cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Financial Innovation: Evidence from Mutual Funds

We study the determinants of financial innovation in the U.S. mutual fund industry, where the number of different strategies or “styles” has grown dramatically over the last several decades. We use textual analysis on each fund’s “principal investment strategies” section of the prospectus to measure its strategic uniqueness. We find that new offerings of small and new families are more likely to use unique strategies as they strive to differentiate themselves from (and compete with) larger competitors who can charge lower fees due to economies of scale. Newly opened unique funds are more likely to liquidate early than traditional funds, but also attract more flows if they are able to survive. Uniqueness also acts to attenuate the flow-performance relation, which reduces the operational risk of investor outflows that could potentially lead to asset fire sales. Our paper provides new evidence on the reasons for financial differentiation and on the role it plays in asset manager competition for investor funds.
Contemporary Social Work and the Social Clinic

Rather than the scientific practice of philanthropy, charity or caring, social work has institutionalized an obedience to policy minimalism by the choice of talk therapy of one sort or another as its base of practice knowledge. The very strongest evaluations of clinical social work published during the past twenty years in the most highly regarded research journals within social work are trivial both as practice and as theory. They are deficient as science. Despite a near-constant claim to credible knowledge, social work has never done so.
Inpatient epidemiology and economic burden of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a 10-year study of the national inpatient sample.

Objective To characterize inpatient epidemiology and economic burden of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Methods Patients with GPA were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest inpatient database in the USA consisting of over 4000 non-federal acute care hospitals, using the ICD-9 CM code. A cohort of comparators without GPA was also constructed from the same database. Data on demographics, procedures, length of stay, mortality, morbidity and total hospitalization charges were extracted. All analysed data were extracted from the database for the years 2005-2014. Results The inpatient prevalence of GPA was 32.6 cases per 100 000 admissions. GPA itself (38.3%), pneumonia (13.7%) and sepsis (8.4%) were the most common reasons for admission. After adjusting for potential confounders, the all-cause mortality adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of patients with GPA was significantly higher than that of patients without GPA (aOR 1.20; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.61). This was also true for several morbidities, including acute kidney injury, multi-organ failure, shock and need for intensive care unit admission. Hospitalizations of patients with GPA were associated with higher cost as demonstrated by an adjusted additional mean of $5125 (95% CI: $4719, $5531) for total hospital cost and an adjusted additional mean of $16 841 (95% CI: $15 280, $18 403) for total hospitalization charges when compared with patients without GPA. Conclusion Inpatient prevalence of GPA was higher than what would be expected from prevalence in the general population. Hospitalizations of patients with GPA were associated with higher morbidity, mortality and cost.
Creating and sustaining virtual language communities

During Covid‐19, educators have been forced to quickly and creatively rethink teaching practices and the education of future generations. Community is a key consideration in reconceptualizing how the traditional classroom might function successfully in an online space. How does the virtual community of language learners interact with each other and with the instructor? What practices might enable the online community to bond, develop a sense of trust, feel comfortable sharing information, and set goals together? The development of a social presence in communities of language learners is crucial to maintaining a sense of connectedness in the virtual classroom. This article discusses why it is critical to establish a virtual language community and provides practical implications for creating virtual presence and engaging students in these virtual communities.
CFD 2030 Grand Challenge: CFD-in-the-Loop Monte Carlo Flight Simulation for Space Vehicle Design

Space vehicle design and certification differs widely from aircraft design relying more on probabilistic approaches than deterministic. Monte Carlo simulation plays an important role in the probabilistic design of space vehicles to ensure robust and reliable operation. Today, Monte Carlo flight simulation requires 1000’s of trajectory simulations that use databases to provide aerosciences models. These databases can be extremely expensive and time consuming to develop. Replacing these databases with unsteady computational fluid dynamics directly in the simulation loop has potential to significantly reduce the time required to analyze space vehicle concepts, improve simulation accuracy, and reduce the cost of space vehicle development. The CFD Vision 2030 Study outlined gaps and roadblocks to meeting the vision described in the study. The geometric, physical, and computational challenges associated with CFD-in-the-loop Monte Carlo simulation for space vehicle design are substantial and serve as an excellent grand challenge to advance the CFD 2030 vision.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Key Clinical Points Osteoarthritis of the Knee Potential long-term consequences of knee osteoarthritis include reduced physical activity, deconditioning, impaired sleep, fatigue, depression, functi...
Transport in lymphatic capillaries. I. Macroscopic measurements using residence time distribution theory

