deficient cells using high-throughput screening

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Loss of functional DNA repair pathways is a common occurrence in cancer cells and discovery of novel drugs that selectively kill repair deficient tumors cells could identify new cancer therapies. In this work we describe the use of high-throughput screening to determine chemicals that sensitize cells deficient in the fanconi anemia protein, FANCD2. Cell growth of human fibroblasts proficient (PD20+D2) and deficient (PD20) for FANCD2 were screened using two libraries containing over 1000 bioactive compounds and kinase inhibitors. The cells were treated with compounds continuously for 3 days and cell growth was assessed using a luciferase-based assay measuring ATP levels. The initial screen identified numerous compounds inducing differential survival in cells with and without FANCD2 and follow-up testing will be required to confirm these potential hits. However, it is promising that, in addition to novel compounds, several crosslinking agents, including mitomycinC, which are known to sensitize fanconi anemia cells to cell death are among the positive hits. Our results validate chemical screening as a tool to discover potential new cancer therapies targeting repair deficient cells lines. In addition, other than their role in crosslink repair, there is still not much known about the fanconi anemia protein family and the discovery of novel compounds involved in FANCD2 dependent cell survival could lead to the discovery of new functions of this protein family. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2185.
The problem of gastric hyperacidity

It may be concluded that the clinical syndrome of so-called “hyperacidity” is spurious in so far as there is no evidence that acid plays a direct part in producing the symptoms. As a clinical designation the term hyperacidity should be abandoned as inaccurate and above all misleading, since the symptoms are generated by motor and not by secretory disturbances.
Teaching on-Line versus Face-to-Face

This study investigates and describes the current instructor experience of teaching college courses over the Web (versus in face-to-face formats) in terms of the teaching strategies, social issues, and emergent issues such as media effects. We interviewed 22 college instructors who had taught in both formats. Four of the interviews were made by telephone and eighteen by e-mail. Interview fragments were categorized and counted for frequency to highlight emerging trends. Results indicate that Web-based classes have a profoundly different communication style than face-to-face classes. This has far-reaching consequences for on-line classes in terms of greater equality between students and instructors, greater explicitness of written instructions required, greater workloads for instructors and deeper thinking manifested in discussions, initial feelings of anonymity giving way later to emerging on-line identities. Authors propose a model with two competing systems, isolation effects versus community effects.
Injections of okadaic acid, but not beta-amyloid peptide, induce Alz-50 immunoreactive dystrophic neurites in the cerebral cortex of sheep☆

Abstract In an attempt to produce an animal model of neurofibrillary degeneration of the Alzheimer type, okadaic acid (a phosphatase inhibitor) and beta-amyloid peptide (1–40) were microinjected into the cerebral cortex of six adult sheep. After survivals varying from 1 day to 3 months, the injection sites and adjacent areas were evaluated using light microscopic immunocytochemistry. Near sites of implantation of crystalline okadaic acid, the Alz-50 monoclonal antibody stained twisted, dystrophic neurites. None of the beta-amyloid peptide injections caused neurofibrillary pathology. However, immunohistochemical analysis revealed no detectable beta-amyloid peptide remaining in the neuropil, even at 1 day, indicating rapid clearance of the beta-amyloid peptide. The induction of Alz-50 immunoreactive dystrophic neurites by okadaic acid in sheep represents a novel animal model of Alzheimer's neurofibrillary pathology.
Free-Surface Effects in 3D Dislocation Dynamics: Formulation and Modeling

Recent advances in 3-D dislocation dynamics include the proper treatment of free surfaces in the simulations. Dislocation interaction and slip is treated as a boundary-value problem for which a zero-traction condition is enforced at the external surfaces of the simulation box. Here, a new rigorous method is presented to handle such a treatment. The method is semi-analytical/numerical in nature in which we enforce a zero traction condition at select collocation points on a surface. The accuracy can be improved by increasing the number of collocation points. In this method, the image stress-field of a subsurface dislocation segment near a free surface is obtained by an image segment and by a distribution of prismatic rectangular dislocation loops padding the surface. The loop centers are chosen to be the collocation points of the problem. The image segment, with proper selection of its Burgers vector components, annuls the undesired shear stresses on the surface. The distributed loops annul the undesired normal stress component at the collocation points, and in the process create no undesirable shear stresses. The method derives from crack theory and falls under generalized image stress analysis whereby a distribution of dislocation geometries or entities (in this case closed rectangular loops), and not just simple mirror images, are used to satisfy the problem's boundary conditions (BCs). Such BCs can, in a very general treatment, concern either stress traction or displacements.
Learning legal moves in planning problems: A connectionist approach to examining legal moves in the tower-of-hanoi

Abstract While optimizing scheduling problems such as the Traveling Salesman Problem is relatively easy for neural networks, solving planning problems such as the Tower-of-Hanoi (ToH) of artificial intelligence has been known to be much more difficult. In this paper, the differences between the scheduling and planning problems have been identified from the neural network perspectives. This analysis is based on an approach used to solve planning problems with learning capabilities. In particular, the ToH is chosen as the target problem, and a set of constraints derived from the ToH has been formulated, based on the representation outlined in this paper. The system is designed to learn to generate legal moves by generating random illegal states and by measuring their legality. The approach described in this paper would establish a homogeneous structure which could be applied to planning problems which involve legality learning.
How etiological explanations for depression impact perceptions of stigma, treatment effectiveness, and controllability of depression.

