cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of Recurrent Neural Networks Using Differential Minimax Game: The Deterministic Case

This paper presents a theoretical design of how a minimax equilibrium of differential game is achieved in a class of large-scale nonlinear dynamic systems, namely the recurrent neural networks. In order to realize the equilibrium, we consider the vector of external inputs as a player and the vector of internal noises (or disturbances or modeling errors) as an opposing player. The purpose of this study is to construct a nonlinear H ∞ optimal control for deterministic noisy recurrent neural networks to achieve an optimal-oriented stabilization, as well as to attenuate noise to a prescribed level with stability margins. A numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.© 2010 ASME
Chemical emergencies: Evaluation of guidelines for risk identification, assessment, and management

Abstract In the wake of tragic accidents in Italy, India, Mexico City, and elsewhere, the Council of European Communities, the International Labour Organisation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Bank have each issued guidelines for identifying, assessing, and managing risks from major hazards at industrial facilities. These guidelines are examined and compared. All treat the general problem in similar ways. Presence of a specific compound exceeding that thought to present a potential hazard to public health triggers further action. But, there are different “threshold quantities” among these guidelines due to different interpretations about such factors as toxicity and dispersive potential. A problem common to all guidelines is their failure to deal quantitatively with probabilities of accidents. Development of additional screening methods is recommended.
Angle dependence of the upper critical field of superconducting superlattices.

We present the first calculation of the full angular dependence of the upper critical field in a superconducting superlattice composed of two metals, S and N, a so-called proximity-effect-coupled system, in the dirty limit. Angle dependence is found to appear only in superlattices which exhibit the phenomenon of two- to three-dimensional crossover. We find also that angle dependence appears only when at least one of the two materials comprising the superlattice is thicker than the S-metal BCS coherence length.
Improved Beam Quality of Coherently Combined Angled-Grating Broad-Area Lasers

We improve the beam quality and performance of coherently combined angled-grating broad-area lasers through current/gain confinement. We show that the nonuniform current/gain distribution in our previous lasers excites the second-order Bragg mode and degrades the beam quality. Ion implantation is used to provide a more uniform current distribution by confining the injected current within the grating area. The far-field measurement result shows that the near-diffraction-limited single-lobe envelope is obtained. Smaller threshold and larger slope efficiency are observed in the L-I curve as well.
Charge-density-wave transport in hydrogen-doped NbSe3.

The effects of hydrogen impurities on charge-density waves (CDW's) in ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{3}$ have been investigated. Hydrogen can be introduced interstitially into ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{3}$ in concentrations of at least several atomic percent with no effects on the crystal structure and only weak effects on the Peierls transitions. The threshold electric field ${E}_{T}$ for charge-density-wave depinning and the inverse of the residual resistivity ratio ${r}_{R}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ increase monotonically with H concentration for small concentrations. For concentrations above 1.5 at. %, ${E}_{T}$ and ${r}_{R}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ exhibit a plateau, which we interpret as evidence for H clustering or ordering. Several different measurements indicate that CDW interaction with H is roughly 100 times smaller than with Ta, the most weakly perturbing substitutional impurity in ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{3}$. Hydrogen doping should thus allow study of CDW's in a new, very weakly pinned regime. In nominally pure ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{3}$ prepared by standard methods, H is present in larger quantities than any other impurity, and may play an important role in memory effects and long-time-scale fluctuation phenomena.
062. DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES: EPIGENETIC MECHANISMS IN BETA CELL FAILURE

The abnormal intrauterine milieu of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) permanently alters gene expression and function of pancreatic b -cells leading to the development of diabetes in adulthood. Expression of the pancreatic homeobox transcription factor Pdx1 is permanently reduced in IUGR and epigenetic modifications are responsible for this decrease. Exendin-4 (Ex-4), a long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog, given on days 1-6 of life increases Pdx1 expression and prevents the development of diabetes in the IUGR rat. Here we show that Ex-4 increases USF-1 and PCAF association at the proximal promoter of Pdx1, thereby increasing histone acetyl transferase (HAT) activity leading to a permanent increase in histone H3 acetylation and H3K4 methylation. Normalization of these histone modifications precludes DNA methylation thereby preventing silencing of Pdx1 in islets of IUGR animals. These studies demonstrate a novel mechanism whereby a short treatment course of Ex-4 in the newborn period prevents diabetes in adulthood by restoring Pdx1 promoter chromatin structure thus preserving Pdx1 transcription.
Statistical physics approaches for network-on-chip traffic characterization