We present a novel integrative method for characterizing transport in the lymphatic capillaries in the tail of the anesthetized mouse, which is both sensitive and reproducible for quantifying uptake and flow. Interstitially injected, fluorescently labeled macromolecules were used to visualize and quantify these processes. Residence time distribution (RTD) theory was employed to measure net flow velocity in the lymphatic network as well as to provide a relative measure of lymphatic uptake of macromolecules from the interstitium. The effects of particle size and injection pressure were determined. The uptake rate was found to be independent of particle size in the range of a 6- to 18-nm radius; beyond this size, the interstitial matrix seemed to pose a greater barrier. A comparison of 10 vs. 40 cmH2O injection pressure showed a significant influence on the relative uptake rate but not on the net velocity within the network (3.3 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.8 +/- 1.0 micron/s). This suggested the presence of a systemic driving force for baseline lymph propulsion that is independent of the local pressure gradients driving the uptake. This model can be used to examine various aspects of transport physiology of the initial lymphatics.
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): Mouse

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the mouse, the H2 (or Histocompatibility-2; formerly abbreviated as H-2) complex, is located on chromosome 17. It contains genes critical to the functioning of the immune system, the products of which are intimately involved in the earliest steps in the initiation of immune responses. There is great variation among these genes, a trait that is unusual and probably critical to the immune system. Keywords: H2 complex; MHC; MHC restriction; class I; class II
An investigation of capacitance aging model for extreme low-k and high-k dielectrics

In this paper, Power Law model as a function of voltage is proposed as a new lifetime model to quantify the capacitance drift for Extreme Low-k (ELK) and High-k (HK) dielectrics. We experimentally proved that charge trapping/ detrapping governed the capacitance drift for both ELK and HK based on the capacitance aging and the conduction mechanism analysis. Through the trapping charge recovery study, the capacitance drift can be improved by eliminating the positive or negative charges during process. We also noted that new dipoles generated by trapped charges under stress is higher in HK than ELK, which results in not only more obvious capacitance drift but also stronger correlation between capacitance drift and capacitor breakdown in HK films.
Calibration issues for the large signal network analyzer (LSNA)

There is a growing need for measuring the large signal (nonlinear) behavior of devices in their nonlinear regions under excitation of complex modulated signal schemes, as commonly used in telecom applications. The large-signal network analyzer (LSNA) based on J. Verspecht et al. (2002) developed by Agilent Technologies-NMDG is able to measure incident and scattered traveling voltage waves (or voltages and currents) appearing at both signal ports (input and output) of a DUT under periodical excitations or periodically modulated excitations. Since phase relations between the fundamental and higher harmonics are included in the measured signals, the complete behavior of the DUT is measured and accurate models to predict the DUT-behavior can now be extracted out of the measured data based on J. Verspecht and D. Schreurs (1999). In this paper, some solutions to carry out the LSNA calibration for broadband modulated multitone signals and some observations aiming at high-power applications related to the controllable step-attenuators in the measurement channels are discussed.
Rapid Vegetational and Sediment Change from Rano Aroi Crater, Easter Island

Previous pollen investigations by Flenley et al. (1991) suggest that the Rano Aroi Crater, Easter Island (27 08’ S, 109 26’W) contained a record of vegetational history that is greater than 35,000 C-14 years old. The environmental setting and modern vegetation is fully discussed by Flenley et al (1991). Rano Aroi Crater was selected for further work for two reasons. The first is that we were interested in a sediment record that spanned the transition from glacial to interglacial conditions. The second is that the peat composition might prove ideal for macrofossil analysis. Large fluctuations in pollen percentages characterize the stratigraphy, suggesting that this small subtropical island showed a major vegetational response to climate change. In order to add insight into the vegetational and sediment changes that took place, we re-cored the Rano Aroi Crater and are in the process of analyzing the core at 2-cm intervals for pollen and macrofossils in addition to sediment characterization and AMS C-14 dating. Our preliminary results here focus on the most striking lithological change in the core, Drive 3, between 200 and 300 cm depth.
Varicella—Herpes Zoster Virus

Varicella-zoster virus (Herpesvirus varicellae), commonly abbreviated to “V-Z virus” or “VZV,” is the etiological agent of two diseases of man, varicella and herpes zoster. Varicella (chickenpox) is a ubiquitous, contagious, generalized exanthematous disease of seasonally epidemic propensities that follows primary exposure of a susceptible person, most often a child. Herpes zoster (shingles) is an endemic sporadic disease, most frequent in elderly people, characterized by the appearance of a unilateral, painful, vesicular eruption localized to the derma-tome innervated by a specific dorsal root or extra-medullary cranial ganglion. In contrast to varicella, which follows primary exogenous contact with the causative virus, zoster reflects endogenous activation of a VZV infection that has survived in latent form following an attack of varicella. The two clinical entities are not as distinct as is customarily assumed. The patient with zoster frequently develops a disseminated varicelliform eruption; rarely, the person with varicella may exhibit a zosteriform concentration of lesions.
Coincidence measurements on detectors for microPET II: a 1 mm/sup 3/ resolution PET scanner for small animal imaging

