cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ablation of ghrelin receptor reduces adiposity and improves insulin sensitivity during aging by regulating fat metabolism in white and brown adipose tissues

Aging is associated with increased adiposity in white adipose tissues and impaired thermogenesis in brown adipose tissues; both contribute to increased incidences of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Ghrelin is the only known circulating orexigenic hormone that promotes adiposity. In this paper, we show that ablation of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R) improves insulin sensitivity during aging. Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, old Ghsr−/− mice have reduced fat and preserve a healthier lipid profile. Old Ghsr−/− mice also exhibit elevated energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate, yet have similar food intake and locomotor activity. While GHS-R expression in white and brown adipose tissues was below detection in the young mice, GHS-R expression was readily detectable in visceral white fat and interscapular brown fat of the old mice. Gene expression profiles reveal that Ghsr ablation reduced glucose/lipid uptake and lipogenesis in white adipose tissues, but increased thermogenic capacity in brown adipose tissues. Ghsr ablation prevents age-associated decline of thermogenic gene expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Cell culture studies in brown adipocytes further demonstrate that ghrelin suppresses the expression of adipogenic and thermogenic genes, while GHS-R antagonist abolishes ghrelin’s effects and increases UCP1 expression. Hence, GHS-R plays an important role in thermogenic impairment during aging. Ghsr ablation improves aging-associated obesity and insulin resistance by reducing adiposity and increasing thermogenesis. GHS-R antagonists may be a new means of combating obesity by shifting the energy balance from obesogenesis to thermogenesis.
A Look at the Research on Computer-Based Technology Use in Second Language Learning: A Review of the Literature from 1990–2000

AbstractThis article reviews the literature on computer uses in second language and foreign language learning from 1990 to 2000 inclusive. Given the strong interest in technology use for language learning, it is important to look at how technology has been used in the field thus far. The goals of this research are twofold: (1) to understand how computers have been used in the past 11 years to support second and foreign language learning and (2) to explore any evidence regarding how computer technology can enhance acquisition of language skills. This article discusses the findings under the following categories: potentials of computer technology and its use in specific areas, software tools used in certain language skill areas, software design considerations, computerized language testing, and research findings from studies using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies. Finally, issues important for future research are also discussed.
Hygroscopic growth behavior of a carbon-dominated aerosol in Yosemite National Park

Abstract The influence of particulate organic material (POM) and the contribution of biomass smoke on air quality and visibility remain a paramount issue in addressing regional haze concerns in US national parks. Measurements during the Yosemite Aerosol Characterization Study (July–September 2002) indicated an aerosol dominated by POM (∼70% of identified species) and strongly influenced by biomass smoke. Here we report aerosol size hygroscopic growth measurements for dry (RH 40%, particle size typically increased smoothly with RH, and overall hygroscopic growth at high RH was low to moderate in comparison to the range of values reported in the literature. For RH>80%, both monomodal and bimodal growth profiles were observed during the study, with 200 nm particles more often splitting into bimodal profiles (68% of cases), indicating some degree of external mixing. Trimodal growth profiles were observed on two occasions during periods of changing meteorology and aerosol composition. For bimodal profiles for 200 nm dry particles, particle diameter growth factors at RH=80% ( D ( RH = 80 % ) / D o where Do is measured at RH D ( RH = 80 % ) / D o was 1.15±0.05 and D ( RH = 90 % ) / D o was 1.31±0.06, and were slightly large for 100 nm particles. These growth factors are dramatically lower than those for typical ambient aerosol ionic components such as sulfate, nitrate and sodium salts and sulfuric acid. An inverse relationship between the POM fraction of PM2.5 and hygroscopicity was particularly evident for 200 nm particles with D ( RH = 80 % ) / D o approaching ∼1.1 as the POM/ionic mass ratio exceeded 10. Linear correlations with several measurements of POM and select biomass smoke markers were −0.74
Chronostratigraphy of upper James river floodplain sediments: Implications for southeastern North Dakota archaeology

Test excavations have been conducted at several dozen prehistoric archaeological sites on the James River floodplain in southeastern North Dakota. Radiocarbon dates and other evidence from these tested artifact deposits indicate that floodplain sedimentary contexts above today's river level are entirely Late Holocene in age. Middle and Early Holocene sediments are more deeply buried. Cultural strata from Late Plains Archaic, Early Plains Woodland, Middle Plains Woodland, and Plains Village settlements are characteristically contained within paleosols in the Late Holocene floodplain sediments. There is a positive correlation between periods of floodplain soil development and mesic climatic episodes identified in current paleoclimatic models for the Plains. There is also evidence for climatic variability within episodes. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simpler static problems in nonlinear theories of rods

Abstract In many nonlinear theories of rods, certain inverse assumptions permit replacement of the governing differential equations by algebraic relations. For a rather general abstract theory of rods, summarized below, we illustrate how to accomplish this.
Learning to teach: new times, new practices (2nd ed.), by Gloria Latham, Mindy Blaise, Shelley Dole, Julie Faulkner and Karen Malone, South Melbourne, Oxford, 2011, 387 pp., AUD$92.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-195-56179-1

The second edition of Learning to Teach: New Times, New Practices (2011), takes on the challenge of creating an accessible, research-based text that inspires and enables pre-service teachers to bec...
Human monocyte activation by biologic and biodegradable meshes in vitro.