In order to face the growing complexity of embedded applications, we aim to build highly efficient Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures which can connect in a scalable manner various computational modules of the platform. For such networked platforms, it is increasingly important to accurately model the traffic characteristics as this is intimately related to our ability to determine the optimal buffer size at various routers in the network and thus provide analytical metrics for various power-performance trade-offs. In this paper, we show that the main limitations of queueing theory and Markov chain approaches to solving the buffer sizing problem can be overcome by adopting a statistical physics approach to probability density characterization which incorporates the power law distribution, correlations, and scaling properties exhibited within an NoC architecture due to various network transactions. As experimental results show, this new approach represents a breakthrough in accurate traffic modeling under non-equilibrium conditions. As such, our results can be directly used to solve the buffer sizing problem for multiprocessor systems where communication happens via the NoC approach.
Three steps to rational imagining

Ruth Byrne presents a three-step argument to the conclusion that counterfactual imagining is rational. Insofar as this argument is valid, the conclusion is weaker than it seems. More importantly, it does not represent the central contributions of this book – contributions that, if anything, point instead to what is irrational about counterfactual imagining.
Influence of Sediment Type on Antipredator Response of the Softshell Clam, Mya arenaria

Mya arenaria (Softshell Clam) inhabit a wide range of intertidal and subtidal sediment types in the western North Atlantic. They avoid predation by burrowing deeply in the sediment. We investigated the effect of sediment type on the antipredator responses of Softshell Clams to Carcinus maenas (Green Crab) as well as the relative costs and benefits of living in different sediment types. Clam burrowing depth, growth, and Green Crab predation rate were observed in experimental plots of mud, sand, and gravel. Clams exposed to crabs burrowed deeper than did control clams in all sediment types, but clams burrowed deepest in finer sediment types. Clams in coarser sediments also had thicker shells and suffered lower rates of predation than did those in mud. These results suggest distinctive costs and benefits associated with inhabiting different sediment types. For Softshell Clams, coarse sediments are most costly metabolically, but have lower predation risk compared to finer sediments.
Regional sensitivity and spatial summation in the warmth sense.

Abstract The magnitude of warmth sensation aroused by heat irradiation and assessed by the method of magnitude estimation depends on the level of the irradiation, its areal extent, and the particular region of the body stimulated. Within a given body region, area and irradiation level both contribute to the magnitude of the warmth sensation (signifying generous spatial summation of neural signals), except that the proportional contribution of area diminishes gradually with increasing level of warmth and finally becomes negligible as the pain threshold is approached. Some regions of the body are far more responsive than others to low-level heating, but all regions respond more or less uniformly when the level of heating is high enough.
The role of hadronic cascades in GRB models of efficient neutrino production

We investigate the effects of hadronic cascades on the gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission spectra in scenarios of efficient neutrino production. By assuming a fiducial GRB spectrum and a power-law proton distribution extending to ultra-high energies, we calculate the proton cooling rate and the neutrino emission produced through photopion processes. For this, we employ a numerical code that follows the formation of the hadronic cascade by taking into account non-linear feedback effects, such as the evolution of the target photon field itself due to the contribution of secondary particles. We show that in cases of efficient proton cooling and subsequently efficient high-energy neutrino production, the emission from the hadronic cascade distorts and may even dominate the GRB spectrum. Taking this into account, we constrain the allowable values of the ratio $\eta_p=L_p/L_{\gamma}$, where $L_{p}$ and $L_{\gamma}$ are the isotropic equivalent proton and prompt gamma-ray luminosities. For the highest value of $\eta_{p}$ that does not lead to the dominance of the cascading emission, we then calculate the maximum neutrino luminosity from a single burst and show that it ranges between $(0.01- 0.6)L_{p}$ and $(0.5-1.4)L_{\gamma}$ for various parameter sets. We discuss possible implications of other parameters, such as the magnetic field strength and the shape of the initial gamma-ray spectrum, on our results. Finally, we compare the upper limit on $\eta_p$ derived here with various studies in the field, and we point out the necessity of a self-consistent treatment of the hadronic emission in order to avoid erroneously high neutrino fluxes from GRB models.
Genetic variation in North Amerindian populations: Association with sociocultural complexity

A survey of nine polymorphic loci for 82 North Amerindian populations was undertaken to test the hypothesis that increasing levels of sociocultural complexity are ineluctably accompanied by increased heterozygosity. The data reveal a significant relationship in the predicted direction. Moreover, the significant correlation between average heterozygosity and sociocultural complexity is substantially increased by the removal of 19 highly admixed samples. However, this relationship, at least among North Amerindian populations, may be more apparent than real since both mean heterozygosity and the level of sociocultural organization are significantly negatively correlated with latitude. When this latter variable is controlled for, all correlations between heterozygosity and sociocultural complexity are rendered nonsignificant.
Group Cohesiveness and Performance in the Salesforce: The Impact of Active and Passive Mechanisms of Direction

