cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Developments in Anal Surgery: Congenital Ano-Rectal Malformations

Abstract Congenital ano-rectal malformations present with a wide spectrum of severity. Some patients have relatively benign malformations that require a straightforward surgical repair, and the patient has an excellent prognosis in terms of bowel control. Other patients may have far more substantial defects. The surgical repair for these types of malformations is more complex, and the prognosis for urinary and bowel control is variable, primarily depending on the severity of the defect. Through the examination of a large series of patients, we have come to understand far more about the condition known as imperforate anus (IA) than has been understood in the past. Because of the excellent exposure that is achieved with the posterior sagittal approach, a better understanding of the actual anatomy that exists in these patients has been realized. This has led to a new classification system, based on the actual anatomy, with technical and prognostic ramifications. It has become clear that the pressure augmented distal colostogram is the most important test for planning the definitive repair in those patients that cannot undergo primary repair in the newborn period. A push toward newborn primary repair has been seen, and some authors have reported this approach in patients with more complex malformations. The posterior sagittal approach in male patients has been refined, and the vast majority of these patients can now be repaired without a laparotomy. In female patients, those with a vestibular fistula can be repaired in the newborn period without a colostomy, although the repair is technically demanding. By far the most significant technical advance is the development of the maneuver known as total urogenital mobilization. This maneuver, used during the repair of cloacas, has significant decreased the total operative time and postoperative complication rate associated with this operation. Finally, the use of minimally invasive techniques has been applied to these conditions. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Human term placental lipoxygenase-mediated N-demethylation of phenothiazines and insecticides in the presence of linoleic acid.

This study investigated the hypothesis that human term placental lipoxygenase (HTPLO) and soybean lipoxygenase (SLO) are capable of mediating N-demethylation of selected phenothiazines and insecticides in the presence of linoleic acid (LA). In addition to being LA dependent, the N-demethylation reaction mediated by HTPLO and SLO was limited by incubation time, pH of the medium, concentration of the enzyme and the substrate. Using Nash reagent to monitor formaldehyde production, the specific activity for LA-dependent N-demethylation of chlorpromazine, a model phenothiazine, was determined to be 1.7+/-0.3 nmoles/min/mg HTPLO. Besides chlorpromazine, N-demethylation of promazine, promethazine and trimeprazine was also observed. The insecticide, aminocarb, displayed a specific activity of 2.2+/-0.3 nmoles/min/mg HTPLO for N-demethylation. Other insecticides, namely chlordimeform, dicrotophos and zectran, were oxidized in a similar manner. As compared with HTPLO, the rates of N-demethylation of phenothiazines and insecticides mediated by SLO were higher. Classical inhibitors of lipoxygenase, as well as antioxidants and free radical scavengers, caused a dose-dependent reduction in the production of formaldehyde from chlorpromazine and aminocarb by HTPLO. These results clearly demonstrate the ability of polyunsaturated free fatty acids to support N-demethylation of xenobiotics via the lipoxygenase pathway.
A new, simple ab initio pseudopotential for use in FSGO calculations: Application to some lithium compounds

A new model potential designed for use within an FSGO framework is proposed. Results of calculation using this new model for Li compounds are in good agreement with all‐electron FSGO results.
The effect of low, chronic levels of no. 2 fuel oil on natural phytoplankton assemblages in microcosms: 1. Species composition and seasonal succession

No. 2 fuel oil-sea water dispersions were added to three large scale (13 m3) microcosms twice weekly for a 512 month period in 1977 and a 4 month period in 1978. Water column concentration of total hydrocarbons averaged 190 μg litre−1 in 1977 and 93 μg litre−1 in 1978. Several responses of t the phytoplankton community in the oiled microcosms, relative to control microcosms, were similar during both periods of oil addition: total phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll concentration were elevated, species diversity was higher and diatoms represented a greater proportion of the total p phytoplankton abundance than flagellates during 4 months of oil addition in 1977 and the entire period of oil addition in 1978. Phytoplankton species composition in the oiled microcosms was similar to the source water, Narragansett Bay, but the microcosm assemblages were numerically dominated by populations of the diatom Chaetoceros spp. and nanoflagellates in 1977 and several Chaetoceros spp. in 1978. Reduced predation pressure and altered herbivore feeding behaviour combined with the low level, non-lethal (to the majority of phytoplankton populations), concentrations of No. 2 fuel oil in the water column are postulated as mechanisms that can account for the elevated phytoplankton abundance in the oiled microcosms relative to the controls.
The curriculum forecast for Portland: cloudy with a chance of data

With the advent of cloud computing, new data management technologies and systems have emerged that differ from existing databases in important ways. As a consequence, universities are currently facing the challenge of integrating these topics into their curriculum in order to prepare students for the changed IT landscape. In this report, we describe the approach we have taken at Portland State University to teach data management in the cloud. We also present our experiences with this effort and give an outlook on how it could be adapted to suit the requirements of other universities.
Generational Differences in Mexican Men's Ideas of Age-Appropriate Sex and Viagra Use