Background Inflammation and wound healing play critical roles in the integration of biologic and biodegradable meshes (BMs) at hernia repair sites. Monocytes/macrophages (M/MOs) are key cells controlling inflammation and wound healing. These cells release inflammatory cytokines and growth factors such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upon activation. Although BMs have been increasingly used in hernia repairs worldwide, to date, investigations of inflammatory responses to various BMs have been limited.
Configuration and coordination of global advertising

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the organization and management of the advertising activities of multinational corporations. The specific foci were a) the configuration or location of responsibilities for advertising activities, and b) the extent of their coordination by multinational corporations' headquarters across markets. The results of a survey of advertising managers in large, U.S. multinationals indicate that individual advertising functions are managed as three broad sets (strategic, executional, and evaluative) and that each is either centralized or dispersed to subsidiaries, with only a few cases of coordination by both headquarters and subsidiaries.
Fast fourier transforms applied to shape analysis of particle silhouettes to obtain morphological data

Abstract Silhouette data from particles were read and analyzed by FFT. The log plot of the n th coefficient, A n , was plotted versus log n and a straight line was obtained. Similar data from other investigators also yield the straightline relationship. The law of morphological coefficients is proposed. Type I and Type II random particles are defined.
Numerical models of creep and boundary sliding mechanisms in single-phase, dual-phase, and fully lamellar titanium aluminide

Finite element simulations of the high-temperature behavior of single-phase γ, dual-phase α2+γ, and fully lamellar (FL) α2+γTiAl intermetallic alloy microstructures have been performed. Nonlinear viscous primary creep deformation is modeled in each phase based on published creep data. Models were also developed that incorporate grain boundary and lath boundary sliding in addition to the dislocation creep flow within each phase. Overall strain rates are compared to gain an understanding of the relative influence each of these localized deformation mechanisms has on the creep strength of the microstructures considered. Facet stress enhancement factors were also determined for the transverse grain facets in each model to examine the relative susceptibility to creep damage. The results indicate that a mechanism for unrestricted sliding of γ lath boundaries theorized by Hazzledine and co-workers leads to unrealistically high strain rates. However, the results also suggest that the greater creep strength observed experimentally for the lamellar microstructure is primarily due to inhibited former grain boundary sliding (GBS) in this microstructure compared to relatively unimpeded GBS in the equiaxed microstructures. The serrated nature of the former grain boundaries generally observed for lamellar TiAl alloys is consistent with this finding.
Influence of Dietary Fat on β-Carotene Absorption and Bioconversion into Vitamin a

Dietary fat facilitates the utilization of carotenoids and, based on serum β-carotene or retinol responses following ingestion of meals containing carotene and fat sources, it has been reported that the amount of fat required in a meal may be minimal (∼3-5 g). However, the dietary fat requirement for optimal carotene utilization in humans cannot be fully ascertained without longer-term dose-response studies that measure the changes in vitamin A body stores in response to varying levels of dietary fat. In humans, vitamin A body stores can be determined by use of stable isotope-dilution methods. Animal studies have shown that although the level of dietary fat has no effect on serum vitamin A concentrations of animals fed β-carotene, higher liver vitamin A concentrations were found in those that ingested higher fat levels. Other factors that might influence the relationship of fat intake and β-carotene utilization include the type of fat ingested, physicochemical properties of the carotenoid source, amount of carotene ingested, whether fat and β-carotene sources are provided in the same meal, the presence of helminthic infections, age, and vitamin A status.
On controllability of a rotating string

We consider the problem of controllability of a rotating string. We say that a set of initial data of the string is controllable if, for any initial data of this set by suitable manipulation of the exterior force, the string goes to rest. The main result of the paper is a description of controllable sets of initial data. The equation is not strongly hyperbolic. To get exact controllability of such equation in the sharp time interval, we use control functions from Sobolev spaces with noninteger indices. To prove our results, we apply the method of moments that has been widely used in control theory of distributed parameter systems since the classical papers of H.O. Fattorini and D.L. Russell. We use recent results about exponential bases in Sobolev spaces with noninteger indices.
Simulation of the Reconfigurable-Stack test calorimeter experiments with CALOR89☆

Abstract This paper presents the simulation studies with CALOR89 for the Reconfigurable-Stack calorimeter (Hanging Files) test beam measurements conducted at Fermilab during the period of September 91 to January 92. The purpose of this study is to validate the CALOR89 code against the experimental data and to enhance its reliability and predictive power, especially for the multi-segmented SDC calorimeters. The results of the simulation are compared with the measured e/π ratio, the electromagnetic and hadronic energy resolutions and the longitudinal shower profiles. These comparisons show that the CALOR89 can predict reasonably well the parameters for the scintillating plate calorimeters. We have also identified certain systematic effects in modeling the experimental configurations with CALOR89.
Combined use of designed scaffolds and adenoviral gene therapy for skeletal tissue engineering.

