cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obesity and Race May Explain Differential Burden of White Matter Hyperintensity Load.

Objective Compared to European Americans, research indicates that African Americans have higher white matter hyperintensity (WMH) load; however, the clinical and biological bases underlying this higher burden are poorly understood. We hypothesize that obesity may explain differences in WMH between African and European Americans. Methods Participants enrolled in longitudinal brain aging studies (n=292; 61% Female; 92% European American; mean age=69.6±7.7) completed evaluations including medical exams, neuroimaging, and sociodemographic surveys. Overweight/obese status defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, and WMH load, captured by FLAIR images, as sum of deep and periventricular volumes, scored using the Fazekas scale (0-6), WMH≥4 considered high. Results Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, and smoking history, indicated that age and interaction between race and obesity were significant predictors of WMH, demonstrating that obesity significantly moderated the relationship between race and WMH. Age independently increased the odds of high WMH by 16% (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.09-1.23, p<0.001). Stratified analysis indicates that older European Americans had increased WMH (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.09-1.23, p<0.001), while obese African Americans had increased WMH (OR=27.65, 95% CI=1.47-519.13, p<0.05). In a case controlled subgroup matched by age, sex, and education (n=48), African Americans had significantly higher WMH load (27% vs 4%, Χ2=5.3, p=0.02). Conclusion Results denote that age predicted WMH among European Americans, while obesity predicted WMH among African Americans. Matched sample analyses indicate that obesity increases the odds of WMH, though more pronounced in African Americans. These findings suggest that obesity may explain the differential burden of white matter hyperintensity load, signifying public health and clinical importance.
Learning Multiresolution Matrix Factorization and its Wavelet Networks on Graphs.

Multiresolution Matrix Factorization (MMF) is unusual amongst fast matrix factorization algorithms in that it does not make a low rank assumption. This makes MMF especially well suited to modeling certain types of graphs with complex multiscale or hierarchical strucutre. While MMF promises to yields a useful wavelet basis, finding the factorization itself is hard, and existing greedy methods tend to be brittle. In this paper we propose a learnable version of MMF that carfully optimizes the factorization with a combination of reinforcement learning and Stiefel manifold optimization through backpropagating errors. We show that the resulting wavelet basis far outperforms prior MMF algorithms and provides the first version of this type of factorization that can be robustly deployed on standard learning tasks.
Carbohydrate catabolism of selected strains in the genus Agrobacterium.

Radiorespirometric and enzyme analyses were used to reveal the glucose-catabolizing mechanisms functioning in single strains of seven presumed Agrobacterium species. The Entner-Doudoroff and pentose cycle pathways functioned in A. radiobacter, A. tumefaciens, A. rubi, and A. rhizogenes. Whereas both catabolic pathways were utilized to an almost equal degree in the A. radiobacter and A. tumefaciens strains, use of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway predominated in the A. rubi and A. rhizogenes strains. A. stellulatum catabolized glucose almost solely through the Entner-Doudoroff pathway. In A. pseudotsugae and A. gypsophilae, glucose was metabolized mainly through the Emden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway; the pentose phosphate pathway was also utilized.
Improved estimation of discrete probability density functions using multirate models

For many decades, the problem of estimating a pdf based on measurements has been of interest to many researchers. Even though much work has been done in the area of pdf estimation, most of it was focused on the continuous case. In this paper, we propose a new model based approach for estimating a discrete probability density function. This approach is based on multirate dsp theory, and it has several advantages over the traditional histogram method. It is shown that this method yields an unbiased pdf estimate with small variance, which is guaranteed to have a smaller estimation error than the histogram. Simulation results are given, which show the merit of the proposed method.
Alleviating physical space constraints using virtual space?: A study from an urban academic library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether virtual space can be used to alleviate physical space constraints for group collaboration in an urban academic library environment. Specifically, this paper looks to uncover whether library users will turn to library‐provided virtual space when there is a scarcity of physical space.Design/methodology/approach – This project discusses the design of the physical and virtual environment, and then measures the use of this environment quantitatively over a 47‐month period (2005‐2009).Findings – Results indicate that physical spaces for group collaboration are in very high demand, whereas virtual ones are not. A scarcity of physical collaboration spaces does not lead users to library‐provided virtual space, but rather to work around the scarcity in the physical world.Originality/value – The paper highlights the value of the library as a gathering place and the ways in which virtual collaboration space cannot easily take the place of physical collabor...
An integrable one-dimensional Fermi system with magnetic impurities. II. Low-temperature thermodynamics

For pt.I see ibid., vol.17, p.893 (1984). Thermodynamic equations are derived, for a model of a one-dimensional metal containing magnetic impurities, using the exact Bethe ansatz solution. Explicit expressions for the magnetisation, susceptibility, and specific heat are given in three low-temperature regions of the H, T plane.
Interaction of Agromyces ramosus with Other Bacteria in Soil.