ABSTRACT Prior theoretical research suggests that group cohesiveness can be an important variable in the work, performance equation (Zander 1982; Littlepage, Cowart, and Kerr 1989). Empirical research, however, has not provided evidence of a consistent relationship. Recent developments suggest that groups need to be directed toward the work task if cohesiveness is to increase performance. Otherwise, groups may resort to undesirable behaviors such as excessive socializing. This study uses a multiple group, latent variable structural equations approach to examine the moderating influence of two directive mechanisms. The results suggest that leader initiating structure (an active mechanism), moderates the relationship in the hypothesized direction, but that group rewards (a passive mechanism) do not. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
An Optimal Resource Binding Algorithm with Inter-Transition Switching Activities for Low Power

Resource binding, a key step encountered in behavioral synthesis, has been studied intensively in the past. Among the published results, resource binding to reduce switching activity (SA) of the design for minimizing dynamic power has been one of the actively-pursued topics. Two types of SAs can be minimized: the intra-transition SA (occurring during the propagation of a single input vector) and the inter-transition SA (occurring between different input vectors). Previous work either ignored the inter-transition SA or provided heuristic to deal with it. When the inter-transition SA was considered, it was not clear previously whether the problem could still be solved optimally. In this paper, for the first time, we demonstrate that resource binding considering inter-transition SAs can be solved in polynomial time for designs that can be represented by data-flow graphs (DFG). This is realized by transforming the problem into finding the shortest path problem in a k-dimensional graph. We also propose an efficient heuristic that uses a network-flow algorithm followed by a legalization step using a bipartite matching algorithm. Experimental results show that a considerable amount of SA reduction can be obtained compared to the previous state-of-the-art results.
Collaborating with CSTA for Computer Science Education Week

The ACM CoMMiTTee for CoMpuTing eduCATion in CoMMuniTy Colleges (CCECC) is pleased to collaborate with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) for participation in the third annual Computer Science Education (CS Ed) Week. This year CS Ed Week is December 4 -10 in honor of the late visionary computer scientist, Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, whose birthday falls on December 9. Many of America’s community colleges are partnering with their local businesses and industries to prepare students for new Information Technology-related careers. Straddling between what is considered Information Technology-infused and the more traditional Information Technology programs per se, these emergent associate degrees highlight the increasing opportunities available to students for pairing their varied non-IT career interests with core IT content. As a result, colleges are attracting a diverse range of students into associatedegree programs not only tailored to today’s career opportunities but also built on strong foundational computing skills well suited for ongoing professional growth and career development. Together the CCECC and CSTA have created an eye-catching poster showcasing forward-looking occupations in the computing field along with their related associate-degree programs. This attractive poster highlights representative samplings of possible associate-degree pathways currently offered in a variety of America’s colleges. Example pathway instantiations are described below.
Prediction of a low-frequency mode in bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor molecule

Abstract One of the frontiers today in molecular biology is to measure, identify and go further to predict the low-frequency internal motion of biological macromolecules, which is crucially important for understanding the dynamic mechanism of various biological functions occurring in such molecules. Based on the theory of continuity model developed recently for dealing with the internal low-frequency motion of a biological macromolecule, it is predicted that the low-frequency phonons with wave number of about 23 cm −1 might be excited in BPTI molecule.
Postsecondary technical education, performance and employee development: A survey of employers

Abstract This study of employers' observations on the effect of education in the workplace is based on a survey of Pennsylvania employers who hire in seven technical occupations. Workers have usually completed high school; some have obtained postsecondary education. The study sought the views and policies of employers comparing workers with the two educational levels and analyzed the survey results by occupation and establishment size using multiple regressions. It measured the effect of postsecondary education on performance and turnover, as well as differences in the type of on-the-job training provided.
Effects of parent personality, upbringing, and marijuana use on the parent-child attachment relationship.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the predictors of the quality of the parent-child attachment relationship among a sample of 248 young adults with children. Method In this longitudinal study, data were collected during early adulthood in 1992 and in 1996/1997 via a structured questionnaire. Using logistic regression and multiple regression analyses, the authors assessed the extent to which participants' personality attributes, substance use, and relationships with their mothers predicted the quality of the parent-child bond. Results Logistic regression models showed that participants with certain personality attributes (e.g., high sensitivity), less frequent marijuana use, or a close relationship with their mothers had a greater likelihood of having a close parent-child attachment relationship with their own children at a later time. Regression analysis also showed that the risk of earlier substance use on the parent-child relationship was offset by protective factors in the parents' personality domain. In addition, protective factors in the various parental domains synergistically interacted with a low frequency of marijuana use, relating to a closer parent-child attachment relationship. Conclusions The findings suggest that certain parenting styles are transmitted across generations and interventions in the personality and drug use domains can help increase the likelihood that parents will form close attachment relationships with their own children.
Benzene hydrogenation over iron: II. Reaction model over unsupported and supported catalysts