Abstract While tissue engineering remains the most researched alternative to conventional therapies for repair and regeneration, how to optimally combine two of the most promising techniques, designed solid scaffolds and localized gene therapy, is largely unknown. We have conducted a systematic screening of several variables that may affect generation of bone via adenoviral gene therapy vector delivery, on image-based designed and solid freeform-fabricated scaffolds. These variables included: gene therapy type (ex vivo or in vivo); scaffold base material (sintered hydroxyapatite or a polypropylene fumarate/ tricalcium phosphate (PPF/TCP) composite), secondary carrier used to attach the biofactor to the scaffold (fibrin gel or a poly-lactic acid sponge), and scaffold pores size (300 or 800 μm). The in vivo formation of bone following implantation of these scaffolds was then analyzed. Gene therapy method had the largest effect, with ex vivo gene therapy yielding significant amounts of bone on nearly all the implants and in vivo gene therapy failing to produce any bone on most implants. Secondary carrier was the next most important variable, with fibrin gel consistently producing bone encompassing the implants and producing 2–4 times as much bone as the polymer sponge, which triggered only isolated bone growth. Though both scaffold base materials allowed bone growth, hydoxyapatite scaffolds generated twice as much bone as PPF/TCP scaffolds. The pore sizes tested had no significant effect on tissue generation.
A Q-Sort measure of beliefs about abortion.

A Q-Sort procedure for assessing beliefs about abortion is presented. University respondents (N = 119) sorted 41 items, derived in part from open-ended responses of a large community sample, into a 7-category forced distribution. Cluster analysis of their sorts yielded four types, two reflecting "pro-life" orientations toward this issue and two representing "pro-choice" orientations. Significant differences among the types were found on eight scales of the California Psychological Inventory, including scales assessing interpersonal effectiveness, intellectual competence, and flexibility. However, the types did not differ on scales assessing respondents' orientation toward norms. These results suggest the utility of employing the Abortion Beliefs Q-Sort in further studies on this complex and controversial social and health issue.
Clinical correlates of left ventricular cavity obliteration

Abstract Left ventricular cavity obliteration is an angiographic phenomenon in which apical intracavitary space becomes totally occupied in systole by the contracting left ventricular muscle. To determine the clinical associations and physiologic significance of this finding we reviewed the clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic and angiographic data of 24 consecutive patients with cavity obliteration. The patients' ages ranged from 27 to 64 (mean 50) years. Their subjective complaints included chest pain (100 percent), dyspnea (96 percent), lightheadedness (33 percent) and palpitations (25 percent). Physical findings included an atrial gallop (92 percent) and a systolic murmur (67 percent). Left ventricular hypertrophy was evident in the electrocardiogram of 71 percent, but cardiomegaly was noted in the chest roentgenogram of only 29 percent. Other associated findings included hypertension (46 percent), aortic valve stenosis (21 percent), angiographic mitral valve prolapse (33 percent), mitral regurgitation (17 percent) and coronary artery disease (42 percent). An intraventricular pressure gradient was found in 9 of 15 patients (60 percent) studied with provocative maneuvers. Echocardiography, performed in 12 subjects, revealed asymmetric septal hypertrophy in 6 (50 percent) and symmetric hypertrophy in the remaining 6 (50 percent). An intraventricular pressure gradient was noted in four of the six patients with asymmetric and in five of the six with symmetric hypertrophy. The postextrasystolic beat phenomenon occurred both in patients with symmetric and in those with asymmetric hypertrophy, thus suggesting that cavity obliteration in itself may have important hemodynamic significance. Thus, cavity obliteration is a contraction abnormality that may be seen in a spectrum of ventricular hypertrophic disease states. Although it may be caused by idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis in some patients, the frequent association with hypertension, aortic stenosis and symmetric hypertrophy suggests a pathophysiologic relation to pressure overload in others.
Regime Change and Conflict Recidivism within Rivalry: Interludes in Disputes†

