cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of non-equilibrium transport on breakdown and transit time in bipolar transistors

Impact ionization and velocity overshoot in the base-collector junction of bipolar transistors are studied using Monte Carlo simulation and the hydrodynamic energy-balance equation. For advanced bipolar transistors, the carrier energy lags the electric field; therefore, the maximum impact ionization rate occurs deep into the junction. A simplified solution of the energy-balance equation can accurately model this nonlocal behavior. Excellent agreement with measurements of the multiplication factor for a variety of base-collector profiles is obtained. As a consequence of this nonequilibrium effect, velocity overshoot is expected and its trade-off with breakdown is analyzed in detail. >
Non-viral delivery of genome-editing nucleases for gene therapy

Manipulating the genetic makeup of mammalian cells using programmable nuclease-based genome-editing technology has recently evolved into a powerful avenue that holds great potential for treating genetic disorders. There are four types of genome-editing nucleases, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat-associated nucleases such as Cas9. These nucleases have been harnessed to introduce precise and specific changes of the genome sequence at virtually any genome locus of interest. The therapeutic relevance of these genome-editing technologies, however, is challenged by the safe and efficient delivery of nuclease into targeted cells. Herein, we summarize recent advances that have been made on non-viral delivery of genome-editing nucleases. In particular, we focus on non-viral delivery of Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins for genome editing. In addition, the future direction for developing non-viral delivery of programmable nucleases for genome editing is discussed.
Learning to Generate Video Game Maps Using Markov Models

Procedural content generation has become a popular research topic in recent years. However, most content generation systems are specialized to a single game. We are interested in methods that can generate content for a wide variety of games without a game-specific algorithm design. Statistical approaches are a promising avenue for such generators and, more specifically, map generators. In this paper, we explore Markov models as a means of modeling and generating content for multiple domains. We apply our Markov models to Super Mario Bros. , Loderunner , and Kid Icarus in order to determine how well our models perform in terms of the playability of the content generated, the expressive ranges of the models, and the effects of training data on those expressive ranges.
Temporal Association of Certain Neuropsychiatric Disorders Following Vaccination of Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Case–Control Study

Abstract Background: Although the association of the MMR vaccine with autism spectrum disorder has been convincingly disproven, the onset of certain brain-related autoimmune and inflammatory disorders has been found to be temporally associated with the antecedent administration of various vaccines. This study examines whether antecedent vaccinations are associated with increased incidence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anorexia nervosa (AN), anxiety disorder, chronic tic disorder, ADHD, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in a national sample of privately insured children. Methods: Using claims data, we compared the prior year's occurrence of vaccinations in children and adolescents ages 6 to 15 years with the above neuropsychiatric disorders that were newly diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2007, as well as two control conditions, broken bones and open wounds. Subjects were matched with controls according to age, gender, geographical area and seasonality. Conditional logistic regression models were used to determine the association of prior vaccinations with each condition. Results: Subjects with newly diagnosed AN were more likely than controls to have had any vaccination in the previous 3 months (hazard ratio [HR] 1.80, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.21-2.68). Influenza vaccinations during the prior 3, 6-, and 12- months were also associated with incident diagnoses of AN, OCD, and an anxiety disorder. Several other associations were also significant with HRs greater than 1.40 (Hepatitis A with OCD and AN; Hepatitis B with AN; and meningitis with AN and chronic tic disorder). Conclusions: This pilot epidemiologic analysis implies that the onset of some neuropsychiatric disorders may be temporally related to prior vaccinations in a subset of individuals. These findings warrant further investigation, but do not prove a causal role of antecedent infections or vaccinations in the pathoetiology of these conditions. Given the modest magnitude of these findings in contrast to the clear public health benefits of the timely administration of vaccines in preventing mortality and morbidity in childhood infectious diseases, we encourage families to maintain vaccination schedules according to CDC guidelines.
A locus coeruleus-norepinephrine account of individual differences in working memory capacity and attention control

Studies examining individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) have suggested that low WMC individuals have particular deficits in attention control processes compared to high WMC individuals. In the current article we suggest that part of the WMC-attention control relation is due to variation in the functioning of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system (LC-NE). Specifically, we suggest that because of dysregulation of LC-NE functioning, the fronto-parietal control network for low WMC individuals is only weakly activated, resulting in greater default-mode network activity (and greater mind-wandering) for low WMC individuals compared to high WMC individuals. This results in disrupted attention control and overall more erratic performance (more lapses of attention) for low WMC individuals than for high WMC individuals. This framework is used to examine previous studies of individual differences in WMC and attention control, and new evidence is examined on the basis of predictions of the framework to pupillary responses as an indirect marker of LC-NE functioning.
Cutting Edge: Targeting Epithelial ORMDL3 Increases, Rather than Reduces, Airway Responsiveness and Is Associated with Increased Sphingosine-1-Phosphate.

