cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anterior Cingulate Glutamate and GABA Associations on Functional Connectivity in Schizophrenia.

Background The underlying neurobiological mechanism for abnormal functional connectivity in schizophrenia (SCZ) remains unknown. This project investigated whether glutamate and GABA, 2 metabolites that contribute to excitatory and inhibitory functions, may influence functional connectivity in SCZ. Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were acquired from 58 SCZ patients and 61 healthy controls (HC). Seed-based connectivity maps were extracted between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) spectroscopic voxel and all other brain voxels. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) spectra were processed to quantify glutamate and GABA levels. Regression analysis was performed to describe relationships between functional connectivity and glutamate and GABA levels. Results Reduced ACC functional connectivity in SCZ was found in regions associated with several neural networks including the default mode network (DMN) compared to HC. In the HC, positive correlations were found between glutamate and both ACC-right inferior frontal gyrus functional connectivity and ACC-bilateral superior temporal gyrus functional connectivity. A negative correlation between GABA and ACC-left posterior cingulate functional connectivity was also observed in HC. These same relationships were not statistically significant in SCZ. Conclusions The present investigation is one of the first studies to examine links between functional connectivity and glutamate and GABA levels in SCZ. Results indicate that glutamate and GABA play an important role in the functional connectivity modulation in the healthy brain. The absence of glutamate and GABA correlations in areas where SCZ showed significantly reduced functional connectivity may suggest that this chemical-functional relationship is disrupted in SCZ.
Semantic Segmentation of Motion Capture Using Laban Movement Analysis

Many applications that utilize motion capture data require small, discrete, semantic segments of data, but most motion capture collection processes produce long sequences of data. The smaller segments are often created from the longer sequences manually. This segmentation process is very laborious and time consuming. This paper presents an automatic motion capture segmentation method based on movement qualities derived from Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). LMA provides a good compromise between high-level semantic features, which are difficult to extract for general motions, and low-level kinematic features which, often yield unsophisticated segmentations. The LMA features are computed using a collection of neural networks trained with temporal variance in order to create a classifier that is more robust with regard to input boundaries. The actual segmentation points are derived through simple time series analysis of the LMA features.
The Evolution of Genes and Pseudogenes for Some Chloroplast Ribosomal Proteins. Transposition and Recombination Lead to Different Fates in Different Genomes

Transposition events have created chloroplast-DNA-derived ribosomal protein pseudogenes in chloroplast (Bowman et al 1988, Shimada and Sugiura 1989) and mitochondrial (eg Moon et al 1988) genomes of some higher plants. Examining the role of homologous recombination in the evolutionary fate of these ribosomal protein genes and their pseudogenes, can offer some insight into the possible influence of homologous recombination on the evolution of organelle genomes in general.
The Effect of Music Preference on Complex Task Performance

This study examined the relationship between music preference and extraversion on complex task performance in a sample of 34 college students from a small, Christian, liberal arts university. Separated into two groups of high and low extraversion, these 34 participants were invited to participate in the experimental phase of the study. For the experimental phase, each participant experienced three different music conditions (Preferred, Preset, and Silence) while performing a complex reading comprehension task. The results revealed a significant interaction effect between level of extraversion and music condition. Individuals with higher levels of extraversion performed marginally significantly better listening to preferred music during the complex task compared to silence and a preset music selection; all other sound conditions were not significant. The Effect of Music Preference on Complex Task Performance Music, like all other art forms, is unique to human beings. It expresses emotion shared by all cultures, closes the gap between eras of time, and reflects attitudes and progression. The power of music holds a strong influence over many human functions and recent technological advances of the 20 and 21 centuries have made music highly accessible. In addition, the ubiquitous nature of music accessibility in modern society raises important questions about the pervasive presence of music in work and educational settings. Studies searching for the distracting or facilitating effect of music on task performance have generally been inconsistent. Despite inconclusive results, public acceptance of claims that support the facilitative function of music in task performance is common. The highly publicized study by Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky conducted in 1994 for example, found significant results “proving” Mozart music increased spatial reasoning performance in college students. McKelvie & Low (2002) conducted a 1 Mcdonald: The Effect of Music Preference on Complex Task Performance Published by Pepperdine Digital Commons, 2013
An Experimental and Modeling Investigation of Al-based Nanocomposites Manufactured via Ultrasonic Cavitation and Solidification Processing