How does regime change affect the risk of militarized disputes? Within the democratic peace literature, there is disagreement over whether it is democratization, autocratization, political dissimilarity or political instability that is particularly perilous. I distinguish four perspectives from this literature and test their attendant hypotheses on a dataset of conflict episodes within enduring rivalry from 1816 to 2001 using survival analysis. I find that both democratization and autocratization reduce the hazard of dispute recurrence in enduring rivalries. After controlling for selection bias, the effect of democratization was robust whereas the effect of autocratization was not. Democratization also has the additional property of terminating rivalries; autocratization does not. Together, the results imply that democratization is better at promoting a transition from rivalry to peaceful relations than is the autocratization of a rivalry dyad.
Association of Serum Bilirubin with Aging and Mortality

Background and aims Bilirubin, a breakdown product of heme metabolism, has been shown to be protective against cardiovascular mortality; however, it is also a marker of liver function. There are limited data on the longitudinal changes in bilirubin with aging in a population-based cohort of older adults. This study was designed to determine whether serum bilirubin changes with age in older adults, and to evaluate whether age attenuates the association between bilirubin and mortality. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 2364 participants with a mean age of 70 years, who completed a research clinic visit from 1984 to 1987, and 1703 participants who returned for a second research visit approximately 8 years later. Cross-sectional and longitudinal multivariable-adjusted analyses were performed to examine the association between serum bilirubin, aging, and mortality. Results In cross-sectional analyses, when the cohort was divided into quartiles of age, higher baseline serum bilirubin levels were associated with older age in analyses adjusted for sex, body mass index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, and metabolic traits ( P -value P -value P -value = 0.002); however, this association between bilirubin quartile and mortality was no longer significant after adjusting for age ( P -value 0.30), suggesting higher bilirubin in older age does not confer survival advantage. Conclusions Serum bilirubin levels gradually increase with age in older adults. Elevated bilirubin in older individuals is not associated with improved survival as previously reported in middle-aged populations.
SIMULTANEOUS PHOTOOXIDATION OF RU(BPY)2CL2 AND PHOTOREDUCTION OF RU(BPY)2CL2+ IN SEVERAL SOLVENT SYSTEMS

Abstract In a number of aerated solvent systems, [Ru(bpy) 2 Cl 2 ] can be oxidized to [Ru(bpy) 2 Cl 2 ] + under UV irradiation, in at least some of these solvents by a solvent-initiated radical chain reaction. Irradiation of [Ru(bpy) 2 Cl 2 ] + in the blue or ultraviolet in some of the same solvents caused photoreduction to the Ru(II) complex. In some solvent systems a photostationary mixture was the end result of UV irradiation. In others the irradiated solution was either completely Ru(II) or completely Ru(III), depending on the temperature. The extreme temperature sensitivity is thought to depend on the oxygen concentration.
Development of the irrigation M&O learning process

A learning process has been developed, based on experiences in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Nepal, for improving the maintenance and operations practices of an irrigation project or system. This learning process has been designed to: minimize the investment (OM increase credibility of irrigation project staff with central headquarters through improved financial management practices and accountability; and develop more knowledge about what is occurring within the system in order to meet the needs of farmers.
Do Institutional Investors Value the 10b-5 Private Right of Action? Evidence from Investor Trading Behavior Following Morrison v. National Australia Bank Ltd. (2010)

In Morrison v. National Australia Bank (2010), the U.S. Supreme Court limited investors’ ability to bring private 10b-5 securities fraud actions to cases where the securities at issue were purchased on a United States stock exchange or were otherwise purchased in the U.S. Because many foreign firms’ securities trade simultaneously on non-U.S. venues and on U.S. exchanges, institutional investors claimed after Morrison that they would look to such firms’ U.S-traded securities to preserve their rights under 10b-5. This article tests this prediction using proprietary trading data from 378 institutional investors. The analysis reveals no evidence that investors reallocated trades in cross-listed issuers to the U.S., nor did they reallocate foreign trading to cross-listed issuers that are now clearly subject to 10b-5 securities suits. This persistence in trading appears across both money managers and pension plan sponsors, notwithstanding sponsors’ more vocal criticism of Morrison and their prominence in 10b-5 litigation.The appendices for this paper are available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2537125
Stabilisation of optical frequency of modelocked laser diode with Fabry-Perot filter for supercontinuum-based optical ITU grid

The stabilisation of the optical frequency of a modelocked laser diode by employing a Fabry-Perot filter, the free spectral range of which is equal to the repetition frequency of the modelocked laser, is proposed and demonstrated. The measured stability was 5.3 MHz at room temperature. The frequency stabilised modelocked laser diode was employed to generate a 25 GHz spaced optical ITU grid based on supercontinuum lightwave generation.
Linear cellular automata with boundary conditions

The main results of the paper concern graphs of linear cellular automata with boundary conditions. We show that the connected components of such graphs are direct sums of trees and cycles, and we provide a complete characterization of the trees, as well as enumerate the cycles of various lengths. Our work generalizes and clarifies results obtained previously in special cases.
Implementation of an adaptive wavelet system for distortion correction in smart interferometric sensors

Interferometric sensors are effective for monitoring shape, displacement or deformation in Smart Structures. Wavelet-based ridge extraction will be applied to determine phase (and superimposed noise) in 1-D signals taken from 2-D interferograms. A second wavelet system, an adaptive wavelet system, will be designed and implemented to achieve distortion correction, analogous adaptive wavelet echo concellation.
Partial purification and properties of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (Acanthocephala).