In this study, we used cre-lox techniques to generate mice selectively deficient in ORMDL3 in airway epithelium (Ormdl3Δ2-3/Δ2-3/CC10) to simulate an inhaled therapy that effectively inhibited ORMDL3 expression in the airway. In contrast to the anticipated reduction in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), OVA allergen-challenged Ormdl3Δ2-3/Δ2-3/CC10 mice had a significant increase in AHR compared with wild-type mice. Levels of airway inflammation, mucus, fibrosis, and airway smooth muscle were no different in Ormdl3Δ2-3/Δ2-3/CC10 and wild-type mice. However, levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) were significantly increased in Ormdl3Δ2-3/Δ2-3/CC10 mice as well as in airway epithelial cells in which ORMDL3 was inhibited with small interfering RNA. Incubation of S1P with airway smooth muscle cells significantly increased contractility. Overall, Ormdl3Δ2-3/Δ2-3/CC10 mice exhibit increased allergen-induced AHR independent of inflammation and associated with increased S1P generation. These studies raise concerns for inhaled therapies that selectively and effectively inhibit ORMDL3 in airway epithelium in asthma.
Emergent Issues in Sexuality and Aging

The field of sexuality and aging is still in its relative infancy. Emergent issues include the role of the Internet and social media, dating and divorce among aging adults, and sexuality at the end of life. The number of older adults who identify themselves as active Internet users has recently doubled, with more than 17 million users over the age of 65 spending at least 48 h a month online. The relative anonymity of the Internet offers older adults unique access to sexual health information, lubricants and sex toys, erotica and pornography, and social networking including online dating. Curiosity about potentially embarrassing or stigmatizing sexual topics can be explored in virtual anonymity, although potential problems with Internet use include misinterpretation of health information (older adults in the US possess only basic or below basic levels of health literacy, on average) and participation in illicit sexual activity. The Internet can provide outlets for companionship and dating for adults who have challenges with their physical mobility or for those who may be socially or geographically isolated (e.g., an LGBT elder in a rural community). However, anecdotal reports of online dating scams also abound. With increased rates of divorce, cohabitation, and multiple marriages among middle-aged and older adults, issues with couples often include the division of resources and allegiances to adult children from previous relationships. Another emergent area is that of sexuality at the end of life. Even though research indicates that sexuality is important to patients in both palliative and hospice care, and that they expect their health care providers to broach the subject first. Normalizing the subject becomes essential, and practical recommendations are offered for work with clients at the end of life who wish to engage in sexual activity, either alone or with a partner.
Robust Portfolio Construction

Outliers in asset returns factors are a frequently occurring phenomenon across all asset classes and can have an adverse influence on the performance of mean–variance optimized (MVO) portfolios. This occurs by virtue of the unbounded influence that outliers can have on the mean returns and covariance matrix estimates (alternatively, correlations and variances estimates) that are inputs are optimizer inputs. A possible solution to the problem of such outlier sensitivity of MVO is to use robust estimates of mean returns and covariance matrices in place of the classical estimates of these quantities thereby providing robust MVO portfolios. We show that the differences occurring between classical and robust estimates for these portfolios are such as to be of considerable concern to a portfolio manager. It turns out that robust distances based on a robust covariance matrix can provide reliable identification of multidimensional outliers in both portfolio returns and the exposures matrix of a fundamental factor model, something that is not possible with one-dimensional Winsorization. Multidimensional visualization combined with clustering methods is also useful for returns outlier identification. The question of using robust and classical MVO vs. optimization-based fat-tailed skewed distribution fits and downside risk measure is briefly discussed. Some other applications of robust methods in portfolio management are described, and we point out some future research that is needed on the topic.
Abstract 059: Additive effect of the GSTM1(0) Null and APOL1 High Risk Alleles in the African American Study of Kidney Disease (AASK) Trial

