cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smooth Muscle α-Actin Expression in Mitral Valve Interstitial Cells is Important for Mediating Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Background: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects 3–6% of the total population including those with connective tissue disorders. Treatment is limited, and patients commonly require surgery which can be impermanent and insuperable. Abnormal prolapse of mitral valve leaflets into the left atria is caused by disturbances to the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM), that weaken biomechanics. This process, known as myxomatous degeneration is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of proteoglycans, in addition to collagen fiber disruption and elastic fiber fragmentation. The underlying mechanisms that promote myxomatous degeneration to the point of biomechanical failure are unknown, but previous histological studies of end-stage diseased tissue have reported abnormal α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in a subset of heart valve interstitial cells (VICs); however, the contribution of these abnormal cells to MVP pathogenesis has not been extensively examined. Methods: In vivo and in vitro approaches were used. Mice harboring a Fbn1C1039G mutation mimic human Marfan Syndrome and develop MVP. Using these mice, temporal and spatial changes in SMA expression relative to myxomatous degeneration were examined using histological techniques. In parallel in vitro experiments, SMA expression was downregulated in primary porcine mitral VICs directly using siRNA, and indirectly using the actin depolymerizing agent Latrunculin A. In addition, the regulation of SMA in VICs by mechanical stiffness was explored relative to ECM remodeling. Results: We show, in mitral valves from Fbn1C1039G/+ mice, that abnormal increases in SMA expression in VICs are evident during early postnatal stages of disease, prior to significant myxomatous degeneration as indicated at later stages by increased proteoglycans and collagen type I (Col1a1). Furthermore, abnormal SMA expression continues to increase during the course of pathogenesis and is localized to the mid belly region of the mitral valve leaflets from 10 weeks. Using an in vitro approach, we demonstrate that reduced SMA function by direct siRNA or indirect Latrunculin A treatment attenuates proteoglycan and Col1a1 expression in porcine mitral VICs. While upstream, we provide insights to show that SMA is regulated by mechanical tension in VICs to promote changes in ECM homeostasis. Conclusions: Together, our data show that in VICs, SMA, an actin binding protein, is important for mediating ECM remodeling associated with phenotypes observed in myxomatous degeneration, and its expression is regulated by mechanical tension. These novel insights could inform the development of future non-surgical therapeutics to halt the progression of mitral valve degeneration thereby avoiding end-stage prolapse.
Cognitive control beliefs and cognitive functioning in mid- to late-life.

Objectives Older adults experience age-related cognitive declines and often feel as if the severity of these declines is out of their control. Recent research suggests, though, that control beliefs may be related to less age-related declines. The aim of the current study was to investigate cognitive domain-specific control beliefs and the link between those cognitive control beliefs and cognitive functioning among a nationwide sample of adults (N = 3,670), as well as to explore whether cognitive control beliefs moderated the relationship between age and cognitive functioning. Method The aims were addressed using data from the national Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS II). Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT), and cognitive control beliefs were assessed with the Personality in Intellectual Aging Contexts (PIC) Inventory Control Scales. Results Regression analyses revealed that adults with higher control beliefs demonstrated better cognitive functioning. Moderation analyses indicated cognitive control beliefs moderated the relationship between age and executive functioning, but not the association between age and episodic memory. Conclusion Results suggested that the relationship between age and executive functioning was weaker at high levels of cognitive control beliefs. Future research should establish the directionality of the effect between cognitive control beliefs and cognition and investigate the association between control beliefs and cognition in samples at higher risk for substantial cognitive decline, including the oldest-old.
The Impact of Syrian Refugees on the Turkish Labor Market

Currently 2.5 million Syrians fleeing war have found refuge in Turkey, making it the largest refugee-hosting country worldwide. This paper combines newly available data on the distribution of Syrian refugees across Turkey and the Turkish Labour Force Survey to assess their labor market impact. Syrian refugees are overwhelmingly employed informally, since they were not issued work permits, making their arrival a well-defined supply shock to informal labor. Consistent with economic theory our instrumental variable estimates, which also control for distance from the Turkish-Syrian border, suggest large-scale displacement of natives in the informal sector. At the same time, consistent with occupational upgrading, there are increases in formal employment for the Turkish - though only for men without completed high school education. Women and the high-skilled are not in a good position to take advantage of lower cost informal labor. The low educated and women experience net displacement from the labor market and, together with those in the informal sector, declining earning opportunities.
A review on the role of tissue-based molecular biomarkers for active surveillance.