Agromyces ramosus occurs in very high numbers in most soils and, based on studies of laboratory isolates, does not require host cells for growth. Nevertheless, it attacked and destroyed most of the gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial species tested as possible host organisms. A. ramosus also attacked and destroyed Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The possibility of attack on fungi was unclear. Among the bacteria serving as hosts were the important soil species Azotobacter vinelandii, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Rhizobium meliloti, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Dead cells were not attacked. A. vinelandii cysts were attacked but left unharmed. To some extent, A. vinelandii seemed to survive this attack by encysting. Attack by A. ramosus occurred in natural soil and over a broad range of nutritional levels in laboratory media. The attack did not seem to be a means for obtaining an increased supply of commonly available nutrients. Instead, it seemed to be a means of obtaining something produced, perhaps in small amounts, by a variety of organisms, but not by all organisms. Several types of culture filtrates were tested for activity. The filtrates neither stimulated nor inhibited the growth of A. ramosus or the host organisms. The availability of catalase activity in host organisms did not seem to be involved. It is not known whether the attack by Agromyces ramosus in soil can be manipulated to cause a decrease in numbers of Agrobacterium tumefaciens or other pathogens without simultaneously depressing the numbers of beneficial organisms in this habitat. Images
WestlawNext: Westlaw's Next Generation Research System

Written for Student Lawyer magazine, this legal research column introduces students to Westlaw's newest iteration – WestlawNext. The author touches on several of WestlawNext's important features, including strengths and weaknesses of the new system.
School Violence: Fears Versus Facts

Illustrated with numerous case studies–many drawn from the author’s work as a forensic psychologist–this book identifies 19 myths and misconceptions about youth violence, from ordinary bullying to rampage shootings. It covers controversial topics such as gun control and the effects of entertainment violence on children. The author demonstrates how fear of school violence has resulted in misguided, counterproductive educational policies and practices ranging from boot camps to zero tolerance. He reviews evidence from hundreds of controlled studies showing that school-based school violence prevention programs and mental health services, which are largely effective, are often overlooked in favor of politically popular yet ineffective programs such as school uniforms, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and Scared Straight. He concludes by reviewing some of his own research on student threat assessment as a more flexible and less punitive alternative to zero tolerance, and presents a wide ranging series of recommendations for improving and expanding the use of school-based violence prevention programs and mental health services for troubled students. Key features include the following: Contrarian Approach–This book identifies and refutes 19 basic misconceptions about trends in youth violence and school safety, and shows how the fear of school violence has been exaggerated through inaccurate statistics, erroneous conclusions about youth violence, and over-emphasis on atypical, sensational cases. Readability–The book translates scientific, evidence-based research into language that educators, parents, law enforcement officers, and policymakers can readily understand and shows what can be done to improve things. Expertise–Dewey Cornell is a forensic psychologist and Professor of Education at the University of Virginia, where he holds an endowed chair in Education. He is Director of the UVA Youth Violence Project and is a faculty associate of the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy. The author of more than 100 publications in psychology and education, he frequently testifies in criminal proceedings and at legislative hearings involving violence prevention efforts. This book is appropriate for courses or seminars dealing wholly or partly with school violence and school safety. It is also an indispensable volume for school administrators and safety officers; local, state, and national policymakers; involved parents; and academic libraries serving these groups.
Carl J. Wiggers, M.D.

There is an old saying that we are able to see things in science today because we stand on the shoulders of giants. Certainly, Dr. Carl Wiggers was one of the most eminent giants in the area of shock research and cardiovascular physiology. He was born on May 28, 1883 in Davenport, Iowa. At that time, this was a city of near 50,000 population on the Mississippi River and had traditionally been a starting point for immigration to the western aspects of the United States. Dr. Wiggers’ parents were from the duchy of Holstein and he took considerable pride in his german decent. He grew up and attended the public schools at Davenport with his only sibling, a sister Helen who was four years his junior. His father was the manager of one of the most prominent rathskeller in the city. During this time period these establishments served as places of social gathering, especially for the numerous german speaking people who lived in this very fertile agricultural area.
Rigidity in the Scope of Russell's Theory