Background: Apolipoprotein L-1 ( APOL1 ) G1 and G2 alleles are strongly associated with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in non-diabetic African American (AA) patients. Glutathione-S-transferase Mu 1 ( GSTM1 ) null allele, GSTM1(0) , is also associated with accelerated progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in hypertensive AA patients. We hypothesized that the GSTM1(0) and APOL1 high risk alleles interact to influence the clinical outcomes in the AASK Trial participants. Methods: A total of 682 patients were classified into the combination of homozygous null for GSTM1 (0/0) , heterozygous (1/0) , and homozygous active (1/1) and APOL1 high ( High ) and low ( Low ) risk genotypes. The survival differences among the six groups were assessed by log-rank test and in the Cox regression for time to the event of glomerular filtration rate (GFR, 50% or 25ml/min/1.73m 2 decline), dialysis, or death, or their composite events. Regression analyses were adjusted for age, gender, proteinuria, baseline GFR, MAP, CVD, drug class, and population admixture. Results: The 6 groups differed significantly in the time to composite events of GFR, or dialysis or death (log-rank p=0.0033) (Fig. 1). Compared to (1/1)_Low group, the hazard ratios (HR) for the composite events were 2.6 (95% CI 1.27 – 5.32, p=0.009) and 2.4 (95% CI 1.15 – 4.99, p= 0.019) for the (0/0)_ Low and the (1/0)_High groups, respectively. The HRs for the other groups did not reach statistical significance [ (1/1)_High (HR 1.2, p = 0.73), (1/0)_Low (HR 1.78, p = 0.079), and (0/0)_High (HR 1.91, p = 0.097)]. Conclusion: GSTM1(0) and APOL1 high risk alleles have independent and additive deleterious effects on CKD progression among hypertensive AAs.
Instruction in Urban Planning for Civil Engineers

A seminar or semester-long course in urban planning techniques is one step toward the civil engineer's assuming his rightful place on the planning team. This paper presents an approach to the teaching of a semester-long course on urban planning techniques at the graduate level. Emphasis is placed on the desirability of assistance from non-engineers of several disciplines and the benefits of the inclusion of a number of court cases to stimulate student interest. Five appendices present a detailed semester outline, a list of selected court cases and statutes keyed to the outline, a related set of law-library research problems on enabling legislation, a list of typical student research topics on local planning problems, and suggestions for audiovisual aids.
Restoration of resident sleep and wellness with block scheduling

Context Block scheduling during residency is an innovative model in which in-patient and ambulatory rotations are separated. We hypothesised that this format may have a positive impact on resident sleep and wellness in comparison with a traditional format. Methods We performed a single-centre, cross-sectional, observational study of residents rotating in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Residents were observed for 4 weeks at a time: internal medicine (IM) residents were observed for 3 weeks in the MICU followed by 1 week in an ambulatory context, and non-IM residents were observed for 4 weeks in the MICU. We monitored daily total sleep time (TST) utilising actigraphy, and wellness measures with weekly Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires. Results A total of 64 of 110 (58%) eligible residents participated; data for 49 of 110 (45%) were included in the final analysis. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) daily TST in the entire cohort was 6.53 ± 0.78 hours. Residents slept significantly longer during the ambulatory block than during the MICU block (mean ± SD TST 6.97 ± 1.00 hours and 6.43 ± 0.78 hours, respectively; p < 0.0005). Sleep duration during night call was significantly shorter than during day shift (mean ± SD TST 6.07 ± 1.16 hours and 6.50 ± 0.73 hours, respectively; p < 0.0005). A total of 390 of 490 (80%) ESS and PSS questionnaires were completed; scores significantly declined during rotations in the MICU. Internal medicine residents showed significant improvements in TST, and in ESS and PSS scores (p < 0.05) at the end of the ambulatory week. Non-IM residents, who remained in the MICU for a fourth week, continued a trend that showed a decline in perceived wellness. Conclusions Despite duty hour restrictions, residents obtain inadequate sleep. As MICU days accumulate, measures of resident wellness decline. Residents in a block schedule experienced improvements in all measured parameters during the ambulatory week, whereas residents in a traditional schedule continued a downward trend. Block scheduling may have the previously unrecognised benefits of repaying sleep debt, correcting circadian misalignment and improving wellness.
Protection from Below: Stabilizing Hydrogenated Graphene Using Graphene Underlayers.

We show that dehydrogenation of hydrogenated graphene proceeds much more slowly for bilayer systems than for single layer systems. We observe that an underlayer of either pristine or hydrogenated graphene will protect an overlayer of hydrogenated graphene against a number of chemical oxidants, thermal dehydrogenation, and degradation in an ambient environment over extended periods of time. Chemical protection depends on the ease of oxidant intercalation, with good intercalants such as Br2 demonstrating much higher reactivity than poor intercalants such as 1,2-dichloro-4,5-dicyanonbenzoquinone (DDQ). Additionally, the rate of dehydrogenation of hydrogenated graphene at 300 °C in H2/Ar was reduced by a factor of roughly 10 in the presence of a protective underlayer of graphene or hydrogenated graphene. Finally, the slow dehydrogenation of hydrogenated graphene in air at room temperature, which is normally apparent after a week, could be completely eliminated in samples with protective underlayers over the c...
Neighboring Bells and Structure Bundles

You know the old folklore: A portly soprano belts out a high note at the climax of an opera and BAM! Crystal chandeliers explode and champagne flutes shatter. Is this an operatic myth, or it is physically possible for the human voice to shatter glass?
Application of capability-based cyber risk assessment methodology to a space system