Over the last decade, we have seen the emergence of tissue-based genomic prognostic markers that can be used for decision-making regarding the need for treatment. This review provides an up-to-date summary of the relevant literature surrounding these markers with a discussion of the relevant strength and limitations. We performed a literature search of tissue-based genomic prognostic markers and selected those that were currently available for clinical use. We selected the following markers for further review: Decipher (Decipher Bioscience), Polaris (Myriad), Genome Prostate Score (Oncotype Dx), and Promark. We selected the initial validation study for each marker along with other validation studies in independent cohorts. Furthermore, we selected available clinical utility studies or studies combining multi parametric MRI. In this article, we provide an in-depth review of four commercially available biomarkers and discuss the current literature surrounding these markers, including the benefits and limitations of their use. We found that each of these markers has evidence supporting their role as an independent predictor of relevant prostate cancer endpoints, which can be helpful for clinical decision-making. However, issues related to heterogeneity and a lack of prospective randomized studies supporting their utility are limitations. Evidence appears to suggest that MRI and genomic risk assessment maybe complementary. Although these markers can help in improved risk stratification of patients eligible for AS, more prospective studies with head to head comparison between markers are needed to elucidate the true potential of these markers in AS.
Splitting the Lungs in a Box for Single Lung Transplantation

Introduction Donor after cardiac death (DCD) are avoided in general for lung transplantation (LTx). Ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) utilizing a TransMedics support device minimizes ischemia-reperfusion injury and helps successful LTx in DCD. Bilateral LTx is usually performed using the support device. We present splitting the lungs in the support device utilizing single LTx in two DCD donors. Case Report Case#1: A 62y Male patient with 40 LAS and h/o IPF underwent single LTx. The donor lungs from a 48y Male with h/o intracranial hemorrhage were procured and placed in the support device. The lungs were transported by air in the device. At the recipient site, the lungs were assessed and split with a GIA stapler in the device. The patient received a single LTx with an anterio-axillary thoracotomy approach. Warm and cold ischemic time were 87 and 103 min. The patient was brought back to the CICU in stable condition and the donor lung functioning well. He spent 5 days in the CICU before being transferred to the floor. His hospital course was complicated post-operatively by primary graft dysfunction, donor derived MSSA, and atrial fibrillation that were managed medically. He was eventually discharged after a 15 day stay. Case#2: Another 72y Male patient with 86 LAS and h/o IPF and PHT underwent single LTx. The donor lungs from a 38y Male, with h/o asphyxiation were procured and placed in the support device for air travel. At the recipient site, the lungs were assessed and split with a GIA stapler in the support device. The recipient underwent cardiac arrest immediately after general anesthesia with epinephrine for PHT. He was intubated, and CPR was started with closed chest compression for 13 min and 4 doses of epi were given. VA ECMO was initiated, and CPR discontinued. A single LTx was completed with an anterio-axillary thoracotomy approach. The warm and cold ischemic times were 173 and 258 min. The patient was brought back to the CICU in stable condition with the decision to continue VA ECMO. Patient was de-cannulated the following day. His hospital course has been extremely complicated and is now on hospital day 34 and on the floor. Summary Our case report on two patients suggests growing acceptance of single LTx in selected patients using EVLP in DCD. This adds to the recent literature that suggests the utility of using EVLP for DCD making more lungs viable and a splitting technique of the lungs in a box may deem appropriate.
Mixing Functions, Excess Functions, and Sample Problems

The material presented in this lecture is adapted from Chapter 9 in T&M. First, we will show that if the expressions for the chemical potentials presented in Lecture 23 apply, then, pure ideal gas behavior (see Sample Problem 24-1), ideal gas mixture behavior (see Sample Problem 24-2), and ideal solution behavior (see Sample Problem 24-3) are realized. Second, we will present expressions for G, S, H, U, and V of an ideal solution as a function of the solution composition. Third, we will show that it is often advantageous to calculate the deviation of a thermodynamic property from its value in a suitably chosen reference state, referred to as the mixing function, and then to compute the desired thermodynamic property by combining the mixing function with the value of the thermodynamic property in the reference state. Fourth, we will discuss reference states, with particular emphasis on the pure-component reference state. Fifth, we will provide a physical interpretation of a mixing function when mixing three pure liquids to create a ternary liquid mixture. Sixth, we will discuss ideal mixing functions. Finally, we will show that it is often convenient to calculate the deviation of a thermodynamic property from its ideal solution value, at the same T, P, and composition, referred to as the excess function, and then to compute the desired thermodynamic property by combining the excess function with the value of the thermodynamic property in the ideal solution.
Life Cycle Dominates the Volatilome Character of Dimorphic Fungus Coccidioides spp

Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is an endemic fungal pneumonia of the North and South American deserts. The causative agents of Valley fever are the dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, which grow as mycelia in the environment and as spherules within the lungs of vulnerable hosts. Current diagnostics for Valley fever are severely lacking due to poor sensitivity and invasiveness, contributing to a 23-day median time to diagnosis, and therefore, new diagnostic tools are needed. We are working toward the development of a breath-based diagnostic for coccidioidomycosis, and in this initial study, we characterized the volatile metabolomes (or volatilomes) of in vitro cultures of Coccidioides Using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS), we characterized the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by six strains of each species during mycelial or spherule growth. We detected a total of 353 VOCs that were at least 2-fold more abundant in a Coccidioides culture than in medium controls and found that the volatile metabolome of Coccidioides is more dependent on the growth phase (spherules versus mycelia) than on the species. The volatile profiles of C. immitis and C. posadasii have strong similarities, indicating that a single suite of Valley fever breath biomarkers can be developed to detect both species.IMPORTANCE Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, causes up to 30% of community-acquired pneumonias in highly populated areas of the U.S. desert southwest where the disease is endemic. The infection is difficult to diagnose by standard serological and histopathological methods, which delays appropriate treatment. Therefore, we are working toward the development of breath-based diagnostics for Valley fever. In this study, we characterized the volatile metabolomes (or volatilomes) of six strains each of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, the dimorphic fungal species that cause Valley fever. By analyzing the volatilomes during the two modes of growth of the fungus-mycelia and spherules-we observed that the life cycle plays a significant role in the volatiles produced by Coccidioides In contrast, we observed no significant differences in the C. immitis versus C. posadasii volatilomes. These data suggest that life cycle, rather than species, should guide the selection of putative biomarkers for a Valley fever breath test.
Systematic Identification of circRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease.

Mammalian circRNAs are covalently closed circular RNAs often generated through backsplicing of precursor linear RNAs. Although their functions are largely unknown, they have been found to influence gene expression at different levels and in a wide range of biological processes. Here, we investigated if some circRNAs may be differentially abundant in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We identified and analyzed publicly available RNA-sequencing data from the frontal lobe, temporal cortex, hippocampus, and plasma samples reported from persons with AD and persons who were cognitively normal, focusing on circRNAs shared across these datasets. We identified an overlap of significantly changed circRNAs among AD individuals in the various brain datasets, including circRNAs originating from genes strongly linked to AD pathology such as DOCK1, NTRK2, APC (implicated in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival) and DGL1/SAP97, TRAPPC9, and KIF1B (implicated in vesicular traffic). We further predicted the presence of circRNA isoforms in AD using specialized statistical analysis packages to create approximations of entire circRNAs. We propose that the catalog of differentially abundant circRNAs can guide future investigation on the expression and splicing of the host transcripts, as well as the possible roles of these circRNAs in AD pathogenesis.
Digital Technologies, Multi-Literacies, and Democracy: Toward a Reconstruction of Education

Chapter 10 Engages “Digital Technologies, Multi-Literacies, and Democracy: Toward a Reconstruction of Education,” which explores how technology can be used for a democratic reconstruction of education and society in the spirit of John Dewey, Paulo Freire, and Herbert Marcuse. I argue that educators, students, and citizens need to cultivate multiple critical media and digital literacies for contemporary technological and multicultural societies. To meet the challenges of a digital era, teachers, students, and citizens need to develop critical media and digital literacies of diverse sorts, including a more fundamental importance for print literacy, to meet the challenge of restructuring education for a high-tech, multicultural society, and global culture. In a period of dramatic technological and social change, education needs to help produce a variety of types of literacies to make current pedagogy relevant to the demands of the contemporary era.
An Overview of Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects Using the Amplatzer Devices

Ventricular septal defects (VSD) are the most common congenital cardiac anomalies, accounting in isolation for almost 20% of congenital cardiac lesions (1). VSDs have also been reported after myocardial infarction (2,3), trauma (4,5), as well as residual defects after prior attempts at surgical closure.
Epidemiological associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and incarceration in the National Survey of American Life

Background In spite of an elevated prevalence of trauma histories among prisoners, there has been little research examining the relationship between incarceration and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); this is especially true for Black Americans. Aims To examine relationships between PTSD and incarceration in a nationally representative sample of Black Americans. Methods We conducted analysis of data from the National Survey of American Life sample of 5008 Black American adults in the USA. Multivariate logistic regression analyses controlling for demographic factors including age, gender, home region and education were conducted to examine whether incarceration status was independently associated with PTSD. Results Incarceration was significantly associated with trauma exposure, PTSD in the 12 months prior to interview and lifetime PTSD, even while controlling for demographic covariates. Conclusions and implications for practice Incarceration, trauma exposure and PTSD share a significant number of risk factors and co-vary frequently in some populations, including the one of Black Americans investigated in this study. Interventions that can reduce shared risk factors for incarceration and PTSD and/or facilitate successful treatment of the established condition have the potential to make a large positive impact among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why Has the Sex/Gender System Become Visible Only Now?