Summary form only received as follows: The authors are currently developing a small animal PET scanner with a design goal of 1 mm/sup 3/ image resolution. They have built 3 pairs of detectors and tested performance in terms of crystal identification, spatial, energy and timing resolution. The detectors consisted of 12/spl times/12 arrays of 1/spl times/1/spl times/10 mm LSO crystals (1.15 mm pitch) coupled to Hamamatsu H7546 64 channel PMTs via 5 cm long coherent glass fiber bundles. Optical fiber connection is necessary to allow high packing fraction in a ring geometry scanner. Fiber bundles with and without extramural absorber (EMA) were tested. The results demonstrated an intrinsic spatial resolution of 1.12 mm (direct coupled LSO array), 1.23 mm (bundle without EMA) and 1.27 mm (bundle with EMA) using a -500 micron diameter Na-22 source. Using a 330 micron line source filled with F-18, intrinsic resolution for the EMA bundle improved to 1.05 mm. The respective timing and energy resolution values were 1.96 ns, 21% (direct coupled), 2.20 ns, 23% (bundle without EMA) and 2.99 ns, 30% (bundle with EMA). Peak-to-valley ratio in the flood histograms was better with EMA (5:1) compared to the bundle without EMA (2.1:1). These detectors substantially improve on the performance characteristics of the detectors in the authors' current microPET scanner.
Abortion of early pregnancy by the intravaginal administration of prostaglandin F2α

Abstract Intravaginal prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) as an aqueous Tham salt solution was evaluated as a method for abortion of early gestations. Two drug concentrations were studied. All 4 patients treated with a 50 mg. per milliliter solution failed to abort and required dilatation and suction evacuation. Six of 8 gravidas treated with a 200 mg. per milliliter solution sucessfully aborted. Emesis and diarrhea were common. If these side effects can be reduced, intravaginal PGF 2α may become a self-adminstered abortifacient.
Scheduling and shift work characteristics associated with risk for occupational injury in newly licensed registered nurses: An observational study

Abstract Background Registered nurses across the globe bear a heavy injury burden. Every shift, nurses are exposed to a variety of hazards that can jeopardize their health, which negatively impacts their ability to provide high-quality patient care. Previous research suggests that inexperienced, or newly licensed nurses, may have an increased risk for certain occupational injuries. However, the current knowledge base is insufficient to fully understand how work hours influence newly licensed nurses' occupational injury, given the significant variation in hospital organization and work characteristics. Objective To describe newly licensed nurses' shift work characteristics and determine the association between shift type and scheduling characteristics and nurse injury, before and after adjusting for individual and combined effects of demographics, external context, organizational context, and work context, following the Organization of Work model. Design This study is a secondary analysis of a nationally representative survey of newly licensed registered nurses using a cross-sectional design. Participants The analytic sample includes 1744 newly licensed registered nurses from 34 states and the District of Columbia who reported working in a hospital and were within 6–18 months of passing their state licensure exam at the time of survey administration. Methods Descriptive statistics were calculated, followed by bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models to assess the relationship between shift type and scheduling characteristics and nurse injury. Lastly, full models with the addition of demographics, external context, organizational context, and work context variables were calculated. Results The majority (79%) of newly licensed nurses worked 12-h shifts, a near majority worked night shift (44%), and over half (61%) worked overtime (mandatory or voluntary) weekly. Nurses working weekly overtime were associated with a 32% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.32, CI 1.07–1.62] increase in the risk of a needle stick and nurses working night shift were associated with a 16% [IRR 1.16, CI 1.02–1.33] increase in the risk of a sprain or strain injury. Conclusions Overtime and night shift work were significantly associated with increased injury risk in newly licensed nurses independent of other work factors and demographic characteristics. The findings warrant further study given the long-term consequences of these injuries, costs associated with treatment, and loss of worker productivity.
Analysis and recovery of multidimensional signals from irregular samples using non-linear and iterative techniques

A recurring problem is considered in signal processing which is reconstruction based upon imperfect information. The authors describe two methods. The first one is a simple nonlinear method, based upon spectral analysis, for reconstructing two-dimensional (2-D) band-limited signals from nonuniform samples. The second method is an iterative technique. By using an intelligent initial condition, faster convergence can be obtained by a simple successive approximation. The feasibility of this procedure was demonstrated through examples of color image restoration when some of the pixels are lost. >
Identification of promoter targets of enhancers by epigenetic knockdown using TAL DNA binding proteins