Despite more than a decade of heightened focus on cybersecurity, cyber threats remain an ongoing and growing concern [1]-[3]. Stakeholders often perform cyber risk assessments in order to understand potential mission impacts due to cyber threats. One common approach to cyber risk assessment is event-based analysis which usually considers adverse events, effects, and paths through a system, then estimates the effort/likelihood and mission impact of such attacks. When conducted manually, this type of approach is labor-intensive, subjective, and does not scale well to complex systems. As an alternative, we present an automated capability-based risk assessment approach, compare it to manual event-based analysis approaches, describe its application to a notional space system ground segment, and discuss the results.
REPLACEABLE BEARING SURFACES: AN EMERGING CONCEPT

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses replaceable bearing surfaces. Improvements in prosthesis design and cementing techniques have significantly increased the life of prostheses. Prosthesis fixation by bone growth into porous coatings may well lead to the development of a permanent prosthesis in which wear of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing surface may truly prove to be the limiting factor. One approach to solving this problem is the use of replaceable bearings. The concept of replaceable bearing surfaces has been employed to a limited extent in orthopedic prostheses. The use of replaceable bearing surfaces was considered to be one of the necessary criteria of total knee prosthesis. The removable bearing feature was considered to be important for the removal of excess cement from the posterior aspect of the knee during surgery with replacement of the bearing in case of wear being a secondary feature. To date, only a few developers have taken advantage of the replaceable bearing concept. The development of improved cementing techniques and the introduction of porous surfaces to achieve biological fixation coupled with improvements in prosthesis design utilizing sound biomechanical concepts has greatly improved the outlook for prosthesis longevity. Although separation of component parts during the service life of the prosthesis is a valid concern, adequate fastener technology is available to overcome this problem.
A New Program for the Analysis of Nucleic Acid Structure: Implications for Nucleic Acid Structure Interpretation

Common ‘nomenclatures’ and ‘definitions’ to be used for the analysis of nucleic acid coordinate data were established at an EMBO workshop in September 1988 [Diekmann 1988, 1989; Sarma 1988; Dickerson 1989a; Dickerson et al. 1989]. The ‘definitions’ are simple concepts relating bases within a base pair and neighboring base pair to base pair geometries and are easily implemented for ‘ideal’ uniform coordinate sets. The ramifications of applying the concepts to non-uniform experimental data, however, were neither clearly nor adequately examined at the workshop. Consequently, no definitive mathematics and no specific guidelines were set for translating the ‘definitions’ to a form useful for the interpretation of experimental data. These questions were left to the discretion of the authors of the analysis programs.
Treatment Of Enophthalmos

This article has focused on the prevention and treatment of enophthalmos. It has stressed that enophthalmos is both a common complication of orbital fracture and a complication that can be difficult to treat. The cause of these failures of primary and secondary treatment is failure to recognize that orbital fractures have two distinct patterns and that neither is secondary to the anterior orbital floor defect. The zygoma fracture is the more common fracture and the most frequent cause of late enophthalmos. When this bone fractures, it does so at its sutural attachments. It is essential to reposition it at a minimum of three locations to achieve correction in three dimensions. The key to adequate reduction is not only to identify the frontozygomatic and zygomaticomaxillary suture at the infraorbital rim, but also to examine the zygomaticomaxillary suture in the region of the anterior maxillary buttress. Frequently, reduction at the first two sutural areas still leaves persistent lateral rotation of the zygoma and marked intraorbital volumetric expansion behind the axis of the globe. Complete reduction at three points will prevent late enophthalmos. Reosteotomy with repositioning of the zygoma and bone grafting to restore proper orbital volume can correct secondary enophthalmos once it develops. True blow-out fractures do occur, but the cause of the enophthalmos is most commonly the concomitant medial wall fracture and the occasional posterior expansion. The key to treatment is proper diagnosis, which is dependent upon CT scanning. Following definition of the exact fracture spots, restoration of intraorbital volume and sealing of the defects are satisfactory to avoid enophthalmos.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2016-17, Degrees Conferred 2016-17, Fall 2017 Enrollments.

This report presents data that describe the 2016-17 pharmacy application pool, degrees conferred in 2016-17, and fall 2017 pharmacy program enrollments. Data for this report were requested from 142 U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (
Regulatory Science Objectives and Biomarker Qualification Through Public-Private Partnerships Are Critical to Delivering Innovative Treatments for CNS Diseases

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) diseases represent one of the most challenging therapeutic areas for successful drug approvals. Developing biomarkers as drug development tools (DDTs) that catalyze the path to innovative treatments can aid in reducing the risk and improving the chances of approvals. Biomarker development, validation, and regulatory endorsement are a similarly rigorous process. Regulatory endorsement of biomarkers is a key goal for all stakeholders, and several paths exist with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). This chapter highlights the regulatory paths and considerations for advancing biomarker use in clinical development. Advancing biomarkers for CNS diseases is critical for advancing innovative therapeutics. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) provide the infrastructure for bringing together data and all relevant stakeholders in a precompetitive platform aimed at sharing costs and risks.
The reliability and validity of the Timed Up and Go as a clinical tool in individuals with and without disabilities across a lifespan: a systematic review.