Abstract The kinetic behavior of unsupported iron and iron dispersed on η-Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , carbon, and B-doped carbon in the benzene hydrogenation reaction was studied over a range of 390–515 °K, 300–700 Torr H 2 , and 15–100 Torr benzene in a differential, plug-flow reactor. Iron surface areas were measured by CO chemisorption, and turnover frequencies (TOF) over iron were found to be at least 10-fold lower than TOF values on the other Group VIII metals. These iron catalysts showed a maximum in activity vs temperature with all catalysts exhibiting this maximum near 473 °K, except for unsupported iron for which it occurred at 493 °K. Pressure dependencies on H 2 were consistently close to 3rd order whereas benzene pressure dependencies were temperature-dependent and varied between 0 and −1. A Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate expression of the form r = k 1 P H 2 3 B (1 + K B P B ) 2 was found to provide a surprisingly satisfactory fit of all the data. In addition, this rate equation predicted the observed activity maximum and provided an explanation of this behavior which has also been observed in benzene hydrogenation over other metals. Values of enthalpy and entropy of adsorption for benzene which were obtained from the optimized rate equation were very reasonable and consistent. This study provided evidence that this reaction is structure insensitive over iron. No major support effect was found on kinetic behavior; however, iron dispersed on graphitized carbon and B-doped graphitized carbon exhibited superior activity maintenance and the maximum TOF values achievable were 2–5 times higher on the B-doped catalysts than on any other catalyst.
Response to orally administered synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone in man.

ABSTRACT Serum TSH, T4, PB125I and thyroidal radioiodine uptake were measured in response to orally administered thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Doses of 1, 2 and 4 mg were given to 10 normal male subjects at 3–5-day intervals; 8 mg were given to 9 of the 10 subjects 3 days to 10 weeks following the 4 mg-dose. The serum TSH response to oral TRH was doserelated. The mean maximum increments ±sem in serum TSH produced by 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg were 0.7 ± 0.3, 1.7 ± 0.3, 2.9 ± 0.7 and 6.7 ± 1.0 μU/ml, respectively. The repetitive dosage schedule used in this study produced small, progressive increments in serum levels of T4 and increments in serum radioactive inorganic iodide, but clear increments in thyroidal radioiodine uptake and serum PB125I levels did not occur. No symptoms or toxic effects were observed. Oral administration of TRH will be a useful method of determining pituitary TSH reserve when the releasing factor is more readily available.
Hybrid Representation of Coupled Coils

A hybrid model for coupled coils is presented. It is applicable to all cases including the extreme case of ideal transformers. The need to treat the ideal transformer as a distinct circuit element is dispensed with.
Colitis and interleukin 1beta up-regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase and superoxide dismutase in rat myenteric neurons

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is rapidly induced in myenteric plexus neurons (MPNs) in acute colitis and may protect cells from nitric oxide toxicity. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) regulation was examined in acute colitis, and MnSOD and iNOS were examined in primary cultures of MPNs. METHODS: Acute colitis in rats was induced with 5% acetic acid. iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) was analyzed by Northern analysis, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase was used to identify potential NO synthase activity. MnSOD and iNOS mRNA levels were evaluated in cultured MPNs after treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL) 1beta, or IL-6. iNOS and MnSOD protein expression in control and IL-1beta-treated neurons was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: iNOS mRNA was detected in the mucosal and muscularis layers after the initiation of colitis. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase localized NO synthase activity to MPNs in controls and in epithelial cells and MPNs in the inflamed colon. In MPN cultures, tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1beta treatment resulted in induction of MnSOD, but only IL-1beta induced iNOS. Immunolocalization confirmed that the neurons were the primary source of iNOS and MnSOD. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of MnSOD and iNOS are coordinated and may limit NO cytotoxicity. The function of iNOS in gut neurons remains to be delineated. (Gastroenterology 1996 Jul;111(1):56-64)
Adhesion at the Wavy Contact Interface Between Two Elastic Bodies

The plane strain elastic contact of two bodies with a wavy contact interface is investigated. The effect of adhesion is accounted for by using the Maugis model. This periodic mixed boundary value problem is solved using integral transform techniques. Results are obtained for the extent of the contact region as a function of the dimensionless applied pressure and for various values of the dimensionless adhesive stress and peak-to-valley height. These contact length versus applied pressure curves are characterized by discontinuities and hysteresis. A finite contact region exists at zero load, with further loading causing one or more jumps into a complete contact configuration. Unloading is also characterized by one or more jumps before pull-off occurs suddenly with a finite contact length and tensile pressure loading.
Zero-cross EEG analysis: effects of noise.