During the last decade of feminist inquiry, a new “object” for scientific scrutiny has emerged into visibility: the sex/gender system.* Sex/gender is a system of male-dominance made possible by men’s control of women’s productive and reproductive labor, where “reproduction” is broadly construed to include sexuality, family life, and kinship formations, as well as the birthing which biologically reproduces the species. However, the “discovery” of the sex/gender system has implications beyond the need for revisions in our scientific understandings. While many feminists have argued that this discovery calls for new morals and new politics, I intend to show why its discovery at this particular moment in history also calls for a revolution in epistemology. The new epistemology must be one which is not fettered by the self-imposed limitations of empiricist, functionalist/relativist, or marxist epistemologies. We shall see, within the all too brief limits of so short a paper, what the main limitations of these existing epistemologies are, and distinguish the pre-conditions for an adequate theory of belief production from the epistemological goals of feminist inquirers which lean too heavily on these inadequate epistemological programs. The feminist discovery of the sex/ gender system certainly is more than the expression of socially unobstructed “natural talents and abilities,” of functionally adequate beliefs, and of changes in the division of labor by class. But an insufficiently critical stance toward the existing epistemologies has obscured for us just what this “more” is. We need to investigate more fully why it is that only now can we understand “patriarchy,” “misogyny,” “sex-roles,” “discrimination against women,” and “the first division of labor — by sex” as mere appearances of the underlying reality of the sex/gender system. Let us begin by first looking at the newly visible size and shape of the sex/gender system, and then examining the self-imposed limitations of empiricist, functionalist/relativist, and marxist epistemologies.
A Friendly Intro to Sieves with a Look Towards Recent Progress on the Twin Primes Conjecture

This is an extension and background to a talk I gave on 9 October 2013 to the Brown Graduate Student Seminar, called `A friendly intro to sieves with a look towards recent progress on the twin primes conjecture.' During the talk, I mention several sieves, some with a lot of detail and some with very little detail. I also discuss several results and built upon many sources. I'll provide missing details and/or sources for additional reading here.
Early Detection and Diagnosis of High-Consequence Plant Pests in the United States

The United States has over a billion acres of food, fiber, feed, and fuel production agriculture. US agriculture could be considered a large, soft target to those who would want to strike at the economy, the social stability, or the sense of security of the US citizenry. It would be technically easy to do. Early detection and diagnosis of pests and diseases of plants is the best way to limit spread and impact, whether they arrive naturally or are introduced deliberately. The US Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of Agriculture, together with its State Department of Agriculture partners, the Land Grant University System, the Cooperative Extension Service, and agricultural industry and commodity association partners have formal and nonformal surveillance systems, as well as networks of plant pest diagnostic facilities to accomplish early detection and diagnosis of newly introduced agricultural and forest pest agents. Due to the large geographic area that must be covered to be effective, physical surveillance has to be supplemented by predictive models and remote sensing technologies. Even when surveillance systems are working optimally, diagnostic laboratory throughput could be a bottle-neck for the generation of information in near real time. The National Plant Diagnostic Network is a distributed system of laboratories designed to manage sample surge and produce data for syndromic analysis. Keywords: plant pests; agricultural pest surveillance; diagnostics; monitoring systems; diagnostic networks; pest and disease models
Inferior mesenteric artery reimplantation does not guarantee colon viability in aortic surgery

Abstract BACKGROUND: Reimplantation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) at the time of aortic surgery has been advocated to prevent colon ischemia in patients deemed to have inadequate perfusion of the left colon. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IMA reimplantation is globally protective against colon necrosis. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who were diagnosed with colon ischemia after aortic surgery during a 10-year period. Cases were indexed from the institution's operative database and from the vascular morbidity and mortality registry. RESULTS: Ten patients (eight men, two women; mean age 71 ± 9 years) were identified during the study period. Five patients (50%) underwent successful IMA reimplantation for inadequate Doppler signals on the antimesenteric border of the sigmoid colon. Five other patients (50%) did not undergo IMA reimplantation because they were deemed to have adequate colon perfusion. Transmural colon necrosis occurred in 6 of the 10 study patients, 4 of whom had IMA reimplantation. Five of the six patients had intraoperative hypotension. Three of the four patients with colon ischemia presenting less than 24 hours after aortic revascularization survived (mortality 25%), but both patients with late colon ischemia died of multisystem organ failure (mortality 100%). Four patients developed mucosal ischemia and did not undergo colectomy. Only one of these had IMA reimplantation. Colon ischemia was detected more than 1 week postoperatively in three patients. All four patients were treated with supportive therapy and antibiotics, and all four survived to discharge after a mean length of stay of 14 ± 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that IMA reimplantation does not ensure colon viability in aortic surgery. Transmural colon necrosis tends to present sooner than mucosal ischemia and may be attributable to nonanatomic variables such as intraoperative hypotension. Although transmural necrosis is a highly morbid complication after aortic surgery, timely colectomy may lead to survival in some patients.
Nonlinearity and Nonlinear Econometric Models in Finance