Purpose: To summarize the available literature related to reliability and validity of the Timed Up and Go in typical adults and children, and individuals diagnosed with the following pathologies: H...
The Use of Executive Orders and Proclamations to Create Immigration Policy: Trump in Historical Perspective:

Executive SummaryThis article examines presidential immigration policy making through executive orders (EOs) and proclamations. Donald Trump’s overall volume of EOs has been remarkably similar to t...
Transparency in the Insurance Contract Law of Peru

The author summarizes the Transparency in the Insurance Contract in Peru, noting that it is a new concept in the country and that it is more legislated than applied and practiced by deficiencies of the Regulator. He exposes and criticizes the main problems related to the issue in the Peruvian insurance market, suggesting some changes and improvements.
Effects of Interferon and PKC Modulators on Human Glioma Protein Kinase C, Cell Proliferation, and Cell Cycle

The in-vitro effects of human interferon α-2b (HuIFN α-2b), protein kinase C (PKC) agonist [TPA (12-0-tetra-decanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate)] and PKC inhibitor (calphostin C) on human glioma (U-373MG) PKC activity, cell proliferation and cell cycle were compared. HuIFN α-2b and TPA increased PKC activity, elevated the number of cells in DNA synthesis (S) phase and decreased cell proliferation by similar magnitudes. Calphostin C inhibited PKC activity, increased the number of cells in S phase and produced strong cytotoxic effects (IC50 150 nM). Higher concentrations of calphostin C with or without serum induced an additional block in gap2 and mitosis. We conclude that HuIFN α-2b's mode of action may be directly or indirectly affecting PKC. The response produced by HuIFN α-2b is similar to TPA (potent PKC activation and S phase arrest).
Computational study of a novel microwave excited plasma sensor for aerodynamic flows

We present a computational study that demonstrates the concept of a microwave excited plasma flow sensor. The geometric configuration consists of an array of circularly arranged “receiver” (ground) electrodes that surround a central “transmitter” (excited) electrode that is flush mounted on a surface exposed to incident flow. Microwave excitation is used to strike a low-temperature plasma between the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode. Depending on the flow direction, a more intense plasma kernel is formed between the transmitter electrode and the downstream electrode for sufficiently strong excitation conditions. The differential current between the receiver electrodes is used to establish the flow direction and magnitude. The computational model establishes the effectiveness of the concept as a flow sensor. Parametric studies involving excitation voltages, flow velocities, scale lengths, electrode shape, and excitation frequency are performed. It is observed that the sensitivity of the device to the imposed flow is considerably improved with increasing excitation frequency in the microwave regime.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Engagement

While family engagement professionals are accustomed to engaging a remote population with high expectations, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, opportunities for innovation, and even higher expectations from families. This article is a collection of experiences from four family engagement colleagues in which the authors spotlight the experiences of families throughout the pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on family engagement, and how this period of time may impact institutional approach to family engagement going forward.
Modern extirpation of the Texas kangaroo rat, Dipodomys elator, in Oklahoma: changing land use and climate over a century of time as the road to eventual extinction

Surveys conducted during three years (2014-2017) provide the most extensive documentation to date for the possible presence of the Texas kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys elator ), a Tier II species considered to be of greatest conservation need, in seven counties in southwestern Oklahoma. The project encompassed 15 surveys on 93 nights; 266 localities were surveyed for a total of 9,094 trap nights and more than 32,428 km of paved and unpaved roads were surveyed for potential habitat and activity. No Texas kangaroo rats were captured or observed. However, 2,178 individuals of 17 mammal species were captured and individuals of 12 additional mammal species were collected and/or observed. New locality and natural history information for mammal species was obtained and six county records were recorded based on specimens and/or observations. Project results and historical information suggest that the Texas kangaroo rat ( D. elator ) is likely extirpated from the state of Oklahoma.
Behavioral treatment of dizziness secondary to benign positional vertigo following head trauma