Abstract In the present study, A356 based nano-composites are fabricated by using the ultrasonic stirring technology (UST) in a coreless induction furnace. SiC nanoparticles were used as the reinforcement. Nanoparticles were added into the molten metal and then dispersed by ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic streaming assisted by electromagnetic stirring. The UST was also applied during the solidification process. The microstructure of the nanocomposites has been investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The distribution of SiC nanoparticles in the A356 alloy matrix has also been analyzed. The SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showed that the matrix microstructure of the A356 alloy and the dispersion of the SiC nanoparticles into the matrix can be significantly improved when ultrasonic cavitation, induction melting and stirring, and solidification processing techniques are used together. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to analyze the complex interactions between the nanoparticle and the liquid/solid interface. The assumption that nanoparticles will be engulfed by the solidification front instead of being pushed was proved through MD simulations.
Uma história breve e pessoal da pesquisa pós-qualitativa: em direção à “pós-investigação”

Neste artigo, a autora aborda sua dificuldade com a desconexao entre os conceitos e as praticas da “metodologia qualitativa humanista convencional” e as teorias pos-modernas e pos-estruturais, especialmente a desconexao entre suas ontologias. Ela descreve sua propria historia como pesquisadora que estudou simultaneamente, mas separadamente, metodologia qualitativa humanista e teorias pos, ilustrando a separacao tao comum entre, de um lado, a metodologia qualitativa e, de outro, a epistemologia e a ontologia com as quais esta emaranhada. Ela encoraja pesquisadores a realmente utilizar as criticas ontologicas oferecidas pelos “pos” e se engajarem nos neoempirismos da virada ontologica, talvez usando conceitos futuristas como metodos na investigacao pos-qualitativa ou “pos-investigacao”. Palavras-chave: Pesquisa pos-qualitativa. Pos-investigacao. Virada ontologica. Abstract A brief and personal history of post qualitative research: toward “post inquiry” In this paper, the author explains her difficulty with the disconnect between the concepts and practices of “conventional humanist qualitative methodology” and postmodern and poststructural theories, especially the disconnect between their ontologies. She describes her own history as an academic researcher who studied humanist qualitative methodology and post theories simultaneously but separately, illustrating the too-common separation of qualitative methodology from the epistemology and ontology with which it is entangled. She encourages scholars to actually use the ontological critiques offered by the “posts” and to engage the new empiricisms of the ontological turn, perhaps using futural concepts as methods in post qualitative inquiry or “post inquiry.” Keywords: Post-qualitative research. Post inquiry. Ontological turn. Resumen Una historia breve y personal de la investigacion post-cualitativa: en direccion de la “post-investigacion” En este articulo, la autora explica su dificultad con la desconexion entre los conceptos y las practicas de la “metodologia cualitativa humanista convencional” y las teorias postmodernas y postestructurales, especialmente la desconexion entre sus ontologias. Ella describe su propia historia como investigadora que estudio simultaneamente, pero por separado, metodologia cualitativa humanista y teorias post, ilustrando la separacion tan comun entre, de un lado, la metodologia cualitativa y, de otro, la epistemologia y la ontologia con las cuales se enreda. Ella encoraja a los investigadores a realmente utilizar las criticas ontologicas ofrecidas por los "post" y a involucrarse en los neoempirismos del giro ontologico, tal vez usando conceptos futuristas como metodos en la investigacion post cualitativa o “post investigacion”. Palabras clave: Investigacion post cualitativa. Post investigacion. Giro ontologico.
Photochemical CO2 reduction with mononuclear and dinuclear rhenium catalysts bearing a pendant anthracene chromophore

A series of anthracene-substituted mononuclear and dinuclear rhenium complexes have been studied for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The effects on catalytic activity of one versus two covalently-linked active sites, their relative proximity to one another, and the pendant organic chromophore are discussed.
New Drug Formulations and Their Respective Generic Entry Dates.

BACKGROUND: After new prescription drugs reach the market, manufacturers sometimes create modified versions of them. These new formulations can expand patient treatment options, but they may also b...
Asymptotically Optimal Load Balancing: Theory and Algorithms

Brief Biography: Xingyu Zhou is a Ph.D. student at the ECE department of Ohio State University, advised by Prof. Ness Shroff. He is currently a Presidential Fellow, the most prestigious award at OSU. His primary research focus is on load balancing in large-scale data center systems. He is heavily involved with the ACM SIGMETRICS community with three full papers published on the ACM SIGMETRICS conference so far. His research results have not only drawn interest from academics (e.g., invited talks at Caltech, CMU and INFORMS Annual Meeting), but also attracted cooperation from industry companies (e.g., Facebook Core System team). He obtained his B.S from BUPT and M.S. from Tsinghua University, both in the Department of Electrical Engineering and with the highest honor. He is also the recipient of various awards including the Outstanding Graduate Award of Beijing city, Distinguished Dissertation Award from BUPT and Tsinghua, National Scholarship of China, and Academic Rising Star Award from Tsinghua.
Rbfox2 is Critical for Maintaining Alternative Polyadenylation and Mitochondrial Health in Myoblasts