A fundamental question in biology is how an organism’s genome controls cellular differentiation and identity to produce numerous distinct cell types. At the epigenome level, this is partially influenced by cell type specific regulatory regions marked by accessible chromatin. Recent genome-wide maps of chromatin modifications and DNA associated proteins have identified over a million candidate regulatory elements in the human genome. These DNA sequence elements are proposed to drive the activation or repression of nearby genes, however new tools are needed to do a thorough and systematic functional analysis of these elements in an endogenous context. Materials and methods To directly test distal elements in a loss of function manner, we have fused the chromatin modifying enzyme lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1, also known as KDM1A) to transcription activator-like (TAL) effector DNA binding proteins. The TAL:LSD1 fusions are designed to specifically bind target DNA sequences and alter the nearby chromatin state, specifically demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 di and mono-methylation (H3K4me2/1), a mark of distal enhancers. We have designed TALs to target over 50 putative distal enhancers. These constructs were individually transfected into the erythroleukemic cell line K562, after which we examined changes in H3K4me2 and H3K27acetylation by ChIP, or examined gene expression changes by RNA-seq. Additionally we designed TALs fused to a 3X FLAG epitope to do ChIP-seq analysis and determine the specificity of TAL targeting. Results We show using TAL:3XFLAG ChIP-seq that binding of TALs is virtually exclusive to their target sequence. We show the TAL:LSD1 fusions have the ability to specifically decrease H3K4me2, as well as H3K27acetyl, another mark of distal enhancers, at their intended target sites. We find roughly 50% of TALs significantly reduce the chromatin modifications at the target enhancer, but not at non-target control enhancers. For a subset of these TAL:LSD1 fusions, we used RNA-seq to identify a nearby gene that is downregulated upon loss of the chromatin state at the enhancer. These nearby target genes show a range of decreased expression, allowing us to relatively quantitate the contribution on transcriptional activation of the target enhancer. Conclusions
Structure of the Extracellular Region of HER3 Reveals an Interdomain Tether

We have determined the 2.6 angstrom crystal structure of the entire extracellular region of human HER3 (ErbB3), a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. The structure consists of four domains with structural homology to domains found in the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor. The HER3 structure reveals a contact between domains II and IV that constrains the relative orientations of ligand-binding domains and provides a structural basis for understanding both multiple-affinity forms of EGFRs and conformational changes induced in the receptor by ligand binding during signaling. These results also suggest new therapeutic approaches to modulating the behavior of members of the EGFR family.
General Features in Knowledge Tracing to Model Multiple Subskills, Temporal Item Response Theory, and Expert Knowledge.

Knowledge Tracing is the de-facto standard for inferring student knowledge from performance data. Unfortunately, it does not allow modeling the feature-rich data that is now possible to collect in modern digital learning environments. Because of this, many ad hoc Knowledge Tracing variants have been proposed to model a specific feature of interest. For example, variants have studied the effect of students’ individual characteristics, the effect of help in a tutor, and subskills. These ad hoc models are successful for their own specific purpose, but are specified to only model a single specific feature. We present FAST (Feature Aware Student knowledge Tracing), an efficient, novel method that allows integrating general features into Knowledge Tracing. We demonstrate FAST’s flexibility with three examples of feature sets that are relevant to a wide audience. We use features in FAST to model (i) multiple subskill tracing, (ii) a temporal Item Response Model implementation, and (iii) expert knowledge. We present empirical results using data collected from an Intelligent Tutoring System. We report that using features can improve up to 25% in classification performance of the task of predicting student performance. Moreover, for fitting and inferencing, FAST can be 300 times faster than models created in BNT-SM, a toolkit that facilitates the creation of ad hoc Knowledge Tracing variants.
Hydraulic Interaction between Rock Cross Vane Stream Restoration Structures and a Bridge Crossing

The performance of a stream restoration project that incorporates a bridge crossing is evaluated within a 3-year monitoring period. A goal of the project was to alleviate and prevent future sediment aggradation within the waterway of a low-clearance bridge crossing. The stream restoration project included two rock cross vanes and stepped riprap and vegetation bank stabilization. Monitoring of the project involved the collection of channel survey data, pebble counts, and general observations of instream structure condition and sediment movement. The evaluated performance of the restoration structures is related to the general hydrologic conditions, the historical changes in the watershed and channel, and the hydraulic conditions created by the low-clearance bridge crossing. Backwater effects created by the bridge crossing are found to be a substantial cause of the failure of the stream restoration project to meet its goals. The low-clearance bridge hydraulics are preventing a rock cross vane located upstream of the bridge from creating a scour hole in the centre of the channel; instead, aggradation is occurring in this portion of the channel. However, degradation is occurring downstream of the bridge causing the failure of the second rock cross vane and of the riprap and vegetation bank. Although the hydraulic conditions may stem from the initial design of the bridge crossing, any restoration structure should be designed according to the current site hydraulics. In addition to providing insight into the design and construction of stream restoration structures, the results have implications for the design and management of bridge crossings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirically derived three-dimensional Laplace resonance in the Gliese 876 planetary system