1. 1. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (E.C.1.1.1.49) in Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus was purified 321-fold. The techniques used for purification include ammonium sulfate fractionation, calcium phosphate gel absorption and DEAE cellulose absorption. 2. 2. Properties of the partial purified enzyme are: (a) an optimal temperature of 40°C, (b) an optimal pH of 7·6, (c) an optimal requirement for MgCl2 of 0·033 M and (d) a Michaelis constant of 1 × 10−4 M for d-glucose-6-phosphate. The enzyme was unstable during dialysis, with a linear loss of activity.
Effect of singular neurectomy on the caloric response

Abstract Purpose: This study was performed to determine the contribution of the posterior semi-circular canal to the vestibulo-ocular responses (VOR) from caloric stimulation of the labyrinth. Materials and Methods: Seven consecutive patients with disabling benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which was treated with singular neurectomy, were tested before and after surgery with bithermal stimulation of the operated and nonoperated ears. Results: There was a significant (P = .0156) decrease in the VOR from stimulation of the operated ear following singular neurectomy. The nonoperated ear showed a variety of changes that may have resulted from compensatory mechanisms and/or utricular dys-function. Conclusions: We conclude that the posterior canal together with the lateral and superior canals are responsible for the VOR following caloric stimulation of the labyrinth.
Recent Development of Education for Gifted Students in Taiwan

This article describes the historical development of special education for gifted students in Taiwan over the past twenty years. By reviewing the related literature, this study first presents background information, and then provides an overview of three stages of programming for gifted students. By analyzing laws, official rules and guidelines for special education, a variety of opportunities for gifted students are described and problems are discussed. Finally, some recommendations for further program development are proposed.
Approximations to Joint Distributions of Definite Quadratic Forms

Abstract Multidimensional Wilson-Hilferty transformations support Gaussian approximations to certain joint distributions of quadratic forms in jointly Gaussian variates. Central and noncentral joint distributions are studied and applications are noted. Parameters of the approximating distributions are given up to terms of order o(v −2) in the degrees of freedom v. Numerical studies validate using these approximations over a range of parameters for an essential subclass of the distributions studied, especially in upper tails.
Designing faired parametric surfaces

Abstract The paper presents the theoretical foundation for the development of systems for the automatic fairing of parametric surfaces. Three fairness metrics are derived; each metric is a geometric property of the designed surface, which can be expressed explicitly in terms of the shape properties of the designed surface. The metrics are based on the surface areas of derived surfaces constructed from the geometric invariants of the designed surface. Consequently, these metrics can be evaluated in the original parameterization of the surface.
Cellular Assimilation of Water-Soluble Vitamins in the Mammal: Riboflavin, B6, Biotin, and C

The discovery of vitamins resulted from the searches for the cures of diseases caused by diets deficient in such micronutrients. The further investigation of specific roles has clarified most of the metabolic alterations that are necessary to convert vitamins to functional forms, which include conversions of water-soluble B complex vitamins to coenzymes. More recent work is providing information on how these metabolic conversions are regulated. Importantly different cells have somewhat different means for facilitating uptake, often with relative specificity for any one of the different structural groups of vitamins. Closure of the knowledge gap as to how vitamins are transported into the cell and how processing of vitamins within the cell are connectedly related is the thrust of ongoing studies. Our own work in this area will be the primary base for this Minireview.Since such vitamins as riboflavin, B6, biotin, and C have been the focus of considerable investigation in our laboratory, they will serve as p...
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Val158Met Polymorphism Associates with Individual Differences in Sleep Physiologic Responses to Chronic Sleep Loss