Abstract Benign positional vertigo (BPV) represents a challenge to rehabilitation due to the subjective nature of the complaint of dizziness, frequent failure of pharmacologic intervention, and complicating psychologic factors. Behavioral therapy was used to treat a 26-year-old woman who complained of debilitating dizzy spells after mild head injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident. During a three-week baseline period before treatment, the patient reported a weekly average of 48 dizzy spells, which prevented participation in independent activities and kept her homebound and psychologically distressed. Nine-week behavioral treatment included biofeedback-assisted relaxation training, psychologic counseling, gaze-fixation practice, desensitization exercise, and generalization training. This protocol has been used successfully to train aviators to combat vertigo and nausea in flight. Our regimen included hourly recording of physical activity, notation of frequency of dizzy spells, and use of behavioral methods during nine weeks. The patient reported 90% reduction in dizzy spells and full resumption of independent activities including driving and athletics. Results are discussed in the context of behavioral problems associated with BPV and application of behavioral methods to the complaint of dizziness.
Minority Government and Legislative Politics in Spain, 2004-2008

This paper departs from the literature’s predominant focus on minority government formation and examines minority government performance using the Spanish case. It demonstrates that minority governments in Spain have performed quite well and the most recent minority governments have matched majority governments. It explores institutional, party-system and multilevel regime explanations of government performance using the Zapatero minority government (2004-08). It finds that while the location of the governing party in the party system may indeed allow minority governments to shift alliances and thereby govern effectively, as the literature hypothesizes, governments may also or instead rely on alliances across governmental levels in a multilevel system. Non-state-wide parties with representation in the national parliament and governmental responsibilities at the regional level are the critical link between governmental levels. This mechanism has not been explored in the comparative literature on national minority governments.
Recollection: integrating data through access

This demonstration of the Recollection project of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program at the Library of Congress will showcase a prototype platform, tools and environment for sharing and access to diverse born-digital collections. As the Program has addressed the development of distributed preservation through a national community of partner institutions, the challenge of access and interoperability has become more urgent. The network needs to be able to strategically bring collections under stewardship and keep an inventory without excessive burden on the collecting organizations. The data under stewardship is very diverse and follows standards acceptable within each content domain. These circumstances require an infrastructure that enables the community of NDIIPP Partners to share their collections and data on an ongoing basis. This allows NDIIPP to maintain the benefits of a distributed network of partners and also take advantage of the collections speaking to one another.
Dissimilation of Methionine by Fungi

Soil fungi that attacked methionine required a utilizable source of energy such as glucose for growth. This is an example of co-dissimilation. Experiments with one of the fungi, representative of the group, are reported. In the absence of glucose, pregrown mycelium, even when depleted of energy reserves, oxidatively deaminated methionine with accumulation of α-keto-γ-methyl mercapto butyric acid and α-hydroxy-γ-methyl mercapto butyric acid. When glucose was provided, all of the sulfur of methionine was released as methanethiol, part of which was oxidized to dimethyl disulfide. No sulfate, sulfide, or hydrosulfide products were detected. Evidence was obtained that deaminase and demethiolase were constitutive. Deamination preceded demethiolation and α-keto butyric acid accumulated as a product of the two reactions. Other carbon residues were α-hydroxy butyric acid and α-amino butyric acid. Inability of the fungus to metabolize α-keto butyrate was responsible for its inability to utilize methionine as a source of carbon and energy. Several other fungi isolated from soil grew on α-amino butyrate but could not grow on methionine owing to inability to demethiolate it.
Bridging 1990 and 2000 census race data: Fractional assignment of multiracial populations

In contrast to previous censuses, Census 2000 permitted individuals to mark more than one race. Because the new race tables include both single-race and mixed-race categories, measuring change during the 1990s requires some method of bridging between the two data sets. To accomplish this bridging, we first identified biracial populations as of 1990 through the race and ancestry responses of individuals in the PUMS file. With race responses assumed to represent a person's primary race identity, we then determined the percentage of each biracial group that preferred each race as the primary identity. The same percentages can be used to assign biracial persons from Census 2000 into single-race categories. We also provide fractional assignment percentages for selected states and for the larger specific nationality groups of mixed-race Asians. Comparison of our 1990 estimates of the numbers in leading biracial groups with those reported in Census 2000 suggests that our fractional assignment values are reasonable for biracial groups other than those involving American Indians and Alaska Natives. For the latter biracial groups and for all groups representing three or more races, we recommend equal fractional assignment into the appropriate single-race categories.
GROWTH INHIBITORY PROPERTIES OF MYCOPLASMA ANTIBODY

Abstract Bailey, Jack S. (The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.), Harold W. Clark, William R. Felts, and Thomas McP. Brown. Growth inhibitory properties of Mycoplasma antibody. J. Bacteriol. 86:147–150. 1963.—A substance in antiserum responsible for growth inhibition of Mycoplasma was found to be associated with the water-insoluble globulin fraction. This fraction and the agglutinins removed from agglutinated antigen inhibited the growth of Mycoplasma in a similar manner. Sonic oscillation of antiserum broth cultures partially relieved the growth inhibition. The results of this study suggest the existence of neutralized Mycoplasma in a latent phase, which could explain their infrequent detection in tissues and fluids. The application of such techniques as sonic oscillation may improve the recovery and identification of Mycoplasma from these sources.
Recon Road Maps: Retrospective Conversion Literature, 1980-1990