We report constraints on the three-dimensional orbital architecture for all four planets known to orbit the nearby M dwarf Gliese 876 based solely on Doppler measurements and demanding long-term orbital stability. Our data set incorporates publicly available radial velocities taken with the ELODIE and CORALIE spectrographs, High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS), and Keck HIgh Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) as well as previously unpublished HIRES velocities. We first quantitatively assess the validity of the planets thought to orbit GJ 876 by computing the Bayes factors for a variety of different coplanar models using an importance sampling algorithm. We find that a four-planet model is preferred over a three-planet model. Next, we apply a Newtonian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to perform a Bayesian analysis of the planet masses and orbits using an N-body model in three-dimensional space. Based on the radial velocities alone, we find that a 99 per cent credible interval provides upper limits on the mutual inclinations for the three resonant planets (Φ_(cb) <6∘.20 for the cc and bb pair and Φ_(be) < 28∘.5 for the b and e pair). Subsequent dynamical integrations of our posterior sample find that the GJ 876 planets must be roughly coplanar (Φ_(cb) < 2∘.60 and Φ_(be) <7∘.87), suggesting that the amount of planet–planet scattering in the system has been low. We investigate the distribution of the respective resonant arguments of each planet pair and find that at least one argument for each planet pair and the Laplace argument librate. The libration amplitudes in our three-dimensional orbital model support the idea of the outer three planets having undergone significant past disc migration.
Grower‐Only Farmers' Markets: Public Spaces and Third Places

I N 1970, THE PIKE PLACE MARKET IN SEATTLE WAS A COLLECTION OF run-down buildings in a worn-out corner of downtown. There were always farmers selling produce they had grown and a shopper could find a parking space on the street near the market, unless it was a particularly nice Saturday morning. The market regularly brought together small farmers from the Seattle area and loyal urban customers. There were also fish vendors and green grocers who sold produce they had purchased wholesale, but the heart of the market was the tables where farmers sold the fruit, vegetables, and flowers they had grown. As the sign said (and still says) ‘‘Meet the producer.’’ Developers who saw the potential of a six-acre site on the bluff overlooking Elliot Bay and the waterfront threatened the future of the market. A grassroots organization, ‘‘Friends of the Market,’’ went to work to save the livelihoods of the farmers and the market with its laid back atmosphere (Figure 1). In September 1971, Seattle citizens voted to make the market an historic district, and the market was saved. Today, Pike Place Market is probably more successful financially than ever, but something has been lost. The market has become a tourist destination and the experience is staged for the tourists. Parking is more difficult, and the crowds have become thick. Though there are still tables for farmers, only on Wednesday and Sunday are the local farmers out in force. The market is less a place for the old, regular, Seattle shoppers looking for regional, seasonal food, and easy interaction with growers and other shoppers. It is more a place for out-oftowners to take pictures, buy souvenirs, or have seafood packed as
Designed potent multivalent chemoattractants for Escherichia coli.

Bacterial chemotactic responses are initiated when certain small molecules (i.e., carbohydrates, amino acids) interact with bacterial chemoreceptors. Although bacterial chemotaxis has been the subject of intense investigations, few have explored the influence of attractant structure on signal generation and chemotaxis. Previously, we found that polymers bearing multiple copies of galactose interact with the chemoreceptor Trg via the periplasmic binding protein glucose/galactose binding protein (GGBP). These synthetic multivalent ligands were potent agonists of Escherichia coli chemotaxis. Here, we report on the development of a second generation of multivalent attractants that possess increased chemotactic activities. Strikingly, the new ligands can alter bacterial behavior at concentrations 10-fold lower than those required with the original displays; thus, they are some of the most potent synthetic chemoattractants known. The potency depends on the number of galactose moieties attached to the oligomer backbone and the length of the linker tethering these carbohydrates. Our investigations reveal the plasticity of GGBP; it can bind and mediate responses to several carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives. These attributes of GGBP may underlie the ability of bacteria to sense a variety of ligands with relatively few receptors. Our results provide insight into the design and development of compounds that can modulate bacterial chemotaxis and pathogenicity.
Some economic and engineering considerations for floating, coal-fired 100mw power plant