The RNA binding protein RBFOX2 is linked to heart and skeletal muscle diseases; yet, RBFOX2-regulated RNA networks have not been systematically identified. Although RBFOX2 has a well-known function in alternative splicing (AS), it is unclear whether RBFOX2 has other roles in RNA metabolism that affect gene expression and function. Utilizing state of the art techniques Poly(A)-ClickSeq (PAC-seq) and nanopore cDNA sequencing, we revealed a new role for RBFOX2 in fine tuning alternative polyadenylation (APA) of pre-mRNAs in myoblasts. We found that depletion of RBFOX2 altered expression of mitochondrial genes. We identified the mitochondrial gene Slc25a4 gene that transports ATP/ADP across inner mitochondrial membrane as a target of RBFOX2. Dissecting how RBFOX2 affects Slc25a4 APA uncovered that RBFOX2 binding motifs near the distal polyadenylation site (PAS) are critical for expression of Slc25a4. Consistent with changes in expression of mitochondrial genes, loss of RBFOX2 altered mitochondrial membrane potential and induced mitochondrial swelling. Our results unveiled a novel role for RBFOX2 in maintaining APA decisions and expression of mitochondrial genes in myoblasts relevant to heart diseases.
String Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States

The rise in demand for string teachers is a sign of support for string programs across the United States. Despite an increase in string teacher positions, there is growing concern regarding the lac...
STEM and Soft Occupational Competencies: Analyzing the Value of Strategic Regional Human Capital

This research examines the distribution of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and soft-skill competencies in occupations within regional economies in the United States. This res...
The Evolution of the Threats to Canadian Financial Institutions, the Actual State of Public and Private Partnerships in Canada

This chapter provides an overview of the evolution of the threat landscape of financial institutions. Cyberattacks on financial institutions may have considerable economic, social, and environment impacts. Financial institutions security professionals and their teams are responsible for identifying and protecting their organization against cyberattacks while the public sector is accountable to provide security, deter, prosecute, and enforce existing law. The Canadian banking sector does not have the necessary intelligence collection authorities and capabilities to protect its network and infrastructure, while the government does possess these necessary authorities and abilities to do so, it does not have a banking-specific expertise of the cyber threats affecting the financial industry. This chapter exposes why public–private partnerships are not functioning, the purpose of the study conducted in Canada on public–private partnerships with private security professionals working for Canadian financial institutions and the research questions that were asked to these participants to better understand their perceptions about why these partnerships have been ineffective. This chapter also contains three theoretical frameworks that allow to better understand the phenomenon and a detailed overview of the current cyber-threat environment.
Assessing Cultural Intelligence and Study Abroad Experiences of Dietetics Students and Professionals.

Abstract Objective To assess the relationship between study abroad participation and levels of cultural intelligence (CQ) of dietetics students and professionals. Methods Participants were recruited via e-mail to complete an online survey, which included the Cultural Intelligence Scale and an additional 21 items developed and partially validated by the researchers. A mixed-method analysis was used to examine relationships between CQ levels, study abroad program participation, and international travel experiences. Results Participation in study abroad programs and international travel experiences were related to higher levels of CQ in metacognitive (P = 0.003; P Conclusions and Implications Results suggest that participation in study abroad programs and international travel experiences may result in high CQ levels and may equip students and practicing dietitians with skills, knowledge, and resources for practicing in culturally diverse communities. Future experimental research implementing study abroad programs and international travel opportunities for this population may help determine how these experiences impact dietetics practice in the long term.
Impact of improved rice varieties on household food security in Northern Ghana: A doubly robust analysis

This study determines the impact of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security using farm‐level data from 900 households in Northern Ghana. We employed the doubly robust inverse probability weighted regression adjustment procedure complementary with a propensity score matching approach on two indicators of food security (household dietary diversity score and subjective food security). Across all the various estimation procedures, we observed consistent positive effects of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security. Policies that enhance diffusion and adoption of improved rice varieties should be encouraged to improve food security among farm households.
Barriers and Facilitators That Influence Providers' Ability to Educate, Monitor, and Treat Substance Use in First-Episode Psychosis Programs Using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

In this qualitative study, we explore providers’ experiences with addressing substance use among individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) enrolled in coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs...
Reactions to organ donation appeals in public service announcements aimed at African Americans.

Abstract This study examines different types of organ donation public service announcement appeal messages (narrative, counter argument, and statistical) in relation to their effectiveness on the African American community. Previous studies on public service announcements aimed at African Americans and how effective the different message appeals are examined along with issues effecting the likelihood of African Americans consenting to be organ donors. African American participants were recruited using the Qualtrics survey company. Analysis of survey data suggest that narrative appeals are more effective than statistical and counter argument appeals but statistical and counter argument did not differ from each other. Implications of this finding along with directions for future research is included.
Resolving delayed sleep-wake phase disorder with a pandemic: two case reports.