In Naming and Necessity Saul Kripke argues for a series of interconnected conclusions about the semantics of names and about the modal and epistemic status of sentences involving names. Many take him to have displaced the previously dominant so-called Frege-Russell theory. Kripke uses a battery of arguments against the theories he rejects. Here I will focus on one of those arguments. In the preface Kripke briefly describes the genesis of some of the leading ideas of his monograph. In particular he gives some further explanation concerning modality and rigid designation. Of course a thorough discussion cannot be expected within the bounds of a preface. His remarks are meant only to amplify, in a limited way, the main text. Still, the preface contains, in broad outlines but perhaps more clearly than anywhere else in the text, an important argument against the thesis that names are disguised (or abbreviated) definite descriptions. It is this argument-the modal argument-and Kripke's reply to a possible objection to the argument that I will resist here. Kripke's argument, though by his own admission not stated thoroughly or in detail, has been widely influential. Many today take this work (together with that of Donnellan and Putnam and others) to have refuted a Russellian view of names. The argument on which I will focus may seem to be the most decisive. It is interesting too because of its connection with Kripke's thesis of names as "rigid designators"-a thesis for which he is responsible and celebrated. But the so-called Frege-Russell view' contains, it seems to me, deep insights into the nature of the referential or intentional relation, insights which are less well appreciated today. Only by dispelling the widespread feeling that the theory is inadequate to actual linguistic data can we begin to understand again some of its philosophical depth. This is not the first attempt to defend Russell along the lines to be pursued below.2 I do, however, present a new and more detailed defense, one that takes full account of Kripke's position.
Lipophilic benzamide and anilide derivatives as high-performance liquid chromatography internal standards: application to sirolimus (rapamycin) determination

Abstract Finding a suitable internal standard in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is often difficult. A general approach for selecting and synthesizing the proper internal standard is presented and applied to a validated method for quantitation of sirolimus in several biological matrices. A series of fifteen N-alkylbenzamides, N-alkyltoluamides and N-alkanoylanilines with a log P range of 3.51 to 6.68 were synthesized as internal standards; N-undecyl-o-toluamide was evaluated most extensively. Sirolimus quantitation involves a simple sample clean-up procedure followed by isocratic chromatography on a heated C18 analytical column with an 70% methanol–water mobile phase and ultraviolet detection at 278 nm. This method was linear from 2.5 to 200 ng with a limit of quantitation of 2.5 ng using a 1-ml blood sample. Sirolimus recovery was above 72.1%. The intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variation were less than 11.7%. Several drugs and sirolimus metabolites do not interfere with the analysis. This method was used to measure sirolimus in blood from rats, rabbits and humans.
Psychobiological models of adolescent risk: implications for prevention and intervention.

The papers in this special section address the phenomena of observed increases in risky behavior during the adolescent period of development. Authors provide well-documented evidence that adolescents are at greater risk for a range of psychological and behavioral problems during this period than at any other time in development. The papers share a developmental and psychobiological perspective on this period, noting that biological, social, and contextual factors interact to produce heightened risk for problematic behavior during this period. This perspective suggests several points of entry for intervention and prevention efforts aimed at reducing both mental and behavioral health problems. Gaps in current research efforts are noted, as is the need for more research focusing on mechanisms of change prior to and during adolescence. Language: en
Race-ethnicity and determinants of intracranial atherosclerotic cerebral infarction : the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study

Background and Purpose The aim of this investigation was to determine the importance of race as a determinant of intracranial atherosclerotic stroke in a community-based stroke sample. Methods Residents from northern Manhattan over age 39 years hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (n=438, black 35%, Hispanic 46%, white 19%) were prospectively evaluated. Index ischemic strokes were classified as atherosclerotic (17%), lacunar (30%), cardioembolic (21%), cryptogenic (31%), and other (1%). Atherosclerotic infarcts were subdivided into extracranial (9%) and intracranial (8%) atherosclerosis. Results The proportion of extracranial atherosclerotic stroke was similar among the three race-ethnic groups, while intracranial atherosclerosis was more frequent in blacks and Hispanics. The unadjusted odds ratio for nonwhites (blacks and Hispanics combined) was 0.8 (confidence interval [CI], 0.4 to 1.8) for extracranial and 7.8 (CI, 1.04 to 57.7) for intracranial atherosclerosis. Patients with intracranial disease wer...
Unpacking facts about librarianship abroad: in Turkey

Commentaires sur l'organisation des bibliotheques en Turquie, les activites des bibliothecaires et le probleme majeur pose par la litterature de langue anglaise, preponderante dans toutes les bibliotheques
Chronic intrahypothalamic insulin infusion in the rat: Behavioral specificity

This study examines whether chronic intrahypothalamic (IH) insulin infusions suppress body weight and food intake directly or via effects on water intake or activity. Insulin (15 microU/h) was infused into the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of rats for 1 week. If IH insulin infusions primarily suppress water intake, animals should consume less water during insulin infusion in the absence of food. In the first experiment in this study, rats food deprived during IH insulin infusion did not drink significantly less than during vehicle infusion. This implies that IH insulin affects water intake secondarily to its impact on food intake. Insulin might suppress food intake and body weight by decreasing overall activity levels, including activity involved in ingestive behavior. In the second experiment, rats' activity on a running wheel was measured during IH insulin and vehicle infusion; activity increased during insulin infusion compared to vehicle infusion. These findings suggest that insulin's effects on food intake and body weight are via a mechanism that does not appear to directly influence water intake, and does not reduce overall activity levels.
1605 THE EFFECTS OF ALDOSTERONE ON POTASSIUM EXCRETION IN THE DEVELOPING DOG