Background The COMT Val158Met polymorphism modulates cortical dopaminergic catabolism, and predicts individual differences in prefrontal executive functioning in healthy adults and schizophrenic patients, and associates with EEG differences during sleep loss. We assessed whether the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was a novel marker in healthy adults of differential vulnerability to chronic partial sleep deprivation (PSD), a condition distinct from total sleep loss and one experienced by millions on a daily and persistent basis. Methodology/Principal Findings 20 Met/Met, 64 Val/Met, and 45 Val/Val subjects participated in a protocol of two baseline 10h time in bed (TIB) nights followed by five consecutive 4 h TIB nights. Met/Met subjects showed differentially steeper declines in non-REM EEG slow-wave energy (SWE)—the putative homeostatic marker of sleep drive—during PSD, despite comparable baseline SWE declines. Val/Val subjects showed differentially smaller increases in slow-wave sleep and smaller reductions in stage 2 sleep during PSD, and had more stage 1 sleep across nights and a shorter baseline REM sleep latency. The genotypes, however, did not differ in performance across various executive function and cognitive tasks and showed comparable increases in subjective and physiological sleepiness in response to chronic sleep loss. Met/Met genotypic and Met allelic frequencies were higher in whites than African Americans. Conclusions/Significance The COMT Val158Met polymorphism may be a genetic biomarker for predicting individual differences in sleep physiology—but not in cognitive and executive functioning—resulting from sleep loss in a healthy, racially-diverse adult population of men and women. Beyond healthy sleepers, our results may also provide insight for predicting sleep loss responses in patients with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, since these groups repeatedly experience chronically-curtailed sleep and demonstrate COMT-related treatment responses and risk factors for symptom exacerbation.
3. Vitrification and its limitations for preservation

This presentation will be a summary of work by a large number of laboratories on vitrification and preservation of biological materials, with special attention to the anhydrous state. Some novel methods for measuring glass transitions will be discussed, along with studies on characteristics of glasses above and below the glass transition. Consequences of devitrification for preservation will be presented. Considerable evidence that vitrification alone is not sufficient for preservation will be discussed.
Scan-to-scan nonreproducibility in GC/FTIR: An evaluation of several chromatogram calculation algorithms

A new “second difference” (SD) algorithm for calculating wavelength-selective GC/FTIR chromatograms is presented and compared with the Gram-Schmidt (GS), integrated absorbance (IA) and maximum absorbance (MA) algorithms. For an instrument with good scan-to-scan reproducibility, the sensitivity of the four algorithms generally decreases in the order GS>SD>MA>IA. The new algorithm is less affected by instrumental instability, so that in severe cases the sensitivity order becomes SD>GS>MA>IA.
An Innovative Device for Quantification of Percolation and Sieving Segregation Patterns–Single Component and Multiple Size Fractions

ABSTRACT Segregation occurs during most particulate materials-related unit operations including mixing, conveying, discharging, filling, and compaction. A redesigned second-generation primary segregation shear cell (PSSC-II) was fabricated to simulate and quantify percolation and sieving mechanisms-based segregation. Several binary mixtures were tested to quantify the effect of size ratios and absolute size. The constituents of binary mixtures studied were spherical glass beads. Three binary size ratios, 4:1, 6:1, and 8:1, were tested. For a given size ratio, three different absolute coarse (710–850, 1000–1200, and 1400–1700 μm) to fine particle sizes were studied. The experimental results showed that the PSSC-II was capable of quantifying segregation potential for various materials. Several physical parameters such as segregation rate (SR), phase of segregation rate (PSR), distribution of segregation rate (DSR), maximum segregation rate (MSR), and normalized segregation rate (NSR) were created to describ...
A Wireless Power Interface for Rechargeable Battery Operated Medical Implants

This brief presents a highly integrated wirelessly powered battery charging circuit for miniature lithium (Li)-ion rechargeable batteries used in medical implant applications. An inductive link and integrated Schottky barrier rectifying diodes are used to extract the DC signal from a power carrier while providing low forward voltage drop for improved efficiency. The battery charger employs a new control loop that relaxes comparator resolution requirements, provides simultaneous operation of constant-current and constant-voltage loops, and eliminates the external current sense resistor from the charging path. The accuracy of the end-of-charge (EOC) detection is primarily determined by the voltage drop across matched resistors and current-sources and the offset voltage of the sense comparator. Experimental results in 0.6-mum 3M-2P CMOS technology indicate that plusmn1.3% (or plusmn20 muA) EOC accuracy can be obtained under worst case conditions for a comparator offset voltage of plusmn5 mV. The circuit measures roughly 1.74 mm2 and dissipates 8.4 mW in the charging phase while delivering a load current of 1.5 mA at 4.1 V (or 6.15 mW) for an efficiency of 73%.
High-throughput method for lipophilicity measurement.