Two patients with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) demonstrated improvement in sleep quality and duration, reduction in symptoms and elimination of the need for hypnotic or stimulant medications after changing their sleep schedules in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown work schedule changes. These cases highlight the impact of work schedules on patient health and raise questions about approaches to workplace schedule requirements post pandemic.
Low-Voltage High-Frequency Continuous-Time Filters Basedon Simple Transconductors and Miller Integrators

An approach to implement low-voltage continuous-time filters using simple transconductance elements and gain-stage Miller integrators is presented. The technique allows direct translation of an RC active structure or a system block diagram into a CMOS circuit that uses differential pairs as transconductors and gain stages as Miller Integrators. A novel and efficient compensation technique to cancell excess phase in Miller integrators is discussed. A new high-frequency compensated CMOS universal filter structure that has no summing nodes in the main feedback loop is discussed and experimentally verified.
Application of Synchrotron Radiation in the Study of the Structure and Dynamics of Amorphous Ices and Clathrate Hydrates

Major advantages of a synchrotron is the energy tunability and very high brightness. These unique properties permit different types of spectroscopy which probe different physical and electronic properties to be performed. In this presentation, various experiments, from infrared (∼0.01 eV) to Compton scattering (125 keV), on ice and clathrate hydrates will be discussed. Using low‐temperature infrared spectroscopy, we have studied the mechanism for the novel iso‐structural phase transition of high pressure ice‐VIII. High resolution powder diffraction using high energy radiation was used to provide very accurate atom radial distribution functions for the characterization of the structural changes associated with the HDA to LDA ice transformation. Very high energy x‐ray was used to study the interactions between simple rare gas atoms and methane with the ice framework in clathrate hydrates. The “resonant scattering” of the guests with the ice vibrations was identified using x‐ray scattering and the specific role of the guest, in particular Kr in Kr hydrate was studied with the nuclear inelastic scattering technique.
Moral Minds: How Nature Designed Our Universal Sense of Right and Wrong

Scholars have long argued that moral judgements arise from rational deliberations about what society determines is right and wrong. This has generated the idea that our moral psychology is founded on cultural experience. In the revolutionary MORAL MINDS, Marc Hauser challenges these concepts, showing that this view is illusory and arguing instead that humans have evolved a 'moral instinct', a universal feature of the human mind rather than one informed by gender, education or religion. Combining his own cutting-edge research with cognitive psychology, linguistics, evolutionary biology and economics, Hauser examines his groundbreaking theory in terms of bioethics, religion and law, as well as our everyday lives.
Pressing Public Necessity: The Unconstitutionality of the Absconder Apprehension Initiative

The Absconder Apprehension Initiative, announced in January 2002, was designed to locate, apprehend, interview and deport approximately 314,000 people described as 'absconders' or 'alien fugitives.' Such individuals had been ordered deported by an immigration judge but failed to comply with the judge’s final order by remaining in the United States. The government did not intend to pursue all 314,000 equally. Rather, the government declared that it would target several thousand who came from countries in which there had been Al Qaeda terrorist presence or activity. By May 2003, over eleven hundred alleged absconders, almost all of them Arab or Muslim men, had been arrested and over two-thirds of them deported as a result of the program.This article argues that prioritizing the arrest, detention, interrogation and deportation of a few thousand Arab and Muslim men from a group of over three hundred thousand similarly situated individuals was unconstitutional. This conclusion stems from two principles. First, Supreme Court jurisprudence establishes that classifications based on race, ethnicity, and national origin receive strict scrutiny, and that selective enforcement driven by discriminatory purpose or resulting in discriminatory effect is impermissible. Second, strict scrutiny applies because the Absconder Apprehension Initiative was, in design and implementation, fundamentally a tool of domestic criminal law enforcement. Effectuating domestic law enforcement under the guise of immigration law enforcement does not cure unconstitutionality.
THE IAHPC MANUAL OF PALLIATIVE CARE, 3RD EDITION

The International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) is a not-for-profit, international, interdisciplinary society dedicated to the provision of palliative care throughout the worl...
Electromyography of knuckle-walking: results of four experiments on the forearm of Pan gorilla.