Abstract Techniques for EEG quantification which use zero-cross detection have been used by several investigators. If small-amplitude noise is mixed with the EEG signal, errors will arise if a zero-cross detector is used to measure average values for wave duration, frequency, or peak-to-peak amplitude. Noise that can cause significant interference with the measurement of the EEG signal may not be detectable by visual inspection of the orthodox tracing. Variables that determine the magnitude of this interference include the signal-to-noise ratio, the signal-sampling rate where analog-to-digital conversion is used, and the minimum wave duration that is accepted for inclusion in the calculation of the EEG characteristics. The effects of changes in these variables on EEG measurements obtained using typical EEG quantification equipment are illustrated in this report. Methods for assessing and minimising the effects of interference due to noise are proposed.
Freeze‐fracture study of the postsynaptic membrane of the cerebellar mossy fiber synapse in the frog

We have examined the postsynaptic membrane of the synaptic junctions of frog cerebellar mossy fibers by electron microscopy of freeze-fracture replicas and thin sections. The intramembranous particles (imps) in the E fracture face of the postsynaptic membrane are approximately 10 nm in size and form conspicuous aggregates which we classified as macular, annular, or anastomotic in form, according to the occurrence and placement of imp-free "windows" within the aggregate. The size and shape of the aggregates appear related in that the area of macular aggregates is consistently smaller than the area of annular or anastomotic aggregates. Measurements of aggregate area range from 0.06 to 0.75 micrometer2. The variable size and shape of the imp aggregate in the postsynaptic membrane sets it apart from other excitatory synapses in the central nervous system, where macular aggregates are usually described. Examination of serial thin sections suggests that the shape of the postsynaptic density is equivalent to that of the imp aggregate observed in the postsynaptic membrane by freeze-fracture. This supports the notion that the region of postsynaptic membrane associated with the postsynaptic density in thin sections corresponds to the particle-rich regions of E face membrane observed in freeze-fracture replicas.
Convincing new providers to offer medical abortion: what will it take?

Continuing to rely on the perspectives of abortion providers to predict the fate of medical abortion in the United States is problematic. First these providers precisely because of their familiarity with an alternative technique must overcome biases and in some cases preconceived notions about a new option. In fact a review of the experience of medical abortion in France Great Britain and Sweden concluded that “it can take a decade or longer for mifepristone to be fully recognized and integrated as a method of abortion” and “provider knowledge and acceptance” are key factors. Second focusing solely on the concerns of providers fails to recognize the influence of the other major actors in the public introduction of any new technology—namely the consumers. Finally these stories give short shrift to potential providers’ underlying hesitations about incorporating a new option in their practices. (excerpt)
Application of a Group Training Program in Social Skills and Problem Solving to Learning Disabled and Non-Learning Disabled Youth:

The efficacy of training learning disabled adolescents in social and problem-solving skills was evaluated by conducting a group skill-training program with three sets of youths: learning disabled a...
Developing leaders for a sustainable global society

Asking business leaders to make decisions that produce superior financials and simultaneously contribute to social progress while protecting environmental quality is a tall order. Nancy McGaw, deputy director at the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program, shares the results of its research into leadership development with representatives from firms around the world.
Theory of spin-dependent electron diffraction from the Fe(110) surface.

We present calculations of spin-dependent electron-diffraction intensities from the Fe(110) surface. The results provide a good account of measurements on this surface reported by Waller and Gradmann. We use {ital ab} {ital initio} potentials generated by the relativistic self-consistent total-energy calculation reported earlier by Fu and Freeman, along with a spin-independent electron mean free path in the substrate. We compare our results with earlier theoretical work by Tamura, Feder, Gradmann, and Waller. The data suggest the presence of enhanced Fe moments in the surface.
Challenges of Providing End-of-Life Care for Homeless Veterans