Mexican men of different generations, exposed to different cultural ideas about sex, manliness and marriage, often hold divergent ideas about how men’s sexuality should change over the life course. Based on 250 interviews with male urology patients at an urban Mexican hospital, this article reveals differences in self-identified older and younger men’s ideas of age-appropriate sexuality and pursuit of sexual health interventions. Older men frequently expected youthful promiscuity to give way to a family-focused older age and saw decreasing erectile function as a ‘‘natural’’ embodiment of this shift. Conversely, younger men who strove to be different than their once-womanizing fathers often saw decreased erectile function as a relationship-threatening medical problem appropriate for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. Despite the fact that ED drugs may facilitate sexual penetration that could be associated with ‘‘macho’’ sexuality, they were viewed most positively by younger study participants seeking to ...
Computing walking distances within buildings using the universal circulation network

In this paper we define a computational method for measuring walking distances within buildings based on a length-weighted graph structure for a given building model. We name it the universal circu...
Optimal design of diamond anvils using finite element analysis and simplified plasticity equilibrium equations

This paper presents an iterative method for designing the optimal shape of diamond anvils in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). The essential components of a DAC consist of two opposing diamonds squeezing against a metallic gasket. A small hole at the center of the gasket contains the sample whose behavior under high pressures is studied. Accurate consitutive modelling of the diamond is adopted in this work. The commercial finite element program ABAQUS is used to analyze the diamond. This is combined with an approximate plasticity model of the gasket using a set of simplified equilibrium equations. In both cases the pressure dependence of constitutive response is accounted for. An iterative scheme is then set up to optimize the shape of the diamond, using the above analytical tools. A realistic situation involving tungsten as a gasket material is analyzed. Rapid convergence of the iterative scheme is observed. The optimal shape thus obtained has been tested in an experimental setting, with promising preliminary ...
North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) recorded in the northeastern Pacific Ocean in 2013

Notes MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, **(*): ***–*** (*** 2014) © 2014 The Authors. Marine Mammal Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society for Marine Mammalogy This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12189 North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) recorded in the northeastern Pacific Ocean in 2013 A NA S IROVI C , 1 S ARAH C. J OHNSON , L AUREN K. R OCHE , L EAH M. V ARGA , S EAN M. W IGGINS and J OHN A. H ILDEBRAND , Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0205, La Jolla, California 92093-0205, U.S.A. The North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) is among the most critically endangered marine mammals in the world (Brownell et al. 2001). Its population was drastically reduced by 19th and 20th century whaling and its recovery was addition- ally slowed by illegal Soviet whaling that occurred during the 1960s (Clapham et al. 2004, Ivashchenko and Clapham 2012). With a severe decrease in the population also came a restriction in range, from extensive distribution across the North Pacific, to a constricted presence of two different populations, one in the Sea of Okhotsk and along the Western Pacific, and the other in the eastern Bering Sea (Scarff 1986, Clap- ham et al. 2004, Josephson et al. 2008). The abundance estimates for the eastern pop- ulation are around 30 animals (Wade et al. 2006, 2011b; Marques et al. 2011), while the western population is considered to be larger with current estimates of probably no more than 300 animals (Brownell et al. 2001). Most baleen whales undertake seasonal migrations, spending summers feeding in high latitude, productive areas and winters in warmer, lower latitude breeding grounds (Kellogg 1929). North Pacific right whales spend their summers in the Ber- ing Sea and, to a lesser extent, the Gulf of Alaska, the Aleutian archipelago, and off Kodiak (Scarff 1986, Brownell et al. 2001, Clapham et al. 2004, Mellinger et al. 2004, Shelden et al. 2005, Wade et al. 2011a). Most current research effort has been focused within the area in the Southeastern Bering Sea where North Pacific right whales have been sighted most frequently (Wade et al. 2006, Munger et al. 2008). Over the years, however, a small number of sightings of single right whales have been Corresponding author (e-mail: asirovic@ucsd.edu).
Thermally reversible polymer linkages. II. Linear addition polymers

The stepwise addition polymerization reactions of bisazlactones [bis(2-oxazolin-5-one)s] and a variety of 4,4′-bisphenols have been studied for the purpose of making thermally reversible linear polymers. Thus polymerization occurs at or near room temperature, while depolymerization yielding the two monomer species occurs at elevated temperatures. The synthesis of oligomers in solution without the use of catalyst occurs for the reaction of bisazlactones with bisphenols containing an electron-withdrawing moiety between the two phenol groups of the bisphenol. These oligomers regenerate the bisphenol and bisazlactone monomers upon heating to 165–200°C for several hours under dry box conditions. In many cases, these reactions follow the same patterns of reactivity observed in model studies. This chemistry may be useful for forming degradable or recyclable polymers, where shortchain prepolymers, or macromonomers, endcapped with azlactone and phenol moieties could be used to form high molecular weight polymers that are thermoreversible. Such a reaction system might also be used for preventing reactions of bisphenols and/or bisazlactones at low temperatures, with the desired reaction initiated by formation of the reactive species at elevated temperatures. Envisioned uses in this case might be thermally triggered crosslinking or polymerization reactions, or temperature controlled drug release. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nimodipine Improves Cerebral Blood Flow and Neurologic Recovery after Complete Cerebral Ischemia in the Dog