Many financial and economic data exhibit nonlinear characteristics. Prices of commodities such as crude oil often rise quickly but decline slowly. The monthly U.S. unemployment rate exhibits sharp increases followed by slow decreases. To model these characteristics in a satisfactory manner, one must employ nonlinear econometric models or use nonparametric statistical methods. For most applications, it suffices to employ simple nonlinear models. For example, the quarterly growth rate of the U.S. gross domestic product can be adequately described by the Markov switching or threshold autoregressive models. These models typically classify the state of the U.S. economy into two categories corresponding roughly to expansion and contraction. Keywords: BDS Test; F Test; Kernel Smoothing; Local Linear Regression; Markov Switching Model; Neural Network; Nonlienarity Test; Nonparametric Method; RESET Test; Threshold Autoregressive Model; Threshold Test
EUS-guided Trucut biopsy of suspected nonfocal chronic pancreatitis

Background The diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis (CP) is difficult, and the role of EUS-FNA cytology for this indication remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the utility and the safety profile of EUS-guided Trucut biopsy (EUS-TCB) for the histologic diagnosis of suspected nonfocal CP. Methods After radial EUS, patients with suspected CP (≥3 EUS criteria) underwent attempted transgastric EUS-TCB of the pancreas. Histopathologic specimens were examined by one pathologist and were classified as nondiagnostic, normal pancreas, and probable or definite CP. Within 1 week after EUS, ERCP was performed by an endoscopist blinded to the EUS results. The severity of CP by ERCP was stratified by the Cambridge classification. Agreement between tests for the diagnosis of CP was evaluated by a kappa statistic. Results Of 45 patients screened, 15 declined and 30 (12 men and 18 women, mean age 44 years) underwent diagnostic EUS. Of these, 18 (60%) had suspected CP and 16 underwent attempted biopsy. Calcific pancreatitis in two patients precluded EUS-TCB. EUS-TCB results were as follows: probable CP (1), normal pancreas (8), nondiagnostic (6), device malfunction (1). Complications after EUS-TCB occurred in two patients with normal pancreatic biopsies were the following: acute pancreatitis (1) and abdominal pain without pancreatitis (1), both of whom were hospitalized and discharged within 23 hours. Six patients refused ERCP and two (per protocol) did not undergo ERCP. For the remaining 22, agreement between diagnostic EUS and ERCP was moderate (kappa, 0.40). Agreement between EUS and ERCP with EUS-TCB were poor (kappa, 0) and fair (kappa, 0.25), respectively. Conclusions Transgastric EUS-TCB of suspected nonfocal CP infrequently demonstrates histologic CP in clinically suspected disease. Because of potential complications and limited diagnostic yield, this technique is not currently recommended for evaluation of these patients.
Seasonality in the Madden–Julian Oscillation

Abstract This study, using observational data and global reanalysis products, synthesizes existing knowledge on the seasonality in the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and discusses its possible dependence on the mean background state. The seasonality in the MJO is documented in terms of its components in low-level zonal wind and precipitation. A single peak season (boreal winter) exists near the equator in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. For the broad tropical region, however, the seasonality in the MJO is featured by a latitudinal migration across the equator between two peak seasons. The primary peak season is in boreal winter (December–March), during which MJO signals are mainly confined to the Indian and western Pacific Ocean and reach their maxima in the South Pacific convergence zone. The secondary peak season is boreal summer (June–September), during which the strongest MJO occurs north of the equator from the Bay of Bengal to the South China Sea and another, separated, region of strong MJO ...
Nationalism and Ethnic Questions in Western Academic Circles

On the issue of nationalism, it is widely accepted in contemporary Western academic circles that views differ on the intrinsic nature of a nation. Tied as they are to specific self-representations, however, expressions of ethnicity spring from the awakening of a group's consciousness of self and are possible only in modern society.
The Effects of Red and Green Surroundings on Behavior

(1964). The Effects of Red and Green Surroundings on Behavior. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 70, No. 1, pp. 143-161.
Antipneumococcal activity of BMS 284756 compared to those of six other agents.