Previous reports from this laboratory have demonstrated the prominent role of aldosterone in the renal tubular transport of Na+ in the newborn. The current studies concern the relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and the urinary excretion of K+ (UkV). Mongrel puppies of either sex, 1 or 6-weeks old (n=6 in each group) were anesthetized and infused with increasing amounts of aldosterone. Measurements of PAC were done by radioimmunoassay, whereas serum and urine K+ were measured by flame photometry. As expected, a direct relationship obtained between PAC, which varied between 19.1 ± 2.8 and 465.0 ± 37.5 ng/dl in the newborn and 5.0 ± 0.3 and 317.3 ± 36.1 ng/dl in the mature animals, and UkV. However, the slope of the regression line describing the behavior ot the older animals (y=5.97 ± .02, r2=.83) was significantly steeper (p .3) between the slopes of the regression lines describing the relationship between PAC and UNa V in the 1 week 2(y=2.00 - .003x, r2=.65) and the 6-week-old animals (y=3.76 - .004x, r2=.44). Thus, aldosterone affects to a larger extent Na+ reabsorption than K+ excretion during early life. The ensuing retention of both electrolytes should contribute to the positive external balance characteristic of growth.
Eicosanoid Signaling and Vascular Dysfunction: Methylmercury-Induced Phospholipase D Activation in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Mercury, especially methylmercury (MeHg), is implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Earlier, we have reported that MeHg induces phospholipase D (PLD) activation through oxidative stress and thiol-redox alteration. Hence, we investigated the mechanism of the MeHg-induced PLD activation through the upstream regulation by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and lipid oxygenases such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) in the bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAECs). Our results showed that MeHg significantly activated both PLA2 (release of [3H]arachidonic acid, AA) and PLD (formation of [32P]phosphatidylbutanol) in BPAECs in dose- (0–10 μM) and time-dependent (0–60 min) fashion. The cPLA2-specific inhibitor, arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), significantly attenuated the MeHg-induced [3H]AA release in ECs. MeHg-induced PLD activation was also inhibited by AACOCF3 and the COX- and LOX-specific inhibitors. MeHg also induced the formation of COX- and LOX-catalyzed eicosanoids in ECs. MeHg-induced cytotoxicity (based on lactate dehydrogenase release) was protected by PLA2-, COX-, and LOX-specific inhibitors and 1-butanol, the PLD-generated PA quencher. For the first time, our studies showed that MeHg activated PLD in vascular ECs through the upstream action of cPLA2 and the COX- and LOX-generated eicosanoids. These results offered insights into the mechanism(s) of the MeHg-mediated vascular endothelial cell lipid signaling as an underlying cause of mercury-induced cardiovascular diseases.
Experimental analysis of friction stir forming for dissimilar material joining application

Abstract Mass reduction of automotive body structures is a critical part of achieving reduced CO2 emissions in the automotive industry. There has been significant work on the application of ultra high strength steels and aluminum alloys. However, the next paradigm is the integrated use of both materials, which poses a challenge of how to join the dissimilar materials. Friction stir forming is a new manufacturing process for joining dissimilar materials. The concept of this process is stir heating one material and forming it into a mechanical interlocking joint with the second material. In this research the process was experimentally analyzed in a position controlled robotic friction stir welding machine between aluminum and steel workpieces. New tool geometries were evaluated toward the goal of optimizing joint strength. The significant process parameters were identified and their optimized settings for the current experimental conditions defined using a design of experiments methodology. A scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the bonding and joint structure for single and multi-pin configurations. Two failure modes, aluminum sheet peeling and bonding delamination, i.e. braze fracture, were identified. It was found that the presence of zinc coating on the steel and overall joint geometry greatly affected the joint strength. The aluminum–zinc braze joint appears to be the largest contributor to joint strength for the single-pin joint configuration. The multi-pin geometry enabled a distribution of load to the four pins following fracture of the braze for increased joint toughness and ductility. Thus, the FSF method has been shown to exhibit potential for joining of aluminum to steel.
High Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell and Module

The improvement of cell performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) was investigated by means of haze of TiO2 electrodes and series-internal resistance. It was found that the high haze of TiO 2 electrodes effectively improves the external quantum efficiency of DSCs. The series-internal resistance is successfully reduced by increasing the surface roughness of platinum counter electrodes and by decreasing the thickness of electrolyte layer. The highest single cell efficiency of 11.1% (aperture area: 0.219 cm2 ) was achieved and confirmed by a public test center (AIST). Furthermore, large-scaled cell was fabricated using current collecting metal grids, and the efficiency of 6.8% (aperture area: 101 cm2 ) was obtained. Moreover, integrated DSC module was investigated and the efficiency of 6.3% (aperture area: 26.50 cm2) was also confirmed by the public test center
Recovery of the US representation over time during extinction