Ten minutes of complete ischemia was produced in 11 dogs by temporary ligation of the aorta. Immediately before the ischemic episode, the dogs received nimodipine, a new calcium entry blocker, 10 μ...
Probing the Drosophila retinal determination gene network in Tribolium (I): The early retinal genes dachshund, eyes absent and sine oculis

The early retinal genes dachshund (dac), eyes absent (eya) and sine oculis (so) are key regulators of adult eye development in Drosophila. Expression data implicate homologs of all three transcription factor genes in vertebrate eye development. However, functional confirmation has thus far only been reported for so homologs. We therefore investigated expression and function of these genes in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Our results show that Tribolium so and eya are essential for both larval and adult eye development. Moreover, widespread co-expression and indistinguishable knockdown phenotypes suggests eya interaction with so in many tissues. dac expression, by contrast, overlaps with eya and so only in select tissues, which, however, includes the primordia of larval and adult eyes. Notwithstanding, dac knockdown has no detectable effect on larval eye development and causes strong but incomplete adult eye reduction. In a parallel study, we show that dac is essential for adult eye development in combination with the Pax6 transcription factors eyeless (ey) and twin of eyeless (toy). Taken together, our data reveal conservation but also evolutionary plasticity of the Drosophila retinal determination gene network in insects.
Activation signals regulate heat shock transcription factor 1 in human B lymphocytes

We previously showed that the ability of human B lymphocytes to elicit a cytoprotective heat shock response when confronted by heat or other stresses was dependent upon the state of cell activation. This was unexpected, considering the highly conserved nature of the heat shock response and the widely held belief that all nonmutated mature cells were capable of eliciting a heat shock response when stressed. To elucidate the mechanism by which activation primes B cells to respond to stresses, we examined heat shock transcription factor 1 (hHSF1) in B cells since this factor appears to be solely responsible for stress-induced transcription of heat shock genes in human cells. In the current report, we show that hHSF1-DNA binding complexes are undetectable in extracts of unactivated B cells. In fact, hHSF1 protein is not constitutively expressed in unactivated B cells, nor is its synthesis stress-inducible. However, following activation, hHSF1 can be found in either a transcriptionally active or an inactive state, depending upon whether the cell has been stressed or not. Thus, activation pathways play an important role in enabling B cells to survive and function properly in the context of physiologic stresses by regulating hHSF1.
Mammalian PIK3C3/VPS34: The key to autophagic processing in liver and heart

PIK3C3/Vps34 is the class III PtdIns3K that is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. Its central role in mammalian autophagy has been suggested through the use of pharmacological inhibitors and the study of its binding partners. However, the precise role of PIK3C3 in mammals is not clear. Using mouse strains that allow tissue-specific deletion of PIK3C3, we have described an essential role of PIK3C3 in regulating autophagy, and liver and heart function.
Use of short-term progestin treatment to resynchronize the second estrus following synchronized breeding in beef heifers.

Abstract Two trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of short-term progestin administration to resynchronize the second estrus after artificial insemination in yearling beef heifers. In Trial 1 crossbred yearling heifers (n = 208) were synchronized with Syncro-Mate-B (SMB) and artificially inseminated (AI) between 48 and 54 h following implant removal. Implant removal is defined as Day 1. Following AI, the heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups. Group 1 heifers were fed melengestrol acetate (MGA) daily from Day 17 to 21 at a rate of 0.5 mg/head, while Group 2 control received no exogenous progestin during this period. Synchrony of estrus was defined as the 3-d period in which the highest number of heifers expressed behavioral estrus in each group. There was no difference (P 1 ng/ml) on Day 21 indicated pregnancy to the first insemination. Synchrony among the 3 groups of heifers was similar (P > 0.10); however, the second estrus was less (P 0.10). However, a proportion of heifers treated MGA 10% 4 36 and norgestomet 3% 1 36 expressed behavioral estrus during second estrus even though they were diagnosed as pregnant from first service by elevated P4 levels on Day 21. We conclude that short-term use of progestin from Days 17 to 21 following AI causes closer synchrony of estrus; however, inseminating pregnant heifers that exhibit behavioral estrus may cause abortion.
Evaluating the Invariance of Cognitive Profile Patterns Derived from Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS): A Bootstrapping Approach