A high-throughput method has been developed for lipophilicity measurement. It measures the partition coefficient of a solute between a polymer phase and an aqueous phase (Ppw) in a 96-well format. The polymer is plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), which is widely used as a material for clinical containers and ion-selective electrodes. The composition is 2:1 (w/w) dioctyl sebacate and PVC. With six repeats, log Ppw values of 15 solutes have been determined in one 96-well microplate in 4 h. A linear relationship between log Ppw and log Pow (octanol−water partition coefficient) values exists with a correlation coefficient of 0.979. The slope and intercept of the log Ppw vs log Pow plot are statistically indistinguishable from 1 and 0, respectively. Similar to the HPLC method, by using the correlation line as a calibration curve, the measured log Ppw values can be used to predict log Pow. This protocol is faster than the HPLC method. Moreover, it is straightforward to extend the protocol to the determinat...
Grain growth and inclusion formation in partially molten carbonate rocks

To learn more about the kinetics and mechanisms of coarsening and melt inclusion formation, we investigated the effects of melt content, viscosity, and topology on the microstructural evolution of partially molten and melt-free calcite aggregates. Synthetic marbles with eutectic melts were produced by annealing mixtures of calcite and either calcium hydroxide or lithium carbonate for up to 80 h at a confining pressure of 300 MPa and temperatures of 973–1,023 K. The melts produced in the two systems are expected to differ significantly in viscosity. Generally, coarsening rates decrease with increasing melt fraction, probably because the diffusion length across melt pockets increases. Analysis of grain shapes in the samples with about 40% melt indicated that coarsening was accommodated by agglomeration in the samples of the calcium/lithium carbonate system. In the calcium carbonate/hydroxide system, classical Ostwald ripening occurred. For melt contents about 10% and below, melt-filled pores are either dropped from or dragged along with migrating grain boundaries, depending on the pore size and the grain boundary curvature. These data can be used to constrain the conditions where fluid or melt inclusions form under natural conditions. Combining our results and previous studies illustrates a systematic relation between the grain boundary mobility in calcite aggregates and the diffusion kinetics associated with second phases residing on the grain boundaries. In particular, boundaries with no porosity are most mobile, those boundaries dragging melt-filled pores are slower, those with gas-filled pores are slower yet, and those containing solid phases are slowest or may even be motionless.
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: Reliability in a Diverse Rural American Sample.

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT) in a diverse rural American low-socioeconomic status (SES) sample. Four hundred and forty-seven English (n = 335) and Spanish (n = 112) speaking caregivers completed the M-CHAT during their toddler’s 18- or 24-month well visit in a Southwest Virginia pediatric clinic. The M-CHAT did not show acceptable internal consistency in groups with low maternal education or minority status. Caregivers reporting low maternal education and minority status were more likely to endorse items suggestive of autism. These results indicate that the M-CHAT may require modifications to be more internally consistent and accurate across ethnic and educational groups in rural areas with low levels of SES. Recommendations to increase the utility of the M-CHAT are discussed.
Dave—a validation error detection and documentation system for fortran programs†

This paper describes DAVE, a system for analysing Fortran programs. DAVE is capable of detecting the symptoms of a wide variety of errors In programs, as well as assuring the absence of these errors. In addition, DAVE exposes and documents subtle data relations and flows within programs. The central analytic procedure used is a depth first search. DAVE itself is written in Fortran. Its implementation at the University of Colorado and some early experience are described.
Review of methods for susceptibility testing of anaerobes

In the USA, the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards has studied and published a reference agar dilution method for the susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria. While numerous investigators both in Europe and the USA have evaluated a variety of methods with a variety of modifications, only the broth microdilution method appears to be appropriate for routine use. The problems of the choice of breakpoint, inoculum size, media, media additives, endpoint recognition and other parameters affecting test performance and interpretation, while troublesome for anaerobes, are not unique to this group of organisms. The increasing resistance of anaerobes and the ever existing need to provide therapeutic guidance, surveillance for resistance and susceptibility data on new drugs make the need for an accurate and reliable susceptibility test for anaerobes critical. The newer methods, while showing promise, need further evaluation with all agents that have a therapeutic indication for anaerobic infections.
Implementing VuFind: A Public Library Improves Electronic Search Quality and Saves Searcher Time

Web-scale discovery services (WSDs) are a widespread phenomenon sweeping university libraries across the world. In this article the authors discuss this trend and their experience working on a test server with the open source discovery layer VuFind. Developed by Demian Katz of Villanova University, VuFind’s potential to index not only the library’s catalog but also proprietary databases through the integration of application program interfaces (APIs) offers public libraries the opportunity to develop a seamless website-to-catalog experience, thereby building a true virtual branch for their patrons.
Calculation of the Terminal Velocity of Water Drops

Abstract Three mathematical expressions for the terminal velocity of water drops in still air as a function of equivalent radius are compared with the experimental data of Gunn and Kinzer. Two of them, derived by curve-fitting techniques, give excellent results over the full range of meteorological interest, including the Stokes's law regime. A formula to correct for non-standard pressure and temperature is given, and its results are compared with the experimental data of Beard and Pruppacher.
Phase transitions and domain structures in thin ferroelectric films