Abstract Four experiments used a conditioned suppression procedure in rats to explore changes in the US representation over time during the course of extinction. They employed two previously reported effects: reinstatement of responding to an extinguished CS by separate US presentation, and the erasure of that effect by interposed nonreinforcement of a second excitatory CS. These effects have been interpreted as enhancing and depressing the US representation, respectively. Experiment 1 found the erasing effect to decrease but still to remain substantial after over a 4-day period, suggesting a partial recovery with time of a deliberately depressed US representation. Experiment 2 implicated this change as a contributor to the phenomenon of spontaneous recovery by showing that recovery to be sensitive to erasure effects. Experiments 3 and 4 found evidence for an interaction between the state of the US representation and the amount of associative change which results from nonreinforcement of an excitatory CS. When the US representation was strong, either because of reinstatement or the passage of time, nonreinforcement of a CS was especially effective in producing associative change. When the US representation had been depressed by erasure, those nonreinforcements produced relatively less associative loss. Moreover, these effects upon associations were reasonably stable in the sense that they left asymptotic differences in the strength of associations after extinction. Together with previous findings, these results point to an important role for the US representation in the performance and learning which occurs during extinction.
Effect of pharmacological daytime doses of melatonin on human mood and performance

Melatonin (10, 20, 40, or 80 mg, PO) or placebo was administered at 1145 hours on five separate occasions to 20 healthy male volunteers and the effects on serum melatonin levels, mood, performance, and oral temperature were monitored. Subjects were studied between 0930 and 1700 hours. A battery of interactive computer tasks designed to assess performance and mood was completed, oral temperature was measured, and blood samples were taken for serum melatonin radioimmunoassay. The areas under the time-melatonin concentration curve (AUC) varied significantly in proportion to the various melatonin doses. Compared with placebo treatment, all melatonin doses significantly decreased oral temperature, number of correct responses in auditory vigilance, response latency in reaction time, and self-reported vigor. Melatonin also increased self-reported fatigue, confusion, and sleepiness.
Is there a role for enucleation in the management of ameloblastoma

This study aimed to determine the appropriate long-term management for ameloblastoma and the role of enucleation in the management of the subtypes of ameloblastoma (solid ameloblastomas, cystic ameloblastomas and peripheral ameloblastomas). They differ in their degrees of aggressive behavior and recurrence rates. This is an evidence-based study with review of relevant articles from PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Articles were categorized for quality according to the Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM). 58 articles met the inclusion criteria; their evidence level varied from IIA to V. No randomized control trials were identified. Solid and multicystic ameloblastomas have a high recurrence rate (60-80%) with simple enucleation and require more aggressive treatment. The treatment of choice is resection with 1-cm margins. This may require segmental resection in the mandible, and partial maxillectomy in the maxilla. For the unicystic ameloblastoma recurrence rates are high for simple enucleation. The intraluminal subtype of unicystic ameloblastoma may do well with enucleation, but the intramural subtype may not, and since these cannot be identified preoperatively more aggressive treatment is recommended, including peripheral ostectomy or enucleation with subsequent treatment of the surrounding bone with liquid nitrogen, Carnoy's solution, or similar physicochemical modality. The peripheral ameloblastoma has a different origin and responds to local excision.
Peripherally inserted central catheter thrombosis--reverse tapered versus nontapered catheters: a randomized controlled study.

Abstract Purpose To compare the thrombosis rate, ease of insertion, bleeding rate, and complications of a nontapered peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) versus a reverse tapered PICC. Methods This was a prospective randomized, controlled trial conducted in single center. All patients 18–90 years old requiring PICC insertion were considered for the study. All patients were followed until PICC removal. Ultrasound examination of the arm was performed at PICC removal or at 28 days. There were 332 patients randomly assigned—164 to the nontapered PICC group and 168 to the reverse tapered PICC group. Results The overall thrombosis rate was 71.9%. The thrombosis rate was 70.4% in the nontapered PICC group and 73.4% in the reverse tapered PICC group ( P = .58). The symptomatic thrombosis rate was 4.3% in the nontapered PICC group and 3.6% in the reverse tapered PICC group ( P = .75). The complete thrombosis rate was 15.6% in the nontapered PICC group compared with 20.8% in the reverse tapered PICC group ( P = .44). There was a statistically significantly higher thrombosis rate in patients with cancer (71.9% vs 66.7%, P = .002). Conclusions This study showed a high incidence of thrombosis of peripheral veins used for PICC insertion. The implication of this thrombosis is significant in light of the morbidity and potential mortality associated with this condition. A difference in thrombosis rate between devices could not be detected in this study.
Ca II emission from old red giants in the globular cluster M15