Preliminary results of electromyographic (EMG) studies on the forearm of a gorilla provisionally support the hypothesis that special closepacked positioning mechanisms may characterize the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints II–V in extant knuckle-walkers (chimpanzees and gorillas). We recommend that once the bony features, related to these close-packed positions are clearly identified, they may be employed strategically to discern evidence of a knuckle-walking heritage in the hands of extant hominoids, including man, and to trace the history of knuckle-walking in available fossils. This report contains results of the first successful employment of indwelling fine-wire electrode techniques to elucidate problems on the functional and evolutionary biology of great apes.
Molecular identification and characterization of turkey IFN-γ gene

Abstract The cDNAs of turkey and chicken interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were cloned and the functional activity of turkey and chicken IFN-γ was compared. The coding region of turkey IFN-γ gene encodes a predicted mature protein of 145 amino acids with a molecular weight at 16.8 kDa. Compared with type I IFN, the IFN-γ between turkey and chicken also had the same size and high degree of identity at the nucleotide (96.0%) and amino acid (96.4%) sequence. Turkey IFN-γ was cross-reactive with chicken cells. Both turkey and chicken IFN-γ could induce production of nitric oxide by turkey or chicken macrophages. Turkey IFN-γ also had similar degree of sensitivity to heat and pH 2.0 as chicken IFN-γ. The functional activity of both turkey and chicken IFN-γ could be neutralized by a monoclonal antibody specific to chicken IFN-γ to a similar extent. These results indicated that IFN-γ protein was cross-reactive between turkey and chicken.
“Give Me Strengths!” Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Graduate Level HBSE Course

Abstract This article reports on the findings of a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent comparison group design. Three class sections of MSW students and two class sections of graduate-level education students were asked to write responses to open-ended questions about at-risk populations. The perceptions of MSW students changed in a direction that might be anticipated given the CSWE mandates. The lack of a similar pattern among education students taking a human development class suggests that the social work curriculum was effective in helping students appreciate the unique characteristics of diverse populations. Results were not equally positive for all of thecategories of at-risk populations.
Genericity versus inheritance reconsidered: self-reference using generics

As shown by the work of Bertrand Meyer, it is possible to simulate genericity using inheritance, but not vice-versa. This is because genericity is a parameterization mechanism with no way to deal with the polymorphic typing introduced using inheritance. Nevertheless, if we focus on the use of inheritance as an implementation technique, its key feature is the dynamic binding of self-referential operation calls. This turns out to be basically a parameterization mechanism that can in fact be simulated using generics and static binding. And for some applications this approach may actually be of more than academic interest.
Fertilization alters the spatial distribution and the density of voltage-dependent sodium current in the egg of the ascidian Boltenia villosa.

Abstract The spatial distribution of voltage-dependent ionic currents was characterized in Boltenia villosa eggs before and after fertilization using two-microelectrode voltage clamp of paired animal-vegetal halves of eggs (merogones) made surgically. Major voltage-dependent conductances in the Boltenia egg are a transient inward Na current, a transient inward Ca current, and an inwardly rectifying K current. These currents were randomly distributed along the animal-vegetal axis in the unfertilized egg. When paired merogones (surgically prepared egg fragments) were made at the vegetal cap stage, 15–30 min after fertilization, Ca and K currents remained randomly distributed along the animal-vegetal axis. In contrast, the relative Na current density was found to be twofold lower in the vegetal vs the animal merogones made at the vegetal cap stage. By making pairs of merogones from unfertilized eggs and subsequently fertilizing one merogone of a pair, we showed that this change in current density ratio was due to a loss of absolute Na current density in the vegetal hemisphere shortly after fertilization. These results also show that this loss was intrinsic to the vegetal hemisphere, rather than being determined solely by the point of sperm entry. A second decrease in Na current was observed during the hour before first cleavage, 60–120 min after fertilization ( M. L. Block and W. J. Moody, 1987 , J. Physiol. 393, 619–634), both in fertilized eggs and in animal merogones fertilized after isolation. This second loss of Na current was not observed in vegetal merogones fertilized after isolation or in either animal or vegetal merogones made from fertilized eggs at the vegetal cap stage. Possible mechanisms for the rapid (complete by 40 min after fertilization) and the late (occurring from ca. 60 to 120 minutes after fertilization) Na current losses are discussed.
Interferon Regulatory Factor (Irf)-1 and Irf-2 Regulate Interferon γ–Dependent Cyclooxygenase 2 Expression

Cyclooxygenases (Cox) are rate-limiting enzymes that initiate the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostanoids. Cox-2 is the inducible isoform that is upregulated by proinflammatory agents, initiating many prostanoid-mediated pathological aspects of inflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that interferon (IFN)-γ alone or in synergy with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin 1α induces Cox-2 expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages, which is paralleled by changes in Cox-2 protein levels and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release. Induction of Cox-2 was abrogated in macrophages that lack IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1, consistent with an attenuated hepatic mRNA response in IRF-1−/− mice injected with LPS. Conversely, the absence of IRF-2 in macrophages resulted in a significant increase in both basal and inducible Cox-2 gene and protein expression as well as IFN-γ–stimulated PGE2 release, identifying IRF-2 as negative regulator of this promoter. Two IFN stimulation response elements were identified in the mouse Cox-2 promoter that were highly conserved in the human Cox-2 gene. Both bind endogenous IRF-1 and IRF-2 and regulate transcription in an IRF-1/2–dependent manner. Our data demonstrate conclusively the importance of IFN-γ as a direct activator and coactivator of the Cox-2 gene, and the central role of IRF-1/2 family members in this process.
Predicting condom use using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model: a multivariate latent growth curve analysis.