Objective:To describe challenges of caring for homeless veterans at end of life (EOL) as perceived by Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) homeless and EOL care staff.Design:E-mail survey.Setting...
Determination of meperidine, tramadol and oxycodone in human oral fluid using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract Analytical procedures for the determination of meperidine, tramadol and oxycodone in oral fluid have been developed and validated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) following initial screening with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oral fluid samples were collected using the Quantisal™ device, and any drugs present were quantified using mixed mode solid-phase extraction and electron impact GC/MS. For confirmation, three ions were monitored and two ion ratios determined, which were within 20% of those of the known calibration standards. The limits of quantitation were 10 ng/mL; the intra-day precision of the assays (n = 5) was 2.33%, 1.00% and 7.61%; inter-day precision 2.48%, 2.44% and 5.8% (n = 10) for meperidine, tramadol and oxycodone, respectively. The percentage recovery of the drugs from the collection pads was 86.7%, 87.7% and 96.6%, respectively (n = 6). The methods were applied to specimens obtained during research studies in the USA.
DFMO: Targeted risk reduction therapy for colorectal neoplasia

Strategies to decrease intracellular polyamine levels have been studied for their efficacy in reducing colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A successful strategy combined agents that decreased polyamine synthesis by inhibiting ornithine decarboxylase with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and increased cellular export of polyamines by activating the spermidine/spermine acetyl transferase with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A Phase III trial treating resected adenoma patients with DFMO plus sulindac demonstrated marked reduction of metachronous adenomas, advanced adenomas and multiple adenomas compared to placebo. This combination regimen was well-tolerated, however there was a non-significant excess of cardiovascular events in the treatment arm compared to placebo as well as modest ototoxicity. Targeting this therapy to people at elevated risk of CRC, and employing clinical and genetic predictors, should improve patient benefit and reduce the risk of side effects to improve the acceptability of this strategy.
A comparison of some inductive inference models

The psychology of discovery is explored in a laboratory setting using the inductive inference task of determining the mathematical function which fits a sample of coordinate values. This task resembles scientific inference more closely than traditional problem solving paradigms. The observed strategies in this task are seen to vary with subject experience and problem representation. Faculty members in the hard sciences with a graphical representation tend toward heuristic processing, whereas students given a simple list of points exhibit a relatively stochastic generate and test approach. The experiment is discussed in the context of related research and actual scientific discoveries. It is concluded that random error, a graphical representation, sophisticated technology, experience with similar problems, and a geometrical cognitive style should produce a heuristic discovery process while deterministic data, a list representation, unsophisticated instrumentation, lack of familiarity, and a numerical style should lead to a generate and test strategy.
Genetic signature of rapid IHHNV (infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus) expansion in wild Penaeus shrimp populations.

Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) is a widely distributed single-stranded DNA parvovirus that has been responsible for major losses in wild and farmed penaeid shrimp populations on the northwestern Pacific coast of Mexico since the early 1990's. IHHNV has been considered a slow-evolving, stable virus because shrimp populations in this region have recovered to pre-epizootic levels, and limited nucleotide variation has been found in a small number of IHHNV isolates studied from this region. To gain insight into IHHNV evolutionary and population dynamics, we analyzed IHHNV capsid protein gene sequences from 89 Penaeus shrimp, along with 14 previously published sequences. Using Bayesian coalescent approaches, we calculated a mean rate of nucleotide substitution for IHHNV that was unexpectedly high (1.39×10−4 substitutions/site/year) and comparable to that reported for RNA viruses. We found more genetic diversity than previously reported for IHHNV isolates and highly significant subdivision among the viral populations in Mexican waters. Past changes in effective number of infections that we infer from Bayesian skyline plots closely correspond to IHHNV epizootiological historical records. Given the high evolutionary rate and the observed regional isolation of IHHNV in shrimp populations in the Gulf of California, we suggest regular monitoring of wild and farmed shrimp and restriction of shrimp movement as preventative measures for future viral outbreaks.
Evaluation of Akt/mTOR activity in muscle atrophy after rotator cuff tears in a rat model

Atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles is a factor that complicates the treatment of a massive rotator cuff tear (RCT). However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the development of muscle atrophy after RCTs have not been well defined. The Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a central role in maintaining muscle mass in response to mechanical loading. The role of this pathway in the development of muscle atrophy after a massive RCT remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in the development of muscle atrophy after a RCT and suprascapular nerve (SSN) injury. We evaluated the activity of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and how this pathway interacts with two atrophy-related genes, MuRF-1 and MAFbx, in supraspinatus muscles of rats that underwent unilateral complete rotator cuff tendon transection or SSN transection. Akt/mTOR activity was significantly reduced after tendon rupture, but increased after nerve injury. MuRF-1 and MAFbx were only up-regulated following denervation. These results suggest that tendon transection leads to a decrease in protein synthesis with down-regulation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, whereas denervation leads to an increase in protein degradation via up-regulation of expression of MuRF-1 and MAFbx. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1440–1446, 2012
Catecholamine involvement in the control of growth hormone secretion in the domestic fowl