Antipneumococcal activity of BMS 284756 was compared to those of six agents by MIC and time-kill methodologies. BMS 284756 had the lowest MICs compared to those of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin against quinolone-susceptible (≤0.016 to 0.06 μg/ml) and quinolone-resistant (0.03 to 1 μg/ml) pneumococci. BMS 284756 was bactericidal against 11 of 12 strains at two times the MIC after 24 h.
IMPERFECTIONS IN NATURAL GRAPHITE

Abstract Lattice or surface imperfections in graphite may play an important role as active sites in its oxidation. Thin films of a natural graphite, Madagascar flake, examined by electron microscopy revealed the presence of flat graphite sheets whose basal planes were predominantly normal to the electron beam. Dislocations lying in the basal planes were frequently observed, the estimated mean density being 10 9 /cm 2 . Graphite has a high incidence of stacking faults. Basal plane dislocations frequently split into partials which bound ribbons of stacking fault, 650–1000 A wide. If these ribbons of stacking fault occur at the same level in the film they often interact to form stable networks. From measurements of the radius of curvature of dislocation nodes, the stacking fault energy has been estimated to be approximately 0.25 erg/cm 2 . Because of the fortuitous relative rotation of graphite sheets, Moire patterns have been observed with dislocations imaged as extra inserted fringes.
An exploratory investigation of the firm size effect

Abstract We investigate the firm size effect for the period 1958 to 1977 in the framework of a multi-factor pricing model. The risk-adjusted difference in returns between the top five percent and the bottom five percent of the NYSE firms is about one to two percent a year, a drop from about twelve percent per year before risk adjustment. The variable most responsible for the adjustment is the sensitivity of asset returns to the changing risk premium, measured by the return difference between low-grade bonds and long-term government bonds.
Gender differences in middle grade science achievement: Subject domain, ability level, and course emphasis

This study used base-year data from a large and nationally representative data base (NELS:88) to identify some important explanatory factors for gender differences in science performance. Middle school science classes were selected for study because students have little choice over their coursework at this level. By separating a standardized test of general science achievement into its life science and physical science domains, we documented a large advantage for boys on the subtest of physical science and a modest advantage for girls in life science. Importantly, in physical science, the disadvantage for girls is more pronounced for the most able students. Explanations for these gender difference focus on laboratory experience. Only about 25% of eighth graders' science classes provide laboratory experiences at least weekly, and these experiences are more common in stand-alone middle schools enrolling more affluent students. Such laboratory experiences are especially beneficial for girls' achievement in physical science, but not boys'. We conclude that these results argue for increasing experiential and hands-on learning in middle school science classes—particularly in the physical sciences—as a means to promote gender equity in science achievement at this important educational level. The study has implications for the underrepresentation of women in physical science careers. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determining the form of the mean of a stochastic process

Abstract Let μ be the mean function of an observable stochastic process whose sample paths fall in some Banach space with a basis and assume μ is also in this space. A procedure like Cover's ( Ann. Statist. 1 , 862–871, 1973) is given which has the property that if the last nonzero coordinate of μ is the m th then with probability one this is discovered after at most a finite number of erros. If μ has an infinite number of nonzero coordinates, then with probability one this is discovered after at most a finite number of errors except for a set of μ of prior probability zero.
Application of Siemens T3000 System Self Startup Control for Thermal Power Plant

A summary of Siemens T3000 system digital electro-hydraulic (DEH) self-startup control is proposed. On the foundation of analysis in turbine subgroup logic condition and step sequence, critical link and step sequence of turbine startup process is put forward, which is convenient for operator to master turbine startup characteristics quickly. Existing problems in DEH control logic are revealed and specific disposing measures are given. Application of the system in a 2×660 MW thermal power plant proves a secure and smooth operation of power units.
Reported prevalence and quantitative LC-MS methods for the analysis of veterinary drug residues in honey: a review

Insect pollination increases the value and productivity of three-quarters of crop species grown for food. Declining beehive health in commercial apiaries has resulted in numerous reports from government laboratories worldwide of contamination with antimicrobial chemicals in honey. This review includes pertinent discussion of legislation and events leading to increased government oversight in the commercial honey market. A detailed summary of the variety and prevalence of veterinary drug residues being found in honey as well as a selection of robust quantitative and confirmatory LC-MS methods with an emphasis on those adopted by government testing laboratories are presented.
A model of a nucleus 24 cochlear implant fitting protocol based on the electrically evoked whole nerve action potential.