Background The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model often guides sexual risk reduction programs even though no studies have examined covariation in the theory’s constructs in a dynamic fashion with longitudinal data.
Contact and penetration twinning of calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC2O4·H2O)

The exact mechanism of penetration twin formation has been unknown because early stages of twin development have never been observed in mineral deposits and were believed to be rapidly outgrown during the early supersaturation required for twin nucleation. Simple penetration twins of monoclinic calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) are shown to nucleate on the {101} component of growth steps formed on all four {110} faces of crystals grown under supersaturated conditions. The lamellar form of the twin is altered to the irregular conical form typical of penetration twins by the addition of additives to the growth environment. Nucleations shown to occur on separate faces around a twin axis eventually coalesce and appear as single interpenetrant crystal. Contact twins of COM occur exclusively with the composition plane {101}.
Learning across levels

The theme of this year’s CSCL 2013 conference—“To see the world and a grain of sand: Learning across levels of space, time and scale”—targets a provocative challenge for CSCL, namely that the interactions of collaborative learning be understood, supported and analyzed at multiple levels. As the conference call puts it, “the attention to the theoretical, methodological and technological issues of addressing research at multiple levels is highly relevant to current research in CSCL, as well as to developing an emerging understanding of the epistemological and methodological issues that will shape our intellectual efforts well into the future” (http://isls.org/cscl2013). The attempt to bridge across levels of analysis—in CSCL theory, analysis and practice— stands at the forefront of CSCL research today. CSCL research typically investigates processes at the individual, small-group and community units of analysis. However, individual CSCL studies generally each focus on only one of these units. Moreover, there is little data-based analysis of how the three levels are connected, although it is clear that such connections are crucially important to understanding and orchestrating learning in CSCL settings. The introduction to the last issue of ijCSCL (Stahl 2012b) proposed that the levels of individual learning, group cognition and community knowledge building may be connected by emergent interactional resources, which can mediate between the levels.
Preliminary estimate for the second-trimester maternal serum screening detection rate of the 45,X karyotype using alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin.

Objective: To estimate the detection rate for 45,X pregnancies through second-trimester screening using maternal serum α-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and unconjugated estriol.Methods: Twenty-two cases of 45,X were ascertained through a cytogenetics database and an additional 51 cases were identified through publications. Serum analyte concentrations were reviewed for cases with fetal hydrops, cystic hygroma alone, and no evidence of edema. Using the statistical characteristics of this sample of affected pregnancies, computer simulations were carried out to determine the proportion of 45,X pregnancies that should be screen-positive for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. The extent to which additional cases of 45,X might be identified using a protocol specifically designed to detect 45,X pregnancies was also estimated.Results: Approximately 54% of all 45,X pregnancies should be identifiable through screening for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. The detection rate for cases with hydrops and/or cystic hy...
Relationship between plasma corticosterone levels and the tendency to avoid attack in mice.

Abstract The relationship between individual differences in circulating levels of corticosterone and individual differences in the tendency to avoid attack was studied in mice. It was found that resting (baseline) levels of plasma corticosterone were not related to any of the measures of avoidance responding. However, plasma corticosterone levels in response to avoidance-of-attack retention testing were positively correlated with retention test latencies. It is suggested that changes in the levels of corticosterone in response to the aversive stimuli used in avoidance situations may be important in the determination of ongoing or subsequent avoidance responses.
Light Intensity, Photoperiod, and Diapause Induction in Face Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

In the fall, adult face flies enter a facultative diapause in which mating and ovarian maturation do not take place, and their fat bodies become hypertrophied. Laboratory studies implicate short photoperiod as the primary inducer of diapause, but the response is temperature-dependent. Among field populations in Ames, Iowa, however, most teneral adults begin to enter diapause in the second week of September every year with no detectable effect of temperature. A range of light intensities <1,730 lux (160 ft-c) was applied to populations of flies at different photoperiods and temperatures. Precise calibration of light intensity was achieved with crossed polarizing filters placed over populations of eclosing flies. In a split-plot experiment, reduced light intensities led to significantly more diapause in each of four photoperiods. There was no interaction between photoperiod and light intensity. Effects of photoperiod and light intensity on diapause were obtained in split but not constant temperatures.
Optimal monetary policy and the lag structure of disturbances