A neuropharmacologic approach was utilized to investigate the catecholaminergic influence on the hypothalamic regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion in young (6-week-old) male domestic fowl. The selective inhibition of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) synthesis or activity by diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), FLA63 (dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors), phenoxybenzamine (alpha 1 receptor blocker), and yohimbine (alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptor antagonist) was associated with a decline in circulating GH levels. Similarly inhibition of NE reuptake by imipramine or desmethylimipramine were followed by reduced GH secretion. In the presence of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha Mpt, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor), the administration of phenylephrine (alpha 1 agonist) was followed by increased plasma concentrations of GH. However, alone, it was without effect. Similarly plasma concentrations of GH were elevated by dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS, a precursor of NE/E) in chicks pretreated with DDC or carbidopa. These data are consistent with the stimulatory hypothalamic control of GH involving NE/E which exert their effects via alpha (probably alpha 1) postsynaptic stimulatory receptors. Evidence that it is E rather than NE, which is the catecholamine involved or the hypothalamic control of GH, comes from the decrease in plasma GH concentration following the inhibition of central E synthesis by SKF64139 (an inhibitor of phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase). Some evidence for a limited inhibitory dopaminergic system was found. Inhibition of dopamine (DA) synthesis by alpha Mpt produced significant elevations in plasma GH concentration. In addition, apomorphine (DA agonist) consistently depressed GH release. However, blockade of DA receptors by pimozide had either no effect on plasma GH concentrations or at a very high dose decreased plasma GH concentrations. NE/E also appear to have a depressive effect on plasma concentrations of GH in young chicks, probably via a peripheral site of action. Plasma concentrations of GH were reduced by the peripheral administration of NE, which might be expected not to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), alpha 1/alpha 2 agonists clonidine and p-amino clonidine (which does not cross BBB), NE/E precursors L-DOPA and DOPS, and the beta agonist, isoproterenol. Furthermore, the depression of peripheral E synthesis (by SKF29661 which inhibits phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase) elevated the plasma concentration of GH.
On Adaptivity in Coarse Grain Molecular Dynamics

Coarse grain molecular models have gained increasing importance in recent years to understand the macroscopic behavior of large molecular chains such as RNA which are fundamental to many biological processes. In such models, the chemical bonds are considered to be of fixed length and constituent molecules are approximated as rigid or flexible bodies connected via kinematic joints. It has already been demonstrated that the coarse grain models are capable of capturing the global conformational behavior of molecular systems. However, there is no formal way to guide the model coarsening process. One way to enhance the simulation speed and accuracy is to make the system adaptive and allow it to efficiently change the structure and model as the simulation progresses. This paper discusses the challenges in building an adaptive system and proposes certain parameters which could be used to introduce adaptivity in coarse grain molecular dynamics.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Setting the discourse community: Tasks and assessment for the new technical communication service course

This article argues for a social perspective of the new technical communication service course, a conclusion supported by several premises: the technical communication profession wants and needs accountability, accountability is demonstrated by evaluation, assessment requires that we define literacy, evaluating technical communication literacy requires portfolio evaluation, portfolio assessment supports the social perspective of learning, and the social construction concepts imply teaching strategies. The argument proceeds from a case study that demonstrates reliability, stability, and validity in its technical communication service course assessment, tasks, and instructor community. This article demonstrates that portfolios can help us both conceptualize and evaluate the new technical communication service course.
COMPOSITE PARTICLES AND ENTROPY PRODUCTION IN RELATIVISTIC NUCLEAR COLLISIONS

The particle production (p,d,t${,}^{3}$He${,}^{4}$He) was studied for 400 and 650 MeV/nucleon Nb+Nb and 400 and 1050 MeV/nucleon Ca+Ca. The chemical freeze-out density of the participants and the entropy produced were deduced for each system. The chemical freeze-out densities are close to normal nuclear density. The entropy production extrapolated for infinite nuclear matter is independent of target-projectile combination at 400 MeV/nucleon and changes little with increasing bombarding energy, but the absolute values are strongly model dependent. The low entropy, when compared to fireball calculations, indicates that compression is present in the collisions. Therefore entropy values in principle can help in the determination of the equation of state for nuclear matter.
Personality disorders as extreme variants of common personality dimensions: can the Five-Factor Model adequately represent psychopathy?