MURPHYet al.1 recently observed characteristic emission of Ca II from the globular cluster Ml5, and argued that this emission came from a population of primordial binary stars. Their conclusion appears theoretically attractive in relation to the study of the dynamics and evolution of globular clusters2,3. We argue here, however, that the Ca II K-line emission in various types of hard binary systems differs in strength and width from the Ml5 spectra, and we demonstrate that the M15 emission closely resembles that from metal-deficient red giants of the halo population in our Galaxy. Chromospheric activity, indicated by emission in Ca II, Hα and Mg II, occurs in red giants in both globular clusters and halo-population field giants4–6 A simple detection of Ca II emission is thus not a unique signature of binaries, and in the case of M15 we argue that red giants are the more likely cause.
Targeted overexpression of an inactive calmodulin that binds Ca2+ to the mouse pancreatic beta-cell results in impaired secretion and chronic hyperglycemia

We have previously reported that elevated levels of calmodulin in pancreatic beta-cells of mice resulted in a unique secretory defect. To determine if this effect was due to Ca2+ buffering, a mutant form of calmodulin that has an eight-amino acid deletion in the central helix (CaM-8) was used. The mutated calmodulin binds Ca2+ normally, but alters the ability to interact with known Ca2+/calmodulin-activated enzymes. In vitro competition analysis using HIT cell extracts verified that in the presence of Ca2+, CaM-8 exhibited at least a 100-fold lower affinity for calmodulin-binding proteins than did normal CaM in this model beta-cell. Transgenic mice were then generated by targeting the CaM-8 to pancreatic beta-cells. The CaM-8 mice were normoglycemic at birth, but developed a hyperglycemic condition starting at about 6 days of age. This condition was progressive and characterized by elevated blood glucose that coincided with reduced levels of pancreatic insulin and low circulating serum insulin levels. Hormone measurements and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that islets exhibited a nonimmune reduction of insulin immunoreactive beta-cells, reduced amounts of insulin, and a 5-fold higher level of CaM-8 protein relative to normal CaM protein. Perifusion assays were used to test the secretion response to glucose. CaM-8 islets demonstrated a reduction in first and second phase insulin secretion, which became progressively worse with age. Depolarization of the membrane with 50 mM K+ in the presence of high glucose did not significantly improve secretion. Carbachol, which is thought to act in beta-cells through the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores and activation of protein kinase-C, restored both phases of secretion to normal levels. These results suggest that disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis alone is sufficient to interfere with the insulin secretion pathway.
Thermal oxidation characteristics of chemical vapour deposited diamond films

Thermal oxidation characteristics of chemical vapour deposited diamond films were studied at 973 K and at different oxygen potentials by analysing the samples before and after partial oxidation using optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman and luminescence spectroscopy. On oxidation, diamond films attached to the silicon wafers undergo a, colour change. Oxidation proceeds by etching pits on the diamond grains in the films. There is no evidence of any phase transformation of diamond to non-diamond carbon forms. The concentration of defects, particularly neutral vacancies, increase on oxidation. Possible routes for the reaction between diamond and oxygen are postulated.
The Functional Reach Test for Balance

Postural strategies to control static standing balance during sudden disturbances have been explored and reported in the research literature over the past 20 years. The ability to control static ba...
Therapy insight: Interactions between atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity are coinciding epidemics. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) correlates directly with obesity and is highly prevalent among middle-aged adults. Emerging evidence supports a strong association between AF and OSA. The rate of AF among patients with OSA is low but is nevertheless higher than that in the general population. The prevalence of OSA among patients with AF is strikingly high-at least 32% and possibly as high as 49%-although differences in the AF populations studied and the criteria used to diagnose OSA have prevented more accurate measurement of this rate. Data in focused populations at risk of AF show that OSA increases the frequency and recurrence of AF. These findings cannot, however, be reliably generalized to the larger OSA population. Although the available information is limited, treatment of OSA, particularly with continuous positive airway pressure, seems to substantially reduce the frequency of AF. If true, this approach would provide a safe and noninvasive therapy for some patients with AF. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to rigorously answer this question. Many data have been obtained from studies with focuses other than the direct relationship between OSA and AF. Studies carefully designed to investigate the relevant issues are now needed.
A unifying view of coherence in signal processing

Abstract The concept of coherence is fundamental and quite important in all fields dealing with fluctuating quantities. Although there is a commonality among the many uses of the term coherence, the precise meaning of this term seems to vary from one field to another and even within some fields. The purpose of this tutorial paper is to present a unifying view of the concept of coherence that is particularly relevant to the related fields of statistical signal processing and time-series analysis, which permeate numerous other more specialized fields. Precise mathematical definitions of a variety of types of coherence are given and are related to commonly used physical meanings. A brief survey of methods, which can be implemented with digital signal processing algorithms, for exploiting the various types of coherence that can occur in measurements of fluctuating quantities is presented. Of the three types of coherence - temporal, spectral and spatial - some emphasis is placed on spectral coherence since its use in signal processing has received the least attention in the literature.
RUBreathing: non-contact real time respiratory rate monitoring system