A study was undertaken to develop the concept of utilizing marine space for the deployment of an electric power plant. The analysis developed suggests that a floating coal-fired power plant in a semi-submersible hull is technically and economically feasible. Technical considerations indicate that the system should be composed of three 50MW electric generating units modified with marine boilers. This system would be deployable within existing technology. Economic feasibility indicated: capital costs of 3.6 mills/KWH; other fixed costs of 1.3 mills/KWH; operating costs of 2 mills/KWH and fuel costs between 4.6 and 7.6 mills/KWH. Initial studies concluded that coal could be a less expensive fuel than oil given: (1) high-productivity, low-cost, large-scale mining of Western or Alaskan coal, and (2) efficient overland coal transportation. When the social and environmental benefits of locating the power plant offshore are considered, the floating power plant appears distinctly superior.
Rejuvenate an old Tinius Olsen machine with computer data acquisition using its existing hardware and LabVIEW

An innovative approach to integrate computer data acquisition to an old Tinius Olsen machine is described. The upgrade utilized the existing hardware of the Tinius Olsen machine and National Instruments data acquisition hardware and LabVIEW software. A potentiometer that is geared to the dial servo gives the signal for load applied, while an LVDT based extensometer provides the signal for elongation of the specimen. The potentiometer output and the extensometer output were first calibrated against the load and elongation, respectively. These two signals were then hooked up directly to the data acquisition hardware and a LabVIEW program was written to process the signals and generate the real time stress-strain curve. The data can also be stored in a computer file for later processing of the stress-strain curve. The upgrade of this machine used pre-existing equipments and was accomplished with zero cost to the engineering department at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 16: 165–171, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae20136
Individual neurons dissociated from rat suprachiasmatic nucleus express independently phased circadian firing rhythms

Within the mammalian hypothalamus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) contains a circadian clock for timing of diverse neuronal, endocrine, and behavioral rhythms. By culturing cells from neonatal rat SCN on fixed microelectrode arrays, we have been able to record spontaneous action potentials from individual SCN neurons for days or weeks, revealing prominent circadian rhythms in firing rate. Despite abundant functional synapses, circadian rhythms expressed by neurons in the same culture are not synchronized. After reversible blockade of neuronal firing lasting 2.5 days, circadian firing rhythms re-emerge with unaltered phases. These data suggest that the SCN contains a large population of autonomous, single-cell circadian oscillators, and that synapses formed in vitro are neither necessary for operation of these oscillators nor sufficient for synchronizing them.
Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes: Synthesis and Characterization

Two classes of alkali metal single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes have been characterized and their conductivities examined. Both polymers are sodium ion conductors. The first class is based upon a tetra(alkoxy)-aluminate counterion incorporated into a polyether network, and the second has a sulfonate counterion covalently bonded to a phosphazene backbone. The temperature dependent and concentration dependent conductivities of these polymers are contrasted. Phosphazene polymers that are anion conductors are also discussed.
Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in rat striatal homogenates by combinations of dopamine and ferric iron compounds

The adenylyl cyclase activity of homogenates of striatal tissue from rat brain has been used as a model to test the hypothesis that the products of the reaction of polyphenols with ferric iron compounds are toxic. Dopamine (DA), at levels that stimulate adenylyl cyclase, inhibited the activity in the presence of 2 mol of potassium ferricyanide (FC), methemoglobin or ferricytochrome c per mol of DA. Combinations of potassium ferrocyanide and DA were not inhibitory. Neither pyrocatechol nor hydroquinone stimulated the activity, but these polyphenols were inhibitory in the presence of FC. Tyramine, phosphorylated DA or phosphorylated pyrocatechol had no effect on the activity of the enzyme in the presence or absence of FC. Forskolin was unable to stimulate the adenylyl cyclase once the latter was inhibited by DA plus FC, and dithiothreitol could not reverse inhibition by DA plus FC. Incubation of DA with FC, in the absence of the homogenate, resulted in substances that were not inhibitory. These findings suggest that the polyphenols plus FC react to yield substances that inhibit the adenylyl cyclase by affecting the catalytic unit of the enzyme complex.
Host hemolymph monophenoloxidase activity in parasitized Manduca sexta larvae and evidence for inhibition by wasp polydnavirus