The present study examined Widiger and Lynam’s (1998) hypothesis that psychopathy can be represented using the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality. Participants in the study consisted of 481 21–22 year old men and women who are part of an ongoing longitudinal study. Psychopathy was assessed by the degree of similarity between an individual’s NEO-PI-R and an expert-generated FFM psychopathy prototype. The expert-based prototype supported the account of Widiger and Lynam (1998), as did the correlations between the NEO-PI-R Psychopathy Resemblance Index (PRI) and the individual personality dimensions. The PRI was also related in predicted ways to measures of antisocial behavior, drug use, and psychopathology. The results support the contention that psychopathy can be understood as an extreme variant of common dimensions of personality, and underscore the utility of a dimensional model of personality disorders.
Aperture admittance of a rectangular aperture and its use

It has been found that a rectangular aperture not more than one wavelength long in a conducting plane can be characterized by two complex numbers (called the aperture admittances) for the regions on each side of the aperture for the purpose of obtaining an accurate estimate of the tangential electric field inside the aperture. To define these admittances, the aperture is closed with an infinitesimally thin perfectly conducting plate. The aperture admittance for the region on one side of the aperture is that of the magnetic current sheet M/sub 0/ placed on this side of the plate. The aperture admittance for the region on the other side of the aperture is that of M/sub 0/ placed on the other side of the plate. M/sub 0/ is parallel to one of the long edges of the aperture, and along this edge is a simple half-cycle of a sinusoid. M/sub 0/ is independent of the coordinate that is measured along the width of the aperture. >
Evaluating the need for sex education in developing countries: sexual behaviour, knowledge of preventing sexually transmitted infections/HIV and unplanned pregnancy

Young people's need for sex education is evidenced by their typically early initiation of sexual activity, the often involuntary context within which they have sexual intercourse, high‐risk sexual behaviours and the inadequate levels of knowledge of means of protecting their sexual health. The earliness of initiation of sexual intercourse has implications for the age by which sexuality education should be provided. The extent and context of sexual behaviour is a firm indicator of the need for sex education as well as for counselling, information and services related to sexual and reproductive health. Apart from behaviours, information on the extent of knowledge and accuracy of knowledge about risks to sexual health and about means of preventing unhealthy or undesired outcomes are important indicators of young people's need for information to help them make choices and to engage in safe and healthy behaviours. Such measures of behaviour and knowledge can also be relevant and valid indicators of the effecti...
The Caenorhabditis elegans Gene unc-25 Encodes Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase and Is Required for Synaptic Transmission But Not Synaptic Development

The neurotransmitter GABA has been proposed to play a role during nervous system development. We show that the Caenorhabditis elegans gene unc-25 encodes glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the GABA biosynthetic enzyme. unc-25 is expressed specifically in GABAergic neurons. Null mutations in unc-25 eliminate the UNC-25 protein or alter amino acids conserved in all known GADs, result in a complete lack of GABA, and cause defects in all GABA-mediated behaviors. In unc-25 mutants the GABAergic neurons have normal axonal trajectories and synaptic connectivity, and the size and shape of synaptic vesicles are normal. The number of synaptic vesicles at GABAergic neuromuscular junctions is slightly increased. Cholinergic ventral nerve cord neurons, which innervate the same muscles as GABAergic ventral cord neurons, have normal morphology, connectivity, and synaptic vesicles. We conclude that GAD activity and GABA are not necessary for the development or maintenance of neuromuscular junctions in C. elegans.
Limiting criteria for intrinsically stable equilibrium in multiphase, multicomponent systems

Necessary and sufficient conditions for intrinsically stable equilibrium in a multiphase, multicomponent body are developed with interfacial effects taken into full account. There is a limiting criterion for intrinsic stability that must be satisfied within every phase, and there is another limiting criterion that must be satisfied on every phase interface. The limits of intrinsic stability for a multiphase, multicomponent body are defined by the failure either of the first criterion within one of the phases or of the second criterion on one of the phase interfaces.
A spatial analysis of local climate change policy in the United States: Risk, stress, and opportunity

This study examines the factors motivating local jurisdictions in the United States (U.S.) to voluntarily adopt policies that mitigate the anthropogenic sources of climate change when there are powerful political and economic incentives to do otherwise. Specifically, we explain adoption of the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program at the county level with indicators of climate change risk, climate stress, and opportunity for climate policy action. Statistical and spatial results indicate that counties with high risk, low stress, and high opportunity characteristics associated with climate change are significantly more likely to join the CCP campaign. Results also show that the odds of a locality joining the CCP are predictable by the landscape characteristics of spatial neighbors. Identifying a profile for likely adoption of climate change mitigation strategies can help decision makers effectively target local jurisdictions for recruitment into the CCP and similar programs in the future.