This paper aims to bring together in one place books, articles, reports, and lectures on retrospective conversion in print and non-print formats, appearing between 1980-1990. The bibliography, preceded by a brief review of the literature, is divided into ten broad categories to facilitate quick reference.
Disseminierte Papeln bei einer Patientin mit akuter myeloischer Leukämie

Cryptococcosis most commonly occurs in immunosuppressed patients. The pathogen is the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. This article reports on the case of a 20-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia who suddenly developed disseminated livid red papules and papulovesicles. The clinical picture and in particular the histopathology findings led to the diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis, which was successfully treated with amphotericin B. For the differential diagnosis generalized herpes zoster, erythema exudativum multiforme and disseminated molluscum contagiosum must be considered. To confirm the diagnosis attempts can also be made to culture the pathogen from skin biopsy preparations. Furthermore, fungal spores can be rapidly and simply detected with the Tzanck test.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of Alkaloids and Carbohydrates: An Update

Biocatalysis and its applications to synthesis has risen to prominence in recent years in both academic and industrial domains Several recent reviews highlight the applications of enzymes to the production of enantiomerically pure synthons for manufacturing of fine chemicals.[1-5] Various lipases are now commonly used in organic synthesis for desymmetrization of meso compounds. On the other hand, oxidoreductases have not been used so extensively in organic synthesis because there are difficulties in handling such enzymes as isolated entities and due to the necessity of recycling cofactors. For this reason, whole-cell fermentation is the method of choice in the application of oxidoreductases to organic synthesis. Both bacterial cells (E. coli recombinant organisms) and yeast are now used for such reactions as epoxidation, diol formation, and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation.
Complexity of process and role in the evaluation of an interdisciplinary mental health education program: The deacon's masterpiece

Abstract Research and literature on program evaluation must attend to problems of application, which can have major effect on the outcome. Increasing numbers of innovative, multifaceted programs operating in complex settings are presenting for evaluation. Evaluation process must become flexible, creative, and multifaceted in order to produce valid and comprehensive results, and to meet the needs of this field. Evaluators and evaluation, the evaluated program, and the environment become a mutually interacting system in the process of evaluation. Evaluation goals and roles must be conceptualized, agreed upon, sanctioned, and appropriately implemented or conflict and ineffectiveness will result. Three models of evaluation emerge: objective and independent, objective but serving one interest, and pseudo-scientific public relations. Evaluation of an interdisciplinary mental health education program illustrates these issues. Evaluation technology, process, and roles must all be attended to or the weak link undermines the rest.
Statistical Discrimination among Vocalizations of Individual Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Discriminant analysis was used to distinguish statistically between the chuck vocalizations of individual squirrel monkeys. A unique combination of values of six structural parameters characterized th
Partial sequence determination of normal pooled human immunoglobulin M.

Abstract Normal pooled immunoglobulins are a heterogeneous mixture and therefore not amenable to standard sequencing techniques. However, a homogeneous preperation, exceting possible isotypic or allotypic differences, of the (Fc)5μ fragment of immunoglobulins of the IgM class can be obtained. The normal (Fc)5μ fragment and its major CNBr fragments were subjected to automatic sequence degradation. Sixty residues were determined by sequence analysis. Eleven tryptic peptides (containing 85 residues) of the Fc fragment were isolated from a peptide map and their amino acid compositions were determined; the peptides had amino acid compositions homologous to tryptic peptides of IgM Ou. None of the residues identified differed from those reported for the Ou μ chain. These results are the first amino acid sequence data on the constant regions of normal human immunoglobulin heavy chains; they support the concept, previously assumed, that the sequence of the C regions of pathological immunoglobulins are representative of the C region of normal immunoglobulins. However, because of the limitations of sequencing techniques, the results do not exclude the possible existence of μ chain subclasses, and do not unambiguously establish identity between normal and pathological μ chain C regions. Furthermore, the results apply only to the Fc region of normal and pathological μ chains because these were the only portions of the sequence compared in this study.
A method for determining the residual meteoritical mass in the Barringer Meteor Crater

This paper displays some historical background of the Barringer Meteor Crater. Also shown is a description of methods for determining not only the mass of meteoritical material remaining in the crater, but also depth to the residual material.
Phosphorus limitation increases attachment in Agrobacterium tumefaciens and reveals a conditional functional redundancy in adhesin biosynthesis