The aim of the current study is to validate the invariance of major profile patterns derived from multidimensional scaling (MDS) by bootstrapping. Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) was employed to obtain profiles and bootstrapping was used to construct the sampling distributions of the profile coordinates and the empirical confidence intervals for the coordinates. The PAMS approach uses ordinary MDS, but considers dimensions as the most typical (or major) profiles in a population. Since the PAMS approach is essentially exploratory, its outcomes need to be confirmed: The study analyzed one sample to uncover the major profile patterns and used another sample as a cross-validation study. The empirical confidence intervals of both samples were compared to examine the invariance of the profile pattern structures. The bootstrap results supported the invariance of the pattern structures. The educational applications and implications about the PAMS research are discussed.
Numerical simulation of sandstone velocities; Porosity and clay dependence

An elastic network model is used to Calculate compressional and shear wave velocities in a sandstone. Springs are used to represent compressional, shear, and rotational forces between neighboring grains on a regular cubic lattice. Mineral components and pores are distributed at random on the lattice. The network model is used to calculate the dependence of wave velocities on porosity and clay content. The principal result is that for a random distribution of quartz, clay and water components, the velocities calculated from the elastic network are a linear function of both porosity and total clay content, and the coefficients in this bilinear relationship are in guantitative agreement with published experimental correlations for sandstone velocities.
Biopsychosocial Predictors of Psychological Functioning Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors

This study examined the relationships of biological and psychosocial predictors as contributing factors to the psychological functioning among breast cancer survivors. A sample of (N = 155) African American breast cancer survivors were recruited from California. A general linear model was utilized to examine the relationships. Biological and psychosocial risk factors were significant predictors for anxiety and depression. These predictors can be viewed as contributing factors to the psychological well-being of this cohort. Anxiety and depression are often under-recognized and subsequently undertreated in survivors. Understanding the predictors of depression and anxiety is necessary for incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to address this problem.
Voluminous granitic magmas from common basaltic sources

Granitic—rhyolitic liquids were produced experimentally from moderately hydrous (1.7–2.3 wt% H2O) medium-to-high K basaltic compositions at 700 MPa and fO2 controlled from Ni-NiO −1.3 to +4. Amount and composition of evolved liquids and coexisting mineral assemblages vary with fO2 and temperature, with melt being more evolved at higher fO2s, where coexisting mineral assemblages are more plagioclase- and Fe–Ti oxide-rich and amphibole-poor. At fO2 of Ni–NiO +1, typical for many silicic magmas, the samples produce 12–25 wt% granitic–rhyolitic liquid, amounts varying with bulk composition. Medium-to-high K basalts are common in subduction-related magmatic arcs, and near-solidus true granite or rhyolite liquids can form widely, and in geologically significant quantities, by advanced crystallization–differentiation or by low-degree partial remelting of mantle-derived basaltic sources. Previously differentiated or weathered materials may be involved in generating specific felsic magmas, but are not required for such magmas to be voluminous or to have the K-rich granitic compositions typical of the upper continental crust.
Photo-assisted reduction in nanostructured cerium-based coatings

Nanostructured cerium-based coatings on AZ31 Mg alloy substrates exposed to sunlight under ambient conditions had an ∼30% increase in Ce(III) species compared to unexposed coatings as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A decrease in film cracks and shift in bandgap from 2.5 eV to 2.7 eV were also measured. Visible changes in color, from yellow to translucent, with exposure were also observed and suggest that cerium-based coatings are reduced by light exposure in humid environments.
A wireless charging and near-field communication combination module for mobile applications

This paper presents the first demonstration of an ultra-miniature module combining with 13.56/6.78-MHz wireless charging receiving functions and types-A/B/F near-field communication (NFC) functions. In order to be able to embed this module into mobile terminals, the electrical and thermal designs are optimized and then the size is 14 × 26 × 1.86 mm. A simulation bench for verifying the efficiency of the wireless charging, performance of NFC by a wireless charging antenna, thermal design for embedding the module into a mobile terminal and EMI reduction of the wireless charging system are described.
Neural network control of a two-link manipulator

Methods of training neural networks using error backpropagation (BEP) and modified versions of BEP to control a two-link manipulator are discussed. Results are presented from experiments in which networks are trained to draw handwritten characters using modified BEP, and their abilities to interpolate are examined by having them draw handwritten characters for which they have not been trained. >
Sub-Chandrasekhar Mass Models for Supernovae