Abstract The paper extends Poole's analysis of optimal monetary policy by linking monetary policy to the lag structure of the model's disturbances. A Keynesian framework which also assumes rational expectations and information lags is used. The paper finds that in this framework monetary policy is determined by the rates at which real sector and money-demand disturbances dissipate. Dynamic analogs of the familiar rules linking optimal monetary policy to the stability of the IS and LM curves are then developed.
Bean growth and light interception in a bean-maize intercrop

Abstract Bean-maize intercrop plantings increase light interception and decrease light reflection as compared with bean monocrop plantings. However, the quantity of light available to the bean canopy is decreased as the maize population is increased. Growth and yield of bean plants are reduced in the intercrop as compared with bean monocrop. Reductions in leaf area index, growth rate, and net assimilation rate of beans were found under high maize populations as compared with bean monocrop.
Conditional intent in the strange case of murder by logic

The concept of conditional intent is pervasive in practical reasoning and action. Although conditional intent has not received the detailed attention it deserves, it is worth remarking that much if not most of the intentions we formulate and on the basis of which we act or try to act are conditional in logical form.
A generalized signal detection model to predict rational variation in base rate use

The predominant models of rational behavior currently used to analyze a large class of experiments imply that subjects neglect or place insufficient weight on base rates when making probabilistic judgments. We argue that the evidence is inadequate for this conclusion because the models make needlessly restrictive assumptions about how base rates should be used. The restrictive assumptions stem from a misuse of Bayes' rule that ignores specific aspects of how the proportions arose. We develop a model of rational behavior that generalizes signal detection theory to reflect the environment subjects routinely face and we reexamine the relevant experimental literature. Variation observed in subjects' responses to base rate information is explained by the present rational model more fully than by extant models.
Matrix-Isolation Studies of the Reactions of Ground- and Excited-State Atomic Iron with Cyclopropane

The chemistry of atomic iron reacting with cyclopropane in an argon matrix at 15 K has been investigated. A spontaneous reaction leads to the formation of C2H4FeCH2, [Fe(C2H2)][CH4], and a species ...
Statistical base and background rates: the silent issue not addressed in Massachusetts v. EPA

Global climate change is one of the most serious challenges humans currently face. The US courts have been called upon to adjudicate disputes concerning the proper way to confront this challenge. Most recently, the US Supreme Court faced one such dispute in Massachusetts v. E.P.A. Faced with a question of what to do, and the legal mandate of a federal agency, with a question of natural background rates of warming, the Court decided the issue upon narrow constitutional grounds. In so doing, the authors contend that the Court sidestepped a significant issue of how the US Courts understand and handle important questions of statistical evidence. Repeatedly, disputes are brought to court that are questions to be resolved by determining nothing more that the difference between a base rate and another rate. Yet, the authors’ research has shown this simple principle is addressed rarely, and sometimes not appropriately. The authors call for more education in math and statistics for the legal profession.
Dynamic contrast enhanced perfusion MRI in mycosis fungoides.

Mycosis fungoides is a malignant, cutaneous lymphoma of T-helper (TH or CD4+) cells. At presentation, the disease is usually limited to the skin, with lesions that resemble eczema or psoriasis. Neurologic involvement is uncommon. This case demonstrates the conventional MRI and dynamic contrast enhanced perfusion MRI findings in intracerebral mycosis fungoides. T1-weighted spin echo imaging demonstrated a lesion with slightly decreased signal within the body of the corpus callosum. The lesion was isointense with grey matter on axial T2-weighted imaging. Following administration of contrast, there was patchy heterogeneous enhancement. Multiple relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) measurements were made and the minimum rCBV was 0.30 with the maximum rCBV being 1.61. The mean rCBV was 0.81 +/- 0.49 (average of 10 measurements and standard deviation).
Vagal motor neurons in rats respond to noxious and physiological gastrointestinal distention differentially