Background and aims: There is controversy regarding how etiological explanations for depression, particularly biological explanations, influence perceptions of stigma, perceived controllability of depression, and perceived effectiveness of depression treatments. This study evaluated how biological and psychosocial explanations for depression relate to these variables.Method: Undergraduate students who reported ever suffering from clinical depression (n = 36) and who reported no personal history of depression (n = 33) completed a diagnostic interview and questionnaires assessing etiology beliefs, stigma perceptions, perceived controllability of depression, and perceived effectiveness of different depression treatments.Results: Although “ever depressed” participants perceived more stigma than “never depressed” participants, endorsing either etiological model had little relation to perceived stigma. Endorsing psychosocial explanations was associated with perceiving self-initiated treatments as effective, and...
Transmission-ion-channeling studies of the silicon (111) monohydride surface

Transmission ion channeling was used to examine the atomic position of deuterium on the silicon (111) monohydride surface. A 2-MeV {sup 4}He{sup +}-ion beam was used to elastically recoil deuterium from the beam-exit surface of a thin silicon crystal. The yield of recoiled deuterium was measured versus angle between the analysis beam and the channeling axis near the {l_angle}111{r_angle}, {l_angle}110{r_angle}, and {l_angle}100{r_angle} axes. The location of the surface deuterium relative to the silicon lattice was examined by comparing the measured yields with computer simulations of ion channeling. Channeling measurements were consistent with approximately half of the deuterium occupying a site close to the site predicted by {ital ab initio} calculations of the structure for the Si(111) 1{times}1 monohydride surface, with the remaining deuterium being disordered or displaced from the predicted site. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Factors impacting community response in an interest-sharing network

The arrival of a new interest-sharing network, So.cl, provides for a new opportunity to explore human behavior as it relates to constructing public contributions and receiving community response. This study looks at archival data in order to better understand how types of shared content receive interaction from others. The results suggest that a So.cl user should include more photos and less links on their post to increase the quantity of likes and comments the community gives to the post, among other discoveries.
Nonessential functions of bacteriophage lambda.

Seven plaque-forming biotin-transducing A mutants (Xbio) have been used to characterize nonessential X functions. Five of the Xbios have deletions in the center of the X map extending to the right of the attachment region (atth), as predicted by the Campbell model, but the other two seem to be anomalous in this respect. The extent of the deletions establishes the order atth-int-(ezo,red)-p-cIII, for markers in the h center. The correlation in position of the ezo and red markers suggest that the exonuclease protein is involved in genetic recombination, and the viability of exe-PXbios shows that neither exonuclease nor @-protein is essential for A growth. The two anomalous Xbios have defects in the b2 region to the left of at&. The five standard Xbios are b2+, yet they appear to have structural integration deficiencies in addition to their functional defects.
NIGHTLY, SEASONAL, AND YEARLY PATTERNS OF BAT ACTIVITY AT NIGHT ROOSTS IN THE CENTRAL APPALACHIANS

This study presents data from 2 years of extensive sampling from July to October at 7 caves and mines used by bats in the Appalachian Mountains region of western Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania. In total, 2,860 individuals from 7 species were captured. We examined species composition at roosts and compared our data to a survey conducted at 5 of the same caves and mines 2 decades ago; roosts were used by up to 6 species, and species composition has remained stable. In addition, we examined roost fidelity via mark and recapture (at 1 cave); population structure; and nightly, seasonal, and yearly patterns of use. Bats exhibited a very low rate of recapture (2.8%). Few bats were captured exiting the roosts before or during the 1st hour after sunset; peaks in nightly captures at roosts generally occurred 3‐5 h after sunset, with few differences between sex and age classes. These patterns were indicative of frequent use of these caves and mines as night roosts by large numbers of individuals. For the 4 most abundant species (Myotis lucifugus, M. septentrionalis, Pipistrellus subflavus, and Eptesicus fuscus), roosts were used by adults and juveniles of both sexes. Adult sex ratios were skewed toward males, whereas juvenile sex ratios approached 1:1 in 1 of 2 years for each species. Nightly ambient temperatures explained little of the variation in capture times (2%) or capture success (10%). For each species, seasonal patterns of activity were similar between years, but there were differences among species. Overall, bat activity was highest in late August in both years.
Tissue-specific glucocorticoid excess in the metabolic syndrome: 11β-HSD1 as a therapeutic target

Systemic glucocorticoid excess is linked to the development of the metabolic syndrome, a group of metabolic disorders including central obesity and insulin resistance. 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 β-HSD1) converts the inert cortisone to the active cortisol in target tissues. The increased expression of 11 β-HSD1 in the adipose tissue of obese subjects suggests that there could be glucocorticoid excess at the tissue level, which is likely to be involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome. 11 β-HSD1 inhibitors have been under development as a potential therapy for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. With the current progress, the future prospects of 11 β-HSD1 inhibitors are encouraging for providing beneficial metabolic effects.