For carbon-oxygen white dwarfs accreting hydrogen or helium at rates in the range ~(1-10) ? 10?8 M ? yr?1, a variety of explosive outcomes is possible well before the star reaches the Chandrasekhar mass. These outcomes are surveyed for a range of white dwarf masses (0.7-1.1 M ?), accretion rates ((1-7) ? 10?8 M ? yr?1), and initial white dwarf temperatures (0.01 and 1 L ?). The results are particularly sensitive to the convection that goes on during the last few minutes before the explosion. Unless this convection maintains a shallow temperature gradient and unless the density is sufficiently high, the accreted helium does not detonate. Below a critical helium ignition density, which we estimate to be (5-10) ? 105?g?cm?3, either helium novae or helium deflagrations result. The hydrodynamics, nucleosynthesis, light curves, and spectra of a representative sample of detonating and deflagrating models are explored. Some can be quite faint indeed, powered at peak for a few days by the decay of 48Cr and 48V. Only the hottest, most massive white dwarfs considered with the smallest helium layers, show reasonable agreement with the light curves and spectra of common Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). For the other models, especially those involving lighter white dwarfs, the helium shell mass exceeds 0.05 M ? and the mass of the 56Ni that is synthesized exceeds 0.01 M ?. These explosions do not look like ordinary SNe Ia or any other frequently observed transient.
Cell biology: Death by deacetylation.

Necrosis is associated with various diseases, yet it is arguably the least-understood form of programmed cell death. It emerges that a sirtuin protein regulates one form of necrosis through a deacetylation reaction. See Article p.199 The death ligand TNF-α activates necrosis by stimulating the formation of a complex containing receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3). Here, working in mice, Toren Finkel and colleagues show that the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT2 binds constitutively to RIP3. Without SIRT2, the RIP1–RIP3 complex does not form following TNF-α stimulation, and necrosis is prevented. RIP1 is the target of SIRT2-dependent deacetylation, and its acetylation regulates RIP1–RIP3 complex formation and TNF-α-stimulated necrosis. During ischaemia-reperfusion injury, in which necrosis is prevalent, RIP1 is deacetylated in a SIRT2-dependent fashion. The authors further show that hearts lacking the Sirt2 gene, or those treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of SIRT2, are largely protected from ischaemic injury. Thus, SIRT2 is an important regulator of programmed necrosis and a promising pharmacological target in the prevention of necrotic injuries.
Crystal Structure of Di-iso-butylammonium Thiolactatotriphenylstannate

The title compounds, [(iso-C4H9)2NH2][SnPh3(O2CCH(CH3)S)], crystallized in a monoclinic space group P21/n with the following cell parameters: a = 9.8537(2)A, b = 16.7775(3)A, c = 17.5845(3)A, β = 103.7740(10)°, V = 2823.48(9)A3, Z = 4 and Dx = 1.375 Mg m-3. The structure was refined to a final R value of 0.0222 for 5042 reflections [I > 2σ(I)]. The structure of the complex is ionic consisting of an anionic triphenyltin moiety and a cationic di-iso-butylammonium portion. In addition, a hydrogen bonding network between the cations and anions was observed.
Modifying landscape connectivity by reducing wind driven sediment redistribution, Northern Chihuahuan Desert, USA

Shrub encroachment into perennial grasslands is occurring in many arid parts of the world. As shrubs dis- place perennial grasslands, bare patches can coalesce creating sediment transport pathways that further enhance sediment fluxes by wind transport. Reducing the connectedness of these pathways could slow or stop grassland loss by limiting sediment redistribution. To test this hypothesis, sediment retention struc- tures, hereafter called ''Connectivity Modifiers'' (Con-Mods), were placed in bare gaps of existing shrub- lands to block sediment movement by wind transport on two sites: the basin floor and a bajada (i.e. piedmont slope) at the Jornada Basin LTER in southern New Mexico. Wind blown sediment collectors and short-lived radionuclides ( 210 Pbex, 137 Cs, and 7 Be) were used to determine if these structures are affecting seasonal aeolian sediment transport within bare gaps. Net sediment flux rates at 10 cm height
Pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance interventions: a systematic review.

Objective To examine existing research on pulmonary exercise rehabilitation (PR) maintenance interventions. Methods Authors conducted a systematic review of PR maintenance interventions. The primary outcome of interest was physical endurance. Results Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Most showed initial positive intervention effects, which declined to non-significance within 3-12 months after completion of maintenance. Only one of the 8 studies described a theoretical framework underlying the maintenance intervention. Conclusions Existing interventions generally fail to maintain benefits derived from PR programs. Future studies should evaluate maintenance interventions that are theoretically-based and seek to impact known maintenance mediators. Evaluation of these interventions should include substantial follow-up periods and adherence measurements.
Partially Adaptive Estimation of Interval Censored Regression Models