The respiration rate of a person provides critical information about their well-being. Conventionally, contact sensing is used for breathing monitoring; however, it is expensive, uncomfortable, and immobile. In-home non-contact breathing monitoring is now possible via Doppler radar and motion capture video sensors, yet these technologies are limited in mobility, among other limitations. When monitoring a patient who is free to move around his or her home, it is dificult to scale current non-contact sensors to cover the large area. Our RUBreathing sensor system uses RF received signal strength (RSS) in a network to estimate breathing rate in real-time with high accuracy over a wide area. In this demonstration, we show the sensor continuously estimating a patient's respiration rate from non-contact RSS measurements between wireless devices.
A Preliminary Evaluation of Training Parents to Use Facilitative Strategies with Their Children with Profound Disabilities

This article describes the effects of an intervention in which parents were taught to use facilitative strategies when interacting with their children with profound disabilities. The intervention c...
Relaxation of Ni(111) Surface by Oxygen Adsorption

We have shown by displacement-sensitive high-energy ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$-ion scattering that the clean Ni (111) surface has a bulklike structure with \ensuremath{\sim}20% enhancement of surface thermal vibration, and that the $p(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ and $(\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3})R30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ superstructures on the oxygen-adsorbed surface are accompanied by expansion of the first nickel layer by \ensuremath{\sim}0.15 \AA{}. In addition, the absolute oxygen coverages for these two superstructures and at saturation were measured to be \ensuremath{\sim}\textonequarter{}, $\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{1}{3}$, and \ensuremath{\sim}3 monolayers, respectively.
Approximate solutions of Bezout type equations and stabilization of a new class of infinite dimensional systems via realizable compensators

Using the realization theoretic approach in [1-2] expressions are obtained for approximate solutions of Bezout type equations QX + RY = ?, together with the suprenum norm of the error. These are in terms of realizations as well as the Hankel maps associated with the given system. In the case of a commonly used algebra for infinite dimensional systems introduced by Collier and Desoer ([3-4],[8],[11]), our techniques in [1,2] and here become finite dimensional system theory techniques as developed in [6]. It is shown how, in that case, one can parameterize all approximating polynomial sequences for supremum norm approximation in the closed unit disc, thereby obtaining a systematic computational technique for finite dimensional stabilizing compensators. In particular, this paper provides a technique for characterization of stabilizing compensators for robust stabilization of a class of infinite dimensional systems by infinite and (quasi-)finite dimensional compensators for which realization techniques are known (Section 3). This is a much wider class of systems than typically considered ([3-4],[8],[11]). This includes a class of systems with transfer matrices in Nevalinna class (H?/H?), but not in L? (see Section 4). A parametrization of the type of compensators introduced here is also given for robust stabilization and sensitivity problems.
The Canon of Potato Science: 45. Brown Centre and Hollow Heart

Brown centre (also referred to as incipient hollow heart, brown heart, or sugar centre) and hollow heart are common physiological disorders of potato. Brown centre and hollow heart are caused by similar conditions, but can occur concurrently or separately in potato tubers. No plant pathogens have been associated with brown centre or hollow heart development and seed tubers afflicted with brown centre or hollow heart commonly produce daughter tubers with no symptoms. Furthermore, tubers afflicted with brown centre or hollow heart show no external signs or symptoms on the tuber and are rarely affected by secondary pathogens. Brown centre can be described by accumulation of brown discolouration of pith tissue which is unique relative to other disorders that cause internal browning. The brown discolouration occurs as a result of cell necrosis caused by cell membrane and organelle damage. Brown centre commonly leads to development of hollow heart under conditions suitable for its development. Conversely, brown centre may not develop into hollow heart or can disappear as the potato plant recovers from conditions and stress that led to its development. Hollow heart is best described by the development of cavities in the pith of the tuber. Hollow heart can occur anywhere along the length of the tuber but always occurs in the central pith. Hollow heart does not occur at the tuber surface. Hollow heart is best described by single or multiple cavities that are traverse or run longitudinal to the pith. Cavities can be a few mm up to 2 or more cm in diameter and can run nearly the entire length of the tuber depending on the severity of the disorder. Cavities are irregularly shaped and can be in the shape of narrow slits or in the form of stars. Potato Research (2007) 50:395–398 DOI 10.1007/s11540-008-9087-0
The external ring technique for microvascular anastomosis.