Abstract In insects, one of the primary routes of defense against parasites is encapsulation by hemocytes followed by melanization, in which tyrosine and DOPA are converted to melanin via toxic quinone intermediates. This report describes the use of an in vitro radiochemical assay to monitor hemolymph monophenoloxidase (MPO) conversion of [3H]tyrosine to [3H]DOPA, using a method utilized previously for dipteran and mammalian enzymes. Parasitism of fifth instar tobacco hornworm larvae by the braconid wasp Cotesia congregata depresses the rate of hemolymph monophenoloxidase activity in the host. Significant inhibition of hemolymph MPO was detectable in newly parasitized larvae and terminal stage hosts. A similar effect was seen in unparasitized larvae following injection of sucrose-gradient purified wasp polydnavirus (PDV) particles, which are normally injected by the female wasps into the host, suggesting the inhibition may be virally mediated. Hemolymph MPO activity was assayed in vitro 24 h after injection of PDV in vivo, and intercalation of viral DNA by exposure to psoralen and long-wave u.v. light eliminated its inhibitory effect on MPO. Despite inhibition of hemolymph MPO activity by parasitism, host cuticular enzymes appear unimpaired, since cuticular melanization occurs at sites of integumental wounding during emergence of the wasps from the host. Red pigments appear in the dorsal vessel and integument of parasitized and virus-injected larvae; whether these pigmentation changes are related to effects of parasitism on tyrosine metabolism and ommochrome biosynthesis remains to be determined.
POINTS: an astrometric spacecraft with multifarious applications

POINTS is a dual astrometric optical interferometer with nominal baseline length of 2 m and measurement accuracy of 5 microarcsecs for targets separated by about 90 degrees on the sky. If selected as the ASEPS-1 mission, it could perform a definite search for extra-solar planetary systems, either finding and characterizing a large number of them or showing that they are far less numerous than now believed. If selected as AIM, it could be a powerful new multidisciplinary research tool, opening new areas of astrophysical research and changing the nature of the questions being asked in some old areas. Based on a preliminary indication of the observational needs of the two missions, we find that a single POINTS mission lasting ten years would meet the science objectives of both ASEPS-1 and AIM. POINTS, which is small, agile, and mechanically simple, would be the first of a new class of powerful instruments in space and would prove the technology for the larger members of the class that are expected to follow. The instrument is designed around a metrology system that measures both the critical distances internal to the starlight interferometers and the angle between them. Rapid measurement leads to closure on the sky and the ability to detect and correct time-dependent measurement biases.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL OF A VENTRICULAR VOLUME SERVO-PUMP

Measurement of the instantaneous pressure-volume relationship of the left ventricle is fundamental to the study of ventricular mechanics. In order to effectively investigate this relationship, it is necessary to vary and control the time course of ventricular volume change in a variety of prescribed manners. In the past, we used an analog circuit to generate command signals for a servo-pump system which controlled ventricular volume. The use of analog control limited the variety of volume waveforms which could be generated. To overcome this limination, we developed a new system in which the servopump is controlled by an inexpensive microprocessor based computer, capable of generating an unlimited repertoire of volume waveforms. The computer system also made possible the use of adaptive control to increase the system fidelity. Finally, such a system provides for ease of adjustment to new hardware, should future research require it.
Sensitive period for the development of human binocular vision

Twenty-four subjects with abnormal binocular experience, due to a condition of convergent strabismus that existed during different periods of their lives, were tested. Interocular transfer of the tilt-aftereffect was used to assess binocularity. Individuals between 1 and 3 years of age are most susceptible to abnormal binocular experience.
Ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of methyl iodide at 333 nm

The ultraviolet (UV) photodissociation dynamics of methyl iodide at 333.45 nm has been studied using resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization in conjunction with a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (REMPI‐TOFMS). At this wavelength methyl iodide photolysis involves a transition with significant parallel and perpendicular character. Both ground (I) and spin–orbit (I*) excited iodine result from a parallel transition to the 3Q0 state. In contrast, the perpendicular transition, which most likely involves initial excitation to the 3Q1 state, leads exclusively to production of I. Based on data from this study, an upper limit for the conical intersection between the 3Q0 and 1Q1 potential surfaces is ∼30 500 cm−1.
Ascal cytology ofSordaria sclerogenia

Nuclear behavior during ascosporogenesis ofSordaria sclerogenia Fields and Grear was studied with the use of the HCl-Giemsa staining technique. Except for some spore abortion and occasional irregular mitotic divisions in the spore, the chromosome behavior was found to be compatible with that reported for other members of theSordariaceae and other pyrenomycetes with eight linearly arranged ascospores. A haploid chromosome complement of seven was found. The behavior of the centriolar-bodies during meiosis in this organism is discussed.
Ambulance snatching: how vulnerable are we?