Several valuable data sources, including the census and National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, include data measured using interval responses. Many empirical studies attempt estimation by assuming the data correspond to the interval midpoints and then use OLS or maximum likelihood assuming normality. Stata performs maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) under the assumption of normality, allowing for intra-group variation. In the presence of heteroskedasticity or distributional misspecification, these estimates are inconsistent. In this paper we focus on an estimation procedure that helps prevent distributional misspecification for interval censored data. We explore the application of partially adaptive estimation, which builds on the MLE framework with families of flexible parametric probability density functions which include the normal as a limiting case. These methods are used to estimate determinants associated with household expenditures based on US Census data. Monte Carlo Simulations are performed to compare the relative efficiency of the different methods of estimation. We find that the flexible nature of our proposed partially adaptive estimation technique significantly reduces estimator bias and improves efficiency in the presence of distributional misspecification.
Surface Behavior and Lattice Relaxation of SiGe/Si Strained Epitaxial Heterostructures

The correlation between the surface morphology and the lattice relaxation in strained SiGe/Si heteroepitaxy has been studied. It is found that the surface crosshateched pattern develops as the strained epilayer thickness increases. The effect of thermal annealing and boron dopant level has also been studied. The result suggests that the crosshatched morphology on the surface is constituted by surface slip steps of glissile dislocation motion in the strained epitaxial growth processing.
The Liabilities and Risks of State- Sponsored Pension Plans

As of December 2008, state governments had approximately $1.94 trillion set aside in pension funds for their employees. How does the value of these assets compare to the present value of states' pension liabilities? Just as future Social Security and Medicare liabilities do not appear in the headline numbers of the U.S. federal debt, the financial liability from underfunded public pensions does not appear in the headline numbers of state debt. If pensions are underfunded, then the gap between pension assets and liabilities is off-balance-sheet government debt. We show that government accounting standards require states to use procedures that severely understate their liabilities. We then discuss the true economic funding of state public pension plans. Using market-based discount rates that reflect the risk profile of the pension liabilities, we calculate that the present value of the already-promised pension liabilities of the 50 U.S. states amount to $5.17 trillion, assuming that states cannot default on pension benefits that workers have already earned. Net of the $1.94 trillion in assets, these pensions are underfunded by $3.23 trillion. This "pension debt" dwarfs the states' publicly traded debt of $0.94 trillion. And we show that even before the market collapse of 2008, the system was economically severely underfunded, though public actuarial reports presented the plans' funding status in a more favorable light.
A comprehensive model for load transfer in nanotube reinforced piezoelectric polymeric composites subjected to electro-thermo-mechanical loadings

Abstract A semi-active control approach is proposed to obtain a composite structures with tunable mechanical properties ranging from stiffer structure to better damper. To do this, we propose to apply an external electrical field to a piezoelectric polymeric matrix such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced with carbon nanotube. Depending on the magnitude and direction of electrical field, PVDF can be poled in the radial direction to align the electro-negative and electro-positive parts of molecular unit resulting in variable separation distance between piezoelectric polymer and nanotube. This leads to control of restriction effect of nanotube on the polymer segments, and consequently results in tunable interfacial adhesion between piezoelectric polymer and nanotubes with faster response time. Along this line and in order to present an analytical framework for such multifunctional composites, a shear-lag model is developed for nanotube-based piezoelectric polymeric composites subjected to electro-thermo-mechanical loadings. Since the adhesion in nanotube-based composite is universally present in the form of van der Waals (vdW) interaction, the shear stress and the axial displacement of nanotube and matrix differ in the interface zone and are not the same. This makes modeling of interface region more challenging and involved. To remedy this complexity, we propose to obtain the relative axial displacement between nanotube and polymer in the interphase zone using the Lennard–Jones potential. For this purpose, nanotube and matrix are considered as a set of concentric cylindrical shells with mechanical spring between them. The stiffness of this spring represents the strength of vdW interaction. Simulation results indicate that as the electrical load increases, the relative displacement between nanotube and polymer increases consequently, which leads to possible slippage increase. Furthermore, results demonstrate that stiffer structures show better tuning capability, which in turn, may have great potential for use in next-generation semi-active vibration control systems.
Retinal differentiation in Drosophila.

Drosophila eye development has been extensively studied, due to the ease of genetic screens for mutations disrupting this process. The eye imaginal disc is specified during embryonic and larval development by the Pax6 homolog Eyeless and a network of downstream transcription factors. Expression of these factors is regulated by signaling molecules and also indirectly by growth of the eye disc. Differentiation of photoreceptor clusters initiates in the third larval instar at the posterior of the eye disc and progresses anteriorly, driven by the secreted protein Hedgehog. Within each cluster, the combined activities of Hedgehog signaling and Notch-mediated lateral inhibition induce and refine the expression of the transcription factor Atonal, which specifies the founding R8 photoreceptor of each ommatidium. Seven additional photoreceptors, followed by cone and pigment cells, are successively recruited by the signaling molecules Spitz, Delta, and Bride of sevenless. Combinations of these signals and of intrinsic transcription factors give each ommatidial cell its specific identity. During the pupal stages, rhodopsins are expressed, and the photoreceptors and accessory cells take on their final positions and morphologies to form the adult retina. Over the past few decades, the genetic analysis of this small number of cell types arranged in a repetitive structure has allowed a remarkably detailed understanding of the basic mechanisms controlling cell differentiation and morphological rearrangement. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 2:545–557. doi: 10.1002/wdev.100 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Problematic Identity Processes: The Role of Identity Distress