Objective: The goal of this study was to model a cochlear implant fitting protocol based on the electrically evoked whole nerve action potential (EAP) measured using the Neural Response Telemetry capabilities of the Nucleus CI24M cochlear implant. The model and data were based on the significant correlations found between the EAP threshold and growth function slope and psychophysical threshold and dynamic range, respectively, in 12 subjects (Franck, Reference Note 3; Franck & Norton, 2001). Design: Using a retrospective split-half study design, these correlations found between psychophysical mapping levels and EAP data from six of the subjects were used in a model to predict psychophysical mapping levels from EAP data of the other six subjects. Results: Predicted psychophysical mapping levels from the model of the EAP-based fitting protocol closely approximated measured cochlear implant fitting psychophysics. Conclusions: The close approximation of the measured data to the model data indicates the feasibility of the clinical use of an EAP-based cochlear implant fitting protocol. The realization of this model would only require two loudness judgments from the patient, whereas traditional fitting requires 44, and would be fit in a live-voice mode, accounting for across-electrode loudness summation.
Characterization of the alcohol-preferring P rat on normal chow and a high-fat diets.

The P rat, a model of alcoholism, show disturbances in neurotransmitters that are also implicated in feeding. It is conceivable that this strain may also show a potential for increased intake of palatable foods. Wistars (N=16) and alcohol preferring P (N=16) rats were monitored over a 2 month period. Rats maintained ad libitum on normal chow and water had food intake and body weight monitored for 2 weeks. For a 4 weeks period, half the rats from each strain were switched to a high-fat diet (HFD). Body composition analyses were conducted before and after diet switches. Results indicate that the P rats gained significantly greater weight on the chow diet relative to Wistar controls (38.6±1.7 g vs. 19.2±3.4 g, p
Testing for superiority among two time series

This paper discusses the problem of testing the equality of two autoregressive functions against one-sided alternatives. The heteroscedastic error and stationary densities of the two independent strongly mixing strictly stationary time series can possibly be different. This paper adapts the covariate matching idea used in regression settings to construct a class of lag matched tests and derives their asymptotic normality under general one-sided local non-parametric alternatives. The paper also discusses asymptotically optimal tests against these alternatives within the proposed class of tests.
Testbed for Cellular Telecommunications Cyber Vulnerability Analysis

Cellular networks play an increasing role supporting critical government, including military and private information systems. Enhanced capability and ubiquity of mobile devices (i.e., smartphones) is resulting in increasing cyber exploit developments targeting the smartphone and growing concern of exploits targeting the cellular infrastructure. Telecommunication advances such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) continue to move cellular communications to an all IP core. An all IP core is part of the move to Next Generation Network (NGN). However, the transition to NGN is expected to occur over time, and during the lengthy transition period multiple generations of telecommunication must coexist and interoperate. Legacy telecommunication equipment such as 3G cellular communications and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) must interoperate with modern telecommunication equipment such as 4G/LTE and IMS. Cellular telecommunications provide IP connectivity to external networks including the Internet. Thus, both legacy and NGN cellular telecommunications are vulnerable to the same classes of threats as other networked computer systems connected to the Internet, in addition to threats associated with their legacy systems. Cyber security analysis of these systems remains a significant challenge. Traditional techniques such as red-teaming, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing are often unsatisfactory and limited in scope because of the lack of access to telecommunication infrastructure equipment. The consequence is that the effects of a cyber-attack on cellular telecommunications are often unknown.In order to provide greater cellular telecommunications security posture and insight to system providers, equipment manufacturers, and researchers, security analysis of these systems must occur. Performing experiments on telecommunication systems or on a telecommunication testbed is a key part of security analysis. To overcome the problems with security analysis using expensive telecommunication hardware, Sandia National Laboratories has developed a cellular telecommunication cyber-security analysis testbed using physical hardware, extensive virtualization and emulated machines, and simulation to answer complex system questions about cellular systems and their interaction with legacy and NGN fixed systems. In this paper we will discuss the testbed development and components, several use-cases that were executed during the course of the study which leverage the testbed, the types of cyber-attacks that can be assessed, and the class of questions security analysts can now ask and answer about cyber-attacks against cellular systems. In the use-cases we used the testbed to assess the system-level impacts when published component-level vulnerabilities are exploited by a red team.
Cellular metabolism of lead: A kinetic analysis in cultured osteoclastic bone cells☆