The use of an external ring in microvascular anastomosis is a new , simple technique providing excellent patency rates . One hundred percent patency rates in 0 .3 to 0.5 mm arteries has been consistently achieved. This study reports results in a controlled series of rat superficial epigastric arterial microrepairs that are in contrast to previously reported patency rates of 50% for vessels of similar size, using commercially available suture materials. t • 2
Neglect After Right Insular Cortex Infarction

Background and Purpose—Case reports have shown an association between right insular damage and neglect. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of neglect among patient groups with right or left insular infarction. Methods—We examined neglect in 9 right-handed subjects with insular stroke as evidenced by CT and/or MRI scans (4 with right insular and 5 with left insular cerebrovascular accident) between 4 and 8 weeks after acute stroke with tests of visual, tactile, and auditory perception. Results—Compared with patients with left insular lesions, patients with right insular lesions showed significant neglect in the tactile, auditory, and visual modalities. Conclusions—The right insular cortex seems to have a role in awareness of external stimuli, and infarction in this area may lead to neglect in multisensory modalities.
Laboratory Testing of River Gravel Used in Arrester Beds

The objective of this study was to investigate the engineering properties of a river gravel. The engineering properties studied included shear strength, volume change, failure strain, and modulus of elasticity. The triaxial compressive strength of the river gravel was used in a developed model to obtain the stopping distance of a runaway truck in an arrester bed. Static and dynamic triaxial compression tests were performed using a specially constructed triaxial cell on specimens 22.9 cm (9 in.) in diameter and 48.3 cm (19 in.) in height. Specially designed damping equipment was employed to perform the dynamic testing. The test specimens were subjected to different confining pressures. The results of the study not only provide data on strength, relative volume change, failure strain, and modulus of elasticity but also on the relationship between these properties and influencing factors such as relative density, confining pressure, and loading rate. The material parameters of the river gravel were applied successfully in a mathematical model developed to predict the stopping distance of a run-away truck in an arrester bed.
Departmentalization and stochastic dissimilarity

Abstract When activities within the organization are confronted with different types of stochastic environments, the owner of the firm has to evaluate the benefits and the costs involved in establishing multiple specialized divisions. The benefit from departmentalization is the ability to better match incentives to the extent of uncertainty confronting different activities. The cost of departmentalization is the increase in the number of required managerial positions, which implies that the owner has to deal with a bigger number of individuals that can assume only limited risk. Only when the extent of ‘stochastic dissimilarity’ among activities is significant, can the benefit more than outweigh the cost.
Phosphate transport in fertilized sea urchin eggs. I. Kinetic aspects

Properties of the fully developed phosphate transport system in the fertilized egg of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, were investigated. The rates of phosphate transport at concentrations of external phosphate of 1 to 44 μM, both in the absence and in the presence of 100 μM arsenate, exhibit typical saturation kinetics. At sea water concentrations of 2 μM phosphate, the rate of uptake is about 2 × 10−9 μm/egg/minute at 15°C. Arsenate is a competitive inhibitor of phosphate transport, fully and immediately reversible in its effects, yielding Ki values ranging from 10.5 to 14.1 × 10−6 M in comparison to the corresponding apparent KM (Michaelis-Menten) constants for phosphate of 5.6 to 7.5 × 10−6 M (pH 8.0, 15°C). The rate of arsenate uptake in a phosphate deficient medium amounts to 2.8 to 2.9 × 10−10 μm arsenate/egg/minute at an arsenate concentration of 2.9 to 10.2 μM arsenate (HAsO4−−), which is 9.5 and 5.6% of the rate of phosphate uptake at corresponding phosphate concentrations. Arsenate has essentially the same developmental effects at initial concentrations of 5–10 μM and 100 μM arsenate, namely no observable effects for exposure periods of 7.5 hours, although longer periods result in blockage of development at the early blastula stage. Outward flux of phosphate ions cannot be demonstrated by washing prelabelled eggs with sea water containing low or high concentrations of phosphate, even when phosphorylation has been blocked by exposing the eggs to a metabolic inhibitor. Phosphate uptake rates measured in the pH range from 5.0 to 10.0 reveal a sharp optimum at pH 8.8–8.9. Reference to the apparent pK' values of the phosphoric acid system indicate that the entering species is the HPO4−− ion. The effects on rates of phosphate uptake of exposure to sea water at pH values between 7 and 10 for 30 minute periods are fully reversible, but at lower pH values, reversal is delayed, and is only partial. Sodium molybdate (0.01 M), sodium pyrophosphate (1.5 × 10−4 M), and adenosine triphosphate (1–5 × 10−4 M) for exposure periods ranging from 40 to 180 minutes did not significantly affect phosphate uptake. Omission of Ca++ ion from artificial sea water is without effect on phosphate uptake but the absence of both Ca++ and Mg++ results in profound and irreversible depression of both phosphate uptake and development. The data of this and the following paper are consistent with the conclusion that the transport of phosphate involves a surface located carrier. The apparent secondary and tertiary ionization constants of phosphoric acid in sea water (ionic strength = 0.6885) were measured, resulting in a value for pK′2 = 6.14 and for pK′3 = 10.99, at 15°C and phosphate at infinite dilution.