This special issue of Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research explores some of the anxiety, distress, and difficulties that may be encountered in the identity development process. Despite findings documenting the presence of identity distress in samples from a variety of settings and cultures, it has been slowly moving out of direct attention within the world of clinical psychology and psychiatry. This special issue expands on our understanding of identity distress in a number of ways. It adds to our knowledge of prevalence and severity, as well as its psychological correlates. It examines identity distress under the contexts of traumatic exposure and the refugee experience, and it offers some cross-national comparisons. Also offered is a developmental psychopathology perspective as a way to lay the groundwork for increased prevention and intervention work, and an example of such an intervention program for emerging adults. It is hoped that this special issue on identity distress will sh...
Engineering a domain-locking disulfide into a bacterial malate dehydrogenase produces a redox-sensitive enzyme

Light-dependent reduction of cystine disulfide bonds results in activation of several of the enzymes of photosynthetic carbon metabolism within the chloroplast. We have modeled the tertiary structure of four of these light-activated enzymes, namely NADP-linked malate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase, fructosebisphosphatase, and sedoheptulosebisphosphatase, and identified cysteines in each enzyme that be expected to form inactivating disulfide bonds (Li, D., F. J. Stevens, M. Schiffer, and L. E. Anderson, 1994. Biophys. J. 67:29-35). We have now converted two residues in the Escherichia coli NAD-linked malate dehydrogenase to cysteines and produced a redox-sensitive enzyme. Oxidation of domain-locking cysteine residues in the mutant enzyme clearly mimics dark inactivation of the redox-sensitive chloroplast dehydrogenase. This result is completely consistent with our proposed mechanism.
Protein stability curves

The stability curve of a protein is defined as the plot of the free energy of unfolding as a function of temperature. For most proteins the change in heat capacity on denaturation, or unfolding, is large but approximately constant. When unfolding is s two-state process, most of the salient features of the stability curves of proteins can be derived from this fact. A number of relations are obtained, including the special features of low-temperature denaturation, the properties of the maximum in stability, and the interrelationships of the characteristic temperatures of the protein. The paper closes with a formula that permits one to calculate small changes in stabilization free energy from changes in the melting temperature of the protein.
An efficient total synthesis of propylure, the highly active sex attractant for the pink bollworm moth

Abstract The total synthesis of trans-1-acetoxy-10-(n-propyl)trideca-5,9-diene (propylure), a substance which induces highly active sexual response in the male bollworm moth has been accomplished using several novel synthetic methods. The efficiency of the techniques employed are demonstrated by an overall yield of 31 % for the sex attractant.
Transduodenal EUS-guided FNA of the right adrenal gland

Background EUS-guided FNA is commonly performed to sample peri-intestinal targets such as the pancreas, lymph nodes, and the left adrenal gland. To our knowledge, EUS-guided FNA of the right adrenal gland has not been reported. Objective Our purpose was to determine the feasibility and success in sampling an enlarged right adrenal gland. Study Design Observational study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Consecutive patients that underwent EUS-guided FNA of the right adrenal gland. Results Over a span of 3.5 years, 4 patients underwent transduodenal EUS-guided FNA of the right adrenal gland with a curvilinear echoendoscope. Four passes were performed in all cases, and the diagnosis was rendered on the first pass. The posterior wall of the descending duodenum was the port of entry of the needle. Three of the patients had metastatic lung cancer to the right adrenal gland; one was proven by surgical histopathologic examination. One patient had a benign aspirate consistent with angiomyolipoma. None of the patients had any minor or major complications. Limitations Observational study, small sample size. Conclusions Transduodenal EUS-guided FNA of the right adrenal gland is feasible and safe. Future large-scale studies are needed to replicate our findings and to determine the rate of successful identification and sampling of the right adrenal gland with the curvilinear echoendoscope.
Risk of multiple-offender rape–murder varies with female age

Previous work inspired by an evolutionary perspective found that reproductive-age females are at special risk for single-offender rape and rape-murder, relative to non-reproductive-age females. The current research replicated and extended these findings to multiple-offender rape-murder. The author obtained access to a national database of homicides and selected for analysis cases in which a female was (a) raped and murdered by at least two males previously unknown to her, or (b) murdered in the context of theft by at least two males previously unknown to her. The results supported an evolutionary psychological hypothesis and refuted a competing routine activities hypothesis, indicating that (a) young men are the primary perpetrators of multiple-offender rape-murder and theft-murder, (b) reproductive-age women are overrepresented among victims of multiple-offender rape-murder, but (c) are underrepresented among the victims of multiple-offender theft-murder. The discussion addresses questions generated by these findings that challenge a simple evolutionary perspective on rape.
Overcoming barriers to crossability due to style length.