Abstract Detailed characterization of the modulation of lead metabolism in bone is necessary to understand the role of skeletal lead in the expression of clinical and biochemical effects of lead intoxication. The metabolism of lead in osseous tissue is also clinically important because it is the major site of chelation by therapeutic agents, such as CaNa 2 -EDTA and d -penicillamine. Experiments were conducted to characterize the steady-state kinetic distribution and behavior of 210 Pb in osteoclastic bone cells and to identify the biological structures or functions associated with the kinetic pools. Bone cells, derived from mouse calvaria, were enriched for osteoclasts by a sequential collagenase digestion and maintained in primary culture for 1 week. Cultures were labeled with 210 Pb as 5 μ m lead acetate for 20 hr and the kinetic parameters were obtained by analysis of 210 Pb washout curves. Cellular metabolism was defined by three kinetic pools of intracellular lead containing ∼10% ( S 1 ). ∼12% ( S 2 ), and ∼78% ( S 3 ) of total cellular lead (1.2 nmol/mg cell protein). The halftimes for isotopic exchange were 1, 27, and 480 min, respectively. These data indicate that lead is readily exchangeable from osteoclastic bone cells and, as in soft tissues (hepatocytes), the bulk of cellular lead is associated with mitochondria.
d-xylose active transport in the hamster small intestine

Abstract D -Xylose is accumulated by rings of hamster small intestine, in vitro, through the same equilibrating mobile-carrier mechanism involved in glucose active transport. It is not necessary to postulate the presence of a distinct accumulation step in order to explain energy-dependent sugar accumulation. The experimental evidence is as follows: 1. 1. Under aerobic conditions, tissue/medium xylose concentration ratios may be higher than 1. 2. 2. Xylose transport exhibits saturation kinetics, with a Km of the order of 100–300 mM, which is about 100 times higher than that of substrates such as glucose. 3. 3. Phlorizin which is a competitive inhibitor of glucose transport also competitively inhibits xylose transport. 4. 4. Xylose exhibits reciprocal (competitive) inhibition with glucose and its analogs. 5. 5. Other compounds, e.g., α-methylmannoside and d -lyxose also serve as substrates for the glucose carrier, but with even smaller affinities than xylose. For most practical purposes, they are inert, but their characteristics add weight to the evidence for xylose as a substrate. 6. 6. In accord with the mobile-carrier concept, xylose countertransport (substrate-induced counterflow) can be demonstrated using glucose and other actively transported sugars as elicitors. 7. 7. As is true for glucose, the apparent affinity of xylose for the carrier is enhanced by Na+ and depressed by K+, and the direction of net xylose transport reflects the medium/tissue Na+ concentration ratio.
Reasons for conversion to Islam among women in the United States.

Nine reported reasons for converting to Islam were quantitatively assessed regarding prevalence and importance among 304 women in the United States. The appeal of Muslim moral values and dissatisfaction with one's former faith were primary reasons, followed closely by enhanced sense of identity and
Why Some Cities Provide More Public Goods than Others: A Subnational Comparison of the Provision of Public Goods in German Cities in 1912

What determines a government’s level of public goods provision? Most scholarship tends to focus on the “demand side” of public goods provision, highlighting how varying patterns of social preferences shape the provision of public goods. In an analysis of municipal hospitals and infant health clinics in Germany’s 84 largest cities in 1912, this article uses an original dataset to test a variety of hypotheses to introduce an alternative logic centered around the institutional capability of local governments. The findings suggest a supply-side theory of public goods provision in which the fiscal resources of cities and the professionalism of local government officials are important determinants of the level of public goods. The implications of these findings are two-fold: first, in federal political systems, highly capable local governments—with resources, expertise and professionalism—might represent a “decentralized” or “bottom-up” path for achieving higher overall levels of state infrastructural power in a political system. Second, public health threats might serve as a crucial trigger for the development of local capacity and hence state infrastructural power more broadly.
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation of the face-centered cubic/hexagonal close-packed martensite transformation in Co-31.8 wt pct Ni alloy: Part 1. Plate interfaces and growth ledges

The face-centered cubic/hexagonal close-packed (fcc/hcp) martensite transformation in a Co-31.8 wt pct Ni alloy was studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to study the structure and properties of growth ledges, the tips of martensite plates, and martensite nucleation sites. The HRTEM image simulations were performed in order to determine the effects of both beam and crystal tilt on the experimental images. In the investigation, it was determined that the fcc/hcp martensite transformation in Co-Ni occurs by the passage of Shockley partial dislocation ledges (b=1/6〈112〉) along every other (111) plane in the fcc matrix. The hcp martensite thickens by the lateral movement of ledges across the fcc/hcp interface. Although superledges were observed, the majority of the ledges were two (0002) planes and this is the basic ledge height. Image simulations show that both beam and crystal tilt can have a marked effect on HRTEM images of fine hcp martensite plates. The effects of tilt must be minimized in order to unambiguously resolve the interfacial structure.