Low-pressure gastrointestinal distention modulates gastrointestinal function by a vago-vagal reflex. Noxious visceral distention, as seen in an obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, causes abdominal pain, vomiting and affective changes. Using single neuron recording and intracellular injection techniques, we characterized the neuronal responses of neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) to low- and high-pressure distentions of stomach and duodenum. Low-pressure gastric distention inhibited the mean activity of the DMNV neurons whereas high-pressure gastric distention excited many neurons. Of 47 DMNV neurons, low-pressure gastric distention inhibited 39, excited four, and did not affect four neurons. High-pressure gastric distention inhibited 26, excited 20, and left one unaffected. Thirteen of the 39 DMNV neurons inhibited by low-pressure distention of the stomach reversed their response to excitation during high-pressure gastric distention. Among 47 DMNV neurons, low-pressure duodenal distention inhibited 30, excited 10, and did not affect the remaining seven neurons. High-pressure distention of the duodenum inhibited 25 and excited 22 neurons. Eight DMNV neurons inhibited by low-pressure duodenal distention were excited in early response to high-pressure distention of the duodenum. High-pressure duodenal distention caused an early excitation and late inhibition in the mean activity of the DMNV neurons while low-pressure duodenal distention only produced late inhibition. These results suggest that different reflexes are present between physiological distention and noxious stimulation of gastrointestinal tract.
Association of primary biliary cirrhosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic medical conditions in which, although the etiology is uncertain, autoimmune features predominate. These two conditions are, in fact, multisystemic diseases, with a multitude of manifestations that are not limited to their target end organ. It has been well established that patients with PBC may have musculoskeletal complaints and patients with RA may have evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Both of these conditions are fairly rare, with RA being found in approximately 1% of the population and PBC being found in approximately 20/100,000 women and 2/100,000 men.The likelihood of these uncommon conditions occurring in the same patient is very rare and unusual. We have identified a unique group of 25 patients who have met disease-defining criteria for both RA and PBC. Awareness of this combination should prompt rheumatologists to assess for PBC with antimitochondrial antibody testing in patients with abnormal liver tests and also to raise awareness that abnormal liver tests in RA patients are not always due to drugs.
A model transformation approach for verifying multi-agent systems using SPIN

In our previous work, we developed a nested Petri net framework for modeling multi-agent systems. In this paper, we present a method to analyze the nested Petri net model using model checking. Our method systematically translates a nested Petri net model into a PROMELA program in SPIN.
Soliton solutions for the interaction of light and matter

Abstract We obtain and graphically investigate the soliton solutions of a reduced Maxwell–Bloch system, which incorporates the effect of a permanent dipole. In particular these solutions are capable of modeling unipolar, non-oscillating electromagnetic solitons, commonly referred to as “electromagnetic bubbles”.
Dispersion manipulation in optical coherence tomography with Fourier-domain optical delay line

In the last decade, Fourier-domain optical delay lines (FD-ODL) based on pulse shaping technology have emerged as a practical device for high-speed scanning and dispersion compensation in imaging interferometry such as optical coherence tomography(OCT). In this study, we investigate the effect of first- and second-order dispersion on the photocurrent signal associated with a fiber-optic OCT system implemented using a superluminescent diode centered at 950nm±35nm, an FD-ODL, and a mirror and a layered LiTaO3 which owns suitable dispersion characteristics to model a skin specimen. We present a practically useful method associated with FD-ODL to minimize the effect of dispersion through the OCT system and the specimen combined, and quantify the results using two general metrics for axial resolution.
Herpes immunization—on the threshold

Abstract Objectives To review the history, public health importance and current status of vaccines intended for the prevention and treatment of genital herpes simplex virus infection. Background Primary and recurrent genital herpes remains a significant public health problem. Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines offer an important strategy for control of genital herpes. Methods Literature review. Results For more than half a century the development of a safe and effective herpes simplex virus (HSV) has remained an elusive goal. Factors complicating vaccine development have included the complex natural history of HSV infection, an intricate viral genome which has made production of simple tissue culture attenuated live viral vaccines impossible, a general lack of understanding regarding what constitutes protective immunity and an excess of poorly conceived and seriously flawed clinical research. Over the past decade prospects for developing an effective vaccine have brightened as advances in basic immunology and molecular biology have increased our understanding of HSV, and as clinical investigators have taken lessons from the mistakes of earlier research. Investigative teams both in academic centers and in industry are now making excellent progress toward the development of HSV vaccines. Conclusions The combination of increased understanding and focused application is expected to result in the development of safe and effective HSV vaccines which should be available to physicians within this decade. The goal of the prophylactic vaccine will be to prevent symptomatic primary genital infection and reduce the likelihood the patient will establish latent infection and experience recurrent disease. The therapeutic vaccines are designed for patients who experience recurrent infections with the intended benefit of reduced symptomatic and subclincial recurrences.
Electron Transport and Counterion Relaxation Dynamics in Neat Ferrocenated Imidazolium Ionic Liquids

The electron transport properties of 12 imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) in which ferrocene groups have been attached to the imidazolium center by different linkers have been investigated. Cobalticenium is alternatively attached in another ionic liquid. The electron transport is measured in the neat (undiluted) ILs, which are very concentrated and viscous, so that electron transport (“electron diffusion”, DE) occurs by electron self-exchange (hopping) reactions of the Fc+/0 couple. The ionic conductivities are also measured and converted into counterion diffusion coefficients DION assuming that the small counterions (PF6− or BF4−) carry most of the ionic current. Converting the electron diffusion rate into an electron exchange rate constant, kEX gives only an apparent rate constant value, and electron transport is instead demonstrably controlled by the values of DION, as expected from a previously introduced transport model called ion atmosphere relaxation. The fluctuational rate of counterion motions arou...