FOR SOME YEARS investigators working with lJatura have been trying to obtain crosses between all possible combinations of the ten species. Often in these attempted crosses some part of the process which ordinarily would lead to the formation of seed fails, and the resulting elimination of hybrid embryos leads us to refer to this cross as incompatible. It has been found, while trying to obtain hybrid embryos of Datura species, that several barriers to crossability cause the elimination of either the gametes or young hybrid embryos. In some cases hybrid embryos can be removed from their maternal environment when this surrounding tissue proves unfavorable and can be cultured in vitro and grown to maturity (Blakeslee, 1945). This technique has added a considerable number of species hybrids to those obtained by ordinary crossing methods. There is also another group of barriers which is considered to be independent of the former. In this group the incompatibility is due to the presence of the male gametophyte in a foreign style. Incompatibilities of pollen tube and grain include such factors as non-germination of pollen, slower growth rates and bursting of pollen tubes. Such conditions are found not only in interspecific crosses but also in gametophytic elimination of both balanced and unbalanced extra-chromosomal types (Buchholz and Blakeslee, 1929, 1932) and of some single gene mutations ("Tricarpel," Buchholz and Blakeslee, 1927). Attempted intergeneric crosses using Datura as the female parent showed similar pollen-tube abnormalities (Sanz, 1945). Buchholz et al. (1935) investigated pollen-tube growth in both selfs and crosses of the ten species of Datura, charting the relative numbers of normal and burst pollen tubes and calculating the growth rates. By comparing these data with the results of interspecific crosses of Datura which have yielded fertile hybrid seed or dissectible embryos, we find that the greatest number of crosses yet to be obtained lies in the group which exhibits slow growth rate and high percentage of burst pollen tubes. Another factor contributing to incompatibility of these crosses is style length. In Datura species the styles range from 35-190 mm. in length. Most of the crosses which are yet to be' obtained involved the growth of the pollen of a short-styled flower in a much longer style of a different species.
Th17 cells in immunity and autoimmunity

The primary function of Th17 cells appears to be the clearance of extracellular pathogens during infections. However, Th17 cells also promote inflammation and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many experimental autoimmune diseases and human inflammatory conditions. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is a critical differentiation factor for the generation of regulatory T (T-reg) cells, whereas the combination of interleukin 6 (IL6) and TGFbeta induces the differentiation of pathogenic Th17 cells. Therefore, it is proposed that at the steady state (in the absence of any inflammatory stimuli), TGFbeta, which is produced by various cells types including naturally occurring T-reg (nT-reg) cells, encourages the generation of induced T-reg (iT-reg) cells, which together with nT-reg cells keep autoreactive T cells under check. IL6, an acute phase protein produced by the activated immune system, inhibits the function of T-reg cells and instead promotes the differentiation of Th17 cells. Thus, IL6 plays a pivotal role in dictating the balance between the generation of T-reg and Th17 cells. This reciprocal relationship between T-reg and Th17 cells is further supported by the results obtained in IL6(-/-) mice, which show a severe defect in the generation of Th17 cells and increased numbers of T-reg cells in the peripheral repertoire.
Analysis of Programs for Parallel Processing

A set of conditions are described which determine whether or not two successive portions of a given program can be performed in parallel and still produce the same results. The conditions are general and can be applied to sections of the program of arbitrary size. The conditions are interesting because of the light they shed on the structure of programs amenable to parallel processing and the memory organization of a multi-computer system.
Changing the Theory of Theory Change: Towards a Computational Approach

The theory of theory change has contraction and revision as its central notions. Of these, contraction is the more fundamental. The best-known theory, due to Alchourr6n, Gdirdenfors, and Makinson, is based on a few central postulates. The most fundamental of these is the principle of recovery: if one contracts a theory with respect to a sentence, and then adds that sentence back again, one recovers the whole theory. Recovery is demonstrably false. This paper shows why, and investigates how one can nevertheless characterize contraction in a theoretically fruitful way. The theory proposed lends itself to implementation, which in turn could yield new theoretical insights. The main proposal is a 'staining algorithm' which identifies which sentences to reject when contracting a theory. The algorithm requires one to be clear about the structure of reasons one has for including sentences within one's theory.
Winding techniques to raise SRF

With the advent of higher and higher operating frequencies required of modern magnetic devices it is generally important to have as high a self resonant frequency (SRF) as possible. In the case of the more complex winding techniques required to raise SRF the penalties are increased labor costs, and for the customer, increased system part count. The bifilar winding of center tapped windings greatly lowers the SRF because the entire surface area of the winding (a large capacitor) must be driven by the full output voltage swing. By splitting center tapped windings into separate layers, the SRF will be maximized, however, the leakage inductance between windings will increase. This could result in poorer regulation of the power supply the devices drive. The measurement of SRF is discussed.