Recent advances in technology made available high quality thin ferroelectric films and ferroelectric–paraelectric multilayers. But understanding of the properties of these systems is far from being complete. In particular, it is not clear why various anomalies observed at phase transitions here are different from those in high quality bulk systems. The aim of the paper is to discuss some specific features of ferroelectric phase transitions in thin films and multilayers which are taken into account only partially by the theory. The discussion is limited to revealing the character of ferroelectric state forming just after the transition, i.e. if it is single-domain or multi-domain, if it is single-phase or two-phase. First, thin films with electrodes and on a substrate are discussed. The role of non-ideality of electrodes in realization of one of the first pairs of possibilities is emphasized. A more recent idea is that even for ideal electrodes a domain formation is possible when some conditions on the ele...
The Effects of External Reinforcement on Power Structure in Task Oriented Groups

This paper examines the network of social power relations and the resultant social structure under a variety of external reinforcement conditions. The results clearly indicate that the nature of external reinforcement affects both the amount of structural differentiation which occurs in task oriented groups and their structural stability. The paper suggests some broader implications for the study of formal organizations, particularly studies of productivity. The structures and processes which develop in groups and formal organizations reflect, in part, the environment in which such systems exist. By having some information about the nature of a group's environment, it should be possible to make predictions about the types of activities which may take place (cf. Gray and Sullivan; Greenstein; Hamblin; Sullivan). The problem becomes complicated, however, by our apparent inability to specify those dimensional aspects ofthe environment which should make such predictions possible. In the most general sense these dimensions consist, in part, of the kinds of feedback or information the environment supplies groups regarding their relative success in dealing with environmental problems. Following Skinner we posit the most important aspect of feedback a group can receive to be positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement supplies a group with the most essential information about task performance. Positive reinforcement indicates that a group has done something well, or at least adequately, and should signify that the group is on the right track in problem solution. Other reinforcing events (i.e., negative reinforcement, positive punishment or negative punishment) may be useful in developing behavior strategies, but such events are less important than positive reinforcement, which should most effectively lead groups to successful behaviors (e.g., shaping). Thus we should expect to find that the quantity and quality of positive environmental reinforcement has effects on the internal working of
Study on noise reduction in up-conversion single photon detectors

Up-conversion single photon detector technology has become efficient for photons in the near infrared range. However, its dark count rate is a major concern for some applications in quantum optics. We have theoretically and experimentally studied the causes of dark counts, and developed an up-conversion detector with an ultra low dark count rate. A reduced dark count rate of only 320 counts per second is achieved at the maximum overall detection efficiency of 18% and a dark count rate of less than 100 counts per second is achieved at a detection efficiency of 10%. The ultra low dark count rate enables this type of up-conversion detector to be utilized in a variety of applications where weak signals in the near IR region are only at a level of few thousand photons per second.
Researching Chinese Cultural Understandings of Marriage via Similes and Metaphors on the World Wide Web

In an attempt to understand how changes in the societal context of Chinese marriage are reflected in Chinese cultural understandings of marriage, we explore Chinese similes and metaphors for marriage posted on the World Wide Web. Seven themes were found: You will have to decide whether a marriage will work for you, marriage is not about romantic love, marriage is bitter and sweet at the same time, marriage is strong and real, you must work at a marriage, marriage is risky, and marriage is not always taken seriously. The themes give a picture of cultural meanings for marriage in China that reflect more traditional ideas and such recent changes as the move to greater freedom of choice of spouse and greater ease of divorce. The themes provide cultural understandings both by characterizing contemporary marriage and by capturing advice about how to find a partner and make a marriage work.
Natural convection in a vertical porous annulus

Natural convection in concentric, vertical annuli filled with saturated porous media is reviewed in this paper. Relevant works related to different thermal boundary conditions are discussed first, the attention being focused on analytical and numerical solutions for the Darcy flow model. Experimental investigations conducted by using various combinations of solid particles and fluids are discussed next. Finally, the results of a numerical investigation for a vertical annulus filled with spherical beads are presented. The Brinkman-Forchheimer-extended Darcy model is used as the momentum equation and the effect of porosity variation is taken into consideration. The predicted Nusselt numbers are compared with experimental results.
Promoting and Protecting Youth Mental Health Through Evidence-Based Prevention and Treatment.

For decades, empirically tested youth interventions have prevented dysfunction by addressing risk and ameliorated dysfunction through treatment. The authors propose linking prevention and treatment within an integrated model. The model suggests a research agenda: Identify effective programs for a broadened array of problems and disorders, examine ethnicity and culture in relation to intervention adoption and impact, clarify conditions under which programs do and do not work, identify change mechanisms that account for effects, test interventions in real-world contexts, and make tested interventions accessible and effective in community and practice settings. Connecting the science and practice of prevention and treatment will be good for science, for practice, and for children, adolescents, and their families.