Abstract Out of concern that ambulances might be targeted for hijack for terrorism purposes, we observed security-related behaviors of a cross-section of ambulance crews and their vehicles in Emergency Department ambulance bays. We sent observers to a convenience sample of trauma and suburban Emergency Department ambulance entrances in several states. We observed 151 total ambulance arrivals. Overall, the average time present was 21.5 min, 23.2% of units were left with the engine running, 26.5% were left open, 90.1% were left unattended, 84.1% were unlocked, and 16.6% had a non-crew visitor in the ambulance bay. Several issues were identified demonstrating potential “attractiveness” to individuals who may wish to disrupt Emergency Medical Services or steal an emergency vehicle. We are concerned that this is the case at the majority of ambulance bays in our country. Emergency services agencies should take steps to train their personnel to secure the ambulance.
Nerve growth factor receptor is associated with cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain but not the pontomesencephalon

Sequential immunohistochemical demonstration of nerve growth factor receptor and cholinergic acetyltransferase on the same tissue section in the rat revealed that approximately 92% of all cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain possessed that receptor. Only 0.9% of the neurons demonstrating nerve growth factor receptor in the basal nuclear complex lacked the cholinergic synthetic enzyme, and a similarly small percentage of cholinergic cells, 7.1%, were choline acetyltransferase-positive but nerve growth factor receptor-negative. Affiliation of nerve growth factor receptor with structural entities morphologically indistinguishable from those demonstrating choline acetyltransferase on separate but corresponding tissue sections was also observed in the telencephalic fiber tracts and terminal fields of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, including cholinergic puncta in the reticular nucleus of the thalamus. Nerve growth factor receptor was not found in association with choline acetyltransferase-positive somata of the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei, however, nor were fibers immunoreactive for nerve growth factor receptor observed originating from those cell bodies. These results suggest that nerve growth factor receptor, which is probably synthesized in cholinergic basal forebrain somata and transported throughout their dendritic and axonal arbors, has a physiologic role in those cells in the adult nervous system. This does not appear to be the case for phenotypically similar neurons of the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex.
Optical and Electrical Properties and Band Structure of GeTe and SnTe

We describe first our measurements of the variation with carrier concentration of the susceptibility mass and the absorption edge, in a range of hole concentrations of 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{20}$ to 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{21}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. The susceptibility mass for holes varies from 0.075 to $0.51{m}_{0}$ for the lowest and highest carrier concentrations, respectively. These properties, and similar published data for SnTe, together with the Fermi energies and energy gaps obtained from tunneling experiments, have been interpreted using a band structure obtained by applying the k\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}p perturbation approach at the $L$ point of a face-centered cubic zone. We have assumed a coupling scheme such that there is strong transverse coupling across the energy gap while the longitudinal coupling is between the principal conduction band and the second valence band. The energy separations for the second valence bands required in both materials are 0.5 and 0.34 eV for GeTe and SnTe, respectively. As a prerequisite to a meaningful interpretation of the measured quantities versus carrier concentration, we have calculated the ratio of the actual carrier concentration to the Hall concentration $\frac{1}{{R}_{0}e}$. We have made numerous computer calculations and have obtained a set of band parameters for these materials based on the best fit for a wide variety of experimental results.
Increased jump height and reduced EMG activity with an external focus

Jump height is increased when performers are given external focus instructions, relative to an internal focus or no focus instructions (Wulf & Dufek, 2009; Wulf, Zachry, Granados, & Dufek, 2007). The purpose of present study was to examine possible underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of this effect by using electromyography (EMG). Participants performed a vertical jump-and-reach task under two conditions in a counterbalanced order: external focus (i.e., focus on the rungs of the measurement device) and internal focus (i.e., focus on the fingers with which the rungs were to be touched). EMG activity of various muscles (anterior tibialis, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius) was measured during jumps. Jump height was greater with an external compared to an internal focus. While there were no differences in muscle onset times between attentional focus conditions, EMG activity was generally lower with an external focus. These results suggest that neuromuscular coordination is enhanced by an external focus of attention. The present findings add to the evidence that an external focus facilitates the production of effective and efficient movement patterns.
Tricuspid atresia: Clinical course in 101 patients

The clinical profile and course of 101 patients with tricuspid atresia seen at the Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston, were reviewed; the electrocardiograms, hemodynamic data, associated anomalies, complications of the malformation and surgical results were outlined and a definition of anatomic types and radiologic groups formed in order to facilitate therapeutic decisions. Overall survival to 15 years of age was approximately 50 percent. Tricuspid atresia type 1 (normally related great arteries), group A (decreased pulmonary vascularity) was the most frequent category (54 percent); without surgery, these patients had only a 10 percent chance of survival beyond the 1st year of life. Surgical intervention improved chance of survival to 15 years of age to 50 percent. Overall surgical mortality was 23 percent. The Waterston shunt is the procedure of choice in symptomatic small infants with diminished pulmonary flow (group A). Type II patients with increased pulmonary blood flow (group B) would benefit from a pulmonary arterial band. In contrast, patients with group B, type I atresia would rarely need a pulmonary arterial band. Patients with spontaneously changing hemodynamics (group C) usually require a shunt later in life than those in group A, with more favorable operative results. Our experience indicates the continued need of early surgical palliation. New surgical approaches, such as the right atrial-pulmonary arterial anastomosis, may result in a more prolonged survival.