Bacterial responses to phosphorus limitation, commonly inorganic phosphate (P(i)), are important survival mechanisms in a variety of environments. The two-component sensor kinase PhoR and its cognate response regulator PhoB are central to the P(i) limitation response of many bacteria and control the large Pho regulon. Limitation for P(i) significantly increased attachment and biofilm formation by the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and this was driven by PhoB. Surprisingly, it was also found that both phoR and phoB were essential in A. tumefaciens. Expression of a plasmid-borne copy of the low affinity P(i) transporter (pit) from Sinorhizobium meliloti in A. tumefaciens abolished the phoB and phoR essentiality in A. tumefaciens and allowed direct demonstration of the requirement for this regulatory system in the biofilm response. Increased attachment under P(i) limitation required a unipolar polysaccharide (UPP) adhesin. Mutation of a polyisoprenylphosphate hexose-1-phosphate transferase (PHPT) called uppE abolished UPP production and prevented surface attachment under P(i)-replete conditions, but this was rescued under P(i) limitation, and this rescue required phoB. In low P(i) conditions, either uppE or a paralogous gene Atu0102 is functionally redundant, but only uppE functions in UPP synthesis and attachment when P(i) is replete. This conditional functional redundancy illustrates the influence of phosphorus availability on A. tumefaciens surface colonization.
Asymptotically exact Zakharov equations and the stability of water waves with bimodal spectra

Abstract The equations describing the weakly nonlinear evolution of a broad band wavenumber spectrum are derived in detail from a general set of governing equations. These equations are similar to the Zakharov equations, but are asymptotically exact. The most general broad band evolution equations require a closure assumption which must be compatible with the physics associated with the governing equations. It is shown that the Zakharov equations implicitly involve a closure assumption which is motivated neither physically nor mathematically. For narrow band spectra and unidirectional wavetrains, this closure assumption is irrelevant. However, for counterpropagating wavetrains it yields local evolution equations which are not asymptotically exact. A better closure is introduced, and it is shown that this closure leads directly to evolution equations for counterpropagating wavetrains that are asymptotic for longer times. These equations are of mean-field type. The specific case of inviscid water waves is analyzed for bimodal spectra, and the differences in the stability predictions of the two formalisms are compared for both long and finite wavelength perturbations.
Optochemical nanosensor PEBBLEs: photonic explorers for bioanalysis with biologically localized embedding

Nanosized photonic explorers for bioanalysis with biologically localized embedding (PEBBLEs) have been created for the intracellular monitoring of small analytes (e.g. H(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), O(2), K(+), Na(+), Cl(-), OH and glucose). The probes are based on the inclusion of fluorescent analyte-sensitive indicator dyes and analyte-insensitive reference dyes in a polymer (polyacrylamide, polydecylmethacrylate) or sol-gel (silica, ormosil) nanoparticle. The probes are ratiometric, reversible and protected from interaction with the cellular environment, a quality which is of benefit to the integrity of both the cell and the sensor functionalities. Herein we describe two types of PEBBLE sensors, direct measurement sensors and ion correlation sensors, as well as the use of these PEBBLEs in intracellular sensing.
Balsa—Production and utilization

Although not the lightest known wood, balsa is the lightest commercial timber, and as such has found utilization in the manufacture of airplanes, life preservers, insulating equipment and packing crates. During recent war years Ecuador supplied 95 percent of world production but must now meet competition from wild and cultivated sources in Central America and Ceylon.
Frequency and Severity of Trauma in Fishes Subjected to Multiple-Pass Depletion Electrofishing

Abstract The incidence and severity of trauma associated with multiple-pass electrofishing and the effects on short-term (30-d) survival and growth of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, and five representative co-inhabiting nontarget or bycatch species were examined. Fish were held in four rectangular fiberglass tanks (190 × 66 cm) equipped with electrodes, a gravel–cobble stream substrate, and continuous water flow. Fish were exposed to one, two, or three electroshocks (100-V, 60-Hz pulsed DC) spaced 1 h apart or were held as a control. The heterogeneous field produced a mean (±SD) voltage gradient of 0.23 ± 0.024 V/cm (range = 0.20–0.30 V/cm) with a duty cycle of 30% and a 5-s exposure. Radiographs of 355 fish were examined for evidence of spinal injuries, and necropsies were performed on 303 fish to assess hemorrhagic trauma in soft tissue. Using linear regression, we demonstrated significant relationships between the number of electrical shocks and the frequency and ...
Design of composite hybrid plate girder bridges based on reliability and optimization

Abstract A practical and efficient reliability-based optimization approach to the design of both unstiffened and stiffened composite hybrid plate girders for highway bridges is presented. The steel weight of the built up plate girder is adopted as the objective to be minimized and all constraints specified in the AASHTO bridge code are considered in the optimization process. The solution is obtained by coupling an optimization program with a reliability analysis program. Numerical examples illustrate the application of the approach to reliability-based optimum design of unstiffened and stiffened composite plate girders. Sensitivity analyses are also performed for finding the rates of change of the optimum solution with respect to changes in problem